Technical information

To start the actual flash process, after connecting to the vehicle in Disconnected Mode,
you must press "7 - Vehicle Flash" from the Main Menu on the DRBIII®. Step by step
instruction will follow on the DRBIII® display. As with Connected Flash Mode, take the
necessary precautions to insure that others are aware of the flash session and that nothing
disturbs the vehicle, DRBIII®, or cabling while performing the flash. Remember to use a
battery charger set to 14 volts or a "battery jump box".
PAY ATTENTION WHILE PERFORMING FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURES
Before downloading the flash files, double check to see if the files that you have selected
are the appropriate ones for that vehicle. Don't forget about the "Read Part Numbers
From Vehicle" option on TechCONNECT Client, this can be of great assistance when
trying to flash a module. If the files selected don't download on the first attempt, try again.
The technician should NOT leave the vehicle when flash reprogramming a module.
Again, check to make sure that all cable connections are secure and that the DRBIII®
rests on a stable surface. If you are using a battery charger, insure that the settings and
charging times are correct and that the battery post clamps are securely fastened.
Read, record, and erase all DTCs found on the vehicle. Read and record the module type
and part number from the module that is to be flash reprogrammed.
Some control modules are not “abort-recovery” capable. When this is true, the scan tool
will indicate so by displaying a WARNING message prior to the start of reprogramming.
For these modules it is especially important that all precautions and procedures, outlined
here, are carefully followed.
Pay special attention to DRBIII® screen directions relating to key cycles. Missing a "Key
ON" or "Key OFF" can cause the module to have to be reflashed again. Due to the variety
of module types and vehicle options, you can't always anticipate key prompts, so be alert
and ready to respond to DRBIII® instructions.
Some screens will also instruct that certain modules, connectors or fuses be disconnected
or pulled prior to the start of reprogramming and re-installed immediately after completion.
Be careful not to anticipate the steps or order of operations for reprogramming any vehicle
modules. Because of the many possible changes that occur with each new release of scan
tool software, always allow the TSB/Recall and scan tool instructions to be your guide
while performing flash reprogramming.
Flash reprogramming sessions usually range from 5 to 20 minutes. If the flash session has
not completed within 25 minutes after starting a flash reprogramming update, an error has
most likely occurred (Record the message that appears on the screen when a failure
occurs). If this is the case, or if you know that the flash process was interrupted, cycle the
ignition key (OFF to the locked position, then back ON). Reset the DRBIII® (power down
for 4 seconds and then power up) before attempting to restart the flash process. If the
module still won’t respond, turn the ignition key off, disconnect the module from the vehicle
for 2 minutes, reconnect the module, turn the ignition key to run and try to restart the flash
process again.
Regardless of what mode that you are in (Connected Flash or Disconnected Flash), if you
have tried twice (2 times) unsuccessfully to do a flash recovery and ALL DRBIII®
-9- 18-037-05