SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS

SS002-07
Title:
TECHSTREAM ECU FLASH
Technical Service REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE
Information Bulletin Models:

March 5, 2007 ’01 – ’08 Applicable Lexus

Introduction Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing
the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released
as field–fix procedures described in individual service bulletins. This bulletin details the
Techstream ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines use of the Technical
Information System (TIS) and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW).
Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the vehicle/ECU combination for which
they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not allow them to be programmed
with another ECU’s information.

NOTE:
Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is a Lexus term used to describe integrated
computerized devices responsible for managing the operation of a system or
subsystem. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term “ECU” is used as a generic
label for the following SAE J1930 standard references:
S Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
S Engine Control Module (ECM)
S Transmission Control Module (TCM)
S Or any other Lexus specific control unit

Applicable S 2001 – 2008 model year applicable Lexus vehicles.

Vehicles
NOTE:
NOT all models are capable of flash reprogramming.

Parts PREVIOUS PART NUMBER CURRENT PART NUMBER PART NAME QTY
Information
N/A 00451–00001–LBL Authorized Modification Label 1

NOTE:
Authorized Modification Labels may be ordered in packages of 25 from the Materials
Distribution Center (MDC) through the Dealer Daily Dealer Support Materials System,
or by calling the MDC at 1–800–622–2033.

Warranty OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2

Information
N/A Not Applicable to Warranty – – – –

Lexus Supports ASE Certification Page 1 of 21

TECHSTREAM ECU FLASH REPROGRAMMING PROCEDURE – SS002-07 March 5, 2007

Required REQUIRED EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER PART NUMBER QTY

Tools &
Equipment TIS Techstream*
ADE TSPKG1 1
NOTE: Software version 2.00.008,
or later, is required.

NOTE:
Additional Techstream units may be ordered by calling ADE at 1–800–368–6787.

REQUIRED SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SSTs) SUPPLIER PART NUMBER QTY DRW**

Digital Battery System Analyzer* SPX/OTC 00002–V8150–KIT 1 24

GR8 Battery Diagnostic Station* SPX/OTC 00002–MCGR8 1 –

* Essential SSTs.
** Drawer number in SST Storage System.

NOTE:
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling SPX/OTC at 1-800-933-8335.

Process Techstream ECU flash reprogramming is a 4–step process:

Overview
1. Verify the vehicle’s applicability for recalibration and locate desired calibration file.
Vehicle applicability can be determined by the following methods:
S Techstream ECU Reprogram Function
S Techstream Health Check Function

NOTE:
Techstream will automatically search TIS for the appropriate service bulletin using the
current Calibration ID from the vehicle. Calibration file links can be found embedded
in the corresponding service bulletin.

S TIS Calibration Search

S TIS TSIB Search

NOTE:
TIS searches can be performed by picking Division/Model/Year, current calibration ID,
or VDS code.

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Process 2. Connect the GR8 battery charger.

Overview
The GR8 battery charger includes a Power Supply Mode that maintains battery
(Continued)
voltage at 13.5 volts during ECU reprogramming.
3. Locate appropriate calibration ID and reprogram the vehicle ECU with Techstream.
Techstream uses the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW) application to open calibration
files and facilitate the ECU flash reprogramming process.
4. Affix the Authorized Vehicle Modification Label.
Modifications to ECU calibrations MUST be recorded and properly displayed on the
vehicle using the Authorized Modification Label.

Operation The following steps describe how to properly flash reprogram an ECU using the
Procedure Techstream diagnostic application.

NOTE:
Ensure Techstream has been updated with the latest version of software.

1. Verify the vehicle’s applicability for recalibration and locate desired calibration file.
A. ECU Reprogram Method:
a. Establish a vehicle connection.
b. Click the ECU Reprogramming button on the System Select tab (Figure 1).
Figure 1

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Operation c. Select available ECU(s) from the Calibration Update Check List (Figure 2).
Procedure
(Continued) NOTE:
Multiple ECUs can be selected.

d. Click the green arrow button (bottom right of screen) to retrieve current
calibration ID(s) and check for available calibration updates.

