1996 GTS Latest Factory Flash Before SCT Flash

[Tom and Vipers]

SCT recommends getting latest factory flash before flashing tune.

The closest 4 dealers cannot flash a 96 GTS. They no longer have the DRBIII / WDS to do the flash. They could not tell me what flashes are available - but if I bring the car in and they hook up to it, they will get a list of available flashes.

SCT said their flash loads every memory location in the PCM which includes OS and Instructions. (Their Advantage III software only modifies certain set of maps and scalars and does not allow modifying logic or instructions.)

SCT said in some instances, if there is an older flash on the PCM, if they are given the latest flash ID, I will get that latest factory flash with my tune.
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I'm a computer programmer and I'm wasn't confident with the 2nd tier tech I was talking to.

I am not sure that the SCT flash, flashes the entire PCM including OS, instructions/code/logic/etc.

I suspect the subset the SCT flashes may vary with existing PCM code, hence why they need the flash ID currently residing in the PCM.

Meaning, I cannot get the latest factory flash update from a SCT tune.
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Just called Woodhouse (if they couldn't do it, no one could) and yes, no problem. And get this. They only charge $54 for a flash update. Local dealer wants $108 just to read the available flash codes. Of course the car is in NV and I'm in PA. Ratzzzzz....

 

[Steve-Indy]

I would discuss this with Dan Cragin. If no solution offered, call Prefix.

 

[steve e]

I would trust Woodhouse totally !!! Its no big deal to mail it to them and they will mail back the ECU with the update. I have had them do a HP track computer for my 99, gave them all the info they wanted, vin# ect and it works great. I had a shop for 40 years and they are the only dealer that is honest and fair, maybe there are others but I never found them.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

Steve-Indy, Who or what is Prefix?

Regarding Dan, I hate taking up a tuner's valuable time.

I am in the market for a canned tune and specifically not a custom tune - my car has 85k on it and I would not 100% certify that a custom tune would be tuning out some wonky sensor that's not tripping a CEL - I have idle hangs that get worse with altitude.)
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Steve e, I was not aware that they could do the update by mailing in the PCM.

Shipping always carries risk. I'd hate to send it in only to find it is up to date.

Chicken and Egg problem...

 

[Steve-Indy]

Tom, give me a call. 317-402-9013

 

[Steve-Indy]

Good to speak with you...complex situation. Will look forward to hearing update.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

I think I have my first firing solution:

1. Correct all sensor/wiring issues with car.
2. Install Widebands and a Scan Gauge II (timing, TPS, and 2 others - need IAC but may not be an available parameter)
3. Dyno pull with A/F (no timing data since that is basically what a canned tune chooses for you)
4. Purchase canned SCT flash tune for mods/dyno (93 octane @ sea level)
5. Use VEC-1 to lean out for high altitude and/or pull timing for crappy gas.

With Wideband and Timing instrumentation, accurate VEC-1 adjustments can be made - the SGII now makes that possible since it's a trade between fueling and advance.

NOTE: Split Second made an ARC2 4-parameter MAP offsetter which would be The Bomb, but it has been discontinued:

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Total Cost <$1500 + whatever I find in Step 1.

 

[Tom and Vipers]

There appears to be more JTEC into on jeep forums(!)

I'm leaning towards a "send PCM in" tune from an outfit that has the knowledge to directly program w/o using SCT, etc. - at least that is what I believe can be done and is the best approach. There was some talk that SCT does not flash memory locations that should be. I believe there are JTEC tuners that can actually modify and write code to the PCM.

Warning: short rant follows:

I'm a computer programmer experienced with machine code (glorified name for assembler language) and neural networks. And yet, it is difficult to talk to people about what they are actually going to do. SCT techs do not know the difference between code and data when I talk to them. They don't know what regions of the PCM are flashed: data, code or both. They don't understand the ramifications of requiring a factory flash before a SCT flash. They are nothing more than sales people have have never written a line of code in their lives. It is a very unsettling situation. They want your money and can't tell you what you're buying. If I had the time I'd gear up and hack JTEC myself since it sounds like it would be a fun hobby.

 

[steve e]

Steve-Indy, Who or what is Prefix?

Regarding Dan, I hate taking up a tuner's valuable time.

I am in the market for a canned tune and specifically not a custom tune - my car has 85k on it and I would not 100% certify that a custom tune would be tuning out some wonky sensor that's not tripping a CEL - I have idle hangs that get worse with altitude.)
​

Steve e, I was not aware that they could do the update by mailing in the PCM.

Shipping always carries risk. I'd hate to send it in only to find it is up to date.

Chicken and Egg problem...

Hi Tom, what they did for me is take all my info and they set up a high performance off road PCM they did not need the car itself, worked out great, I now have the stock PCM and the HP one. I am not sure if the stock PCM can be re-flashed , if it can I would trust Woodhouse. Or Dan or someone you trust.