Figure 2

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Operation e. Available calibration updates are indicated by a Yes in the Calibration Update
Procedure column (Figure 3). Click the Yes link to access the appropriate service bulletin
(Continued) on TIS.

NOTE:
S Prior to flash reprogramming, check applicable systems for DTCs and note any DTCs.
S Clicking the Yes link will automatically launch TIS and perform a calibration search.

Figure 3

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Operation f. Log in to TIS. (If already logged in, skip this step.)
Procedure
(Continued) g. To access the calibration file, click the service bulletin link in the Document
Title column of the Calibration Search Result portlet (Figure 4).

NOTE:
Only Lexus Senior, Master, and DS Technicians may access calibration files.

Figure 4

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Operation B. Health Check Method.

Procedure
(Continued) a. Establish a vehicle connection.
b. Click the Health Check button on the System Select tab (Figure 5).

Figure 5

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Operation c. Choose desired ECU group(s) in the Health Check dialog box (Figure 6).
Procedure
(Continued) d. Click Next.
Figure 6

e. Click Continue to view Health Check results (Figure 7).

Figure 7

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Operation f. Available calibration updates are indicated by a Yes link in the Cal Update?
Procedure column. Click the Yes link to access the appropriate service bulletin on TIS
(Continued) (Figure 8).

NOTE:
S Note any DTCs stored in systems that will be flash reprogrammed.
S Clicking the Yes link will automatically launch TIS and perform a calibration search.

Figure 8

g. Log in to TIS. (If already logged in, skip this step.)

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Operation h. To review the TSIB and access the calibration file, click the service bulletin link
Procedure in the Document Title column of the Calibration Search Result portlet.
(Continued)
NOTE:
Only Lexus Senior, Master, and DS Technicians may access calibration files.

Figure 9

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Operation 2. Connect the GR8 battery charger.

Procedure
(Continued) A. Connect the battery charger to the car and turn it on.
B. Select Power Supply Mode by following the screen flow below (Figure 10).

NOTE:
S Power Supply Mode is used to maintain battery voltage at 13.5 volts while flash
reprogramming the vehicle.
S For details on how to use the GR8 battery charger, please refer to the GR8
Instructions Manual, located on TIS, Diagnostics – Battery.

Figure 10

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Operation 3. Click the appropriate calibration ID (Figure 11) and reprogram the vehicle’s ECU
Procedure with Techstream.
(Continued)
A. After reviewing the procedures outlined in the selected TSIB, click the appropriate
calibration ID link by matching the vehicle’s current calibration ID to the Previous
Calibration ID in the Calibration Identification Chart.

NOTE:
S Calibration files are embedded as live links in the service bulletin.
S Some vehicles require special preparation — please review the selected
TSIB carefully.

Figure 11

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Operation B. Click Open to load calibration file information (Figure 12).

Procedure
(Continued) NOTE:
Techstream pulls calibration files as needed to ensure the latest calibration file is used.
Do NOT save calibrations locally on the hard drive or other media.

Figure 12

NOTE:
Errors during the flash reprogramming process can permanently damage the vehicle
ECU. Minimize the risk by following the steps below.
S Battery voltage MUST NOT FALL BELOW 11.4 volts during reprogramming.
Confirm battery voltage is higher than 11.4 volts, but be sure voltage DOES NOT
RISE ABOVE 16.0 volts during reprogramming.
S Turn OFF all vehicle accessories (e.g. audio system, A/C, interior lights, DRL, etc.).
Do NOT add to or significantly change the vehicle’s electrical load
while reprogramming.
S Confirm the hood is open and ensure under hood temperature does NOT exceed
158°F (70°C).
S Confirm cable connections between the vehicle and Techstream are secure.
S Do NOT disconnect or turn off Techstream or vehicle ignition during reprogramming.
S Set parking brake.
S Complete ALL flash calibration updates provided for each ECU.
S If the battery’s state of charge or capacity are in question, test with SST. No.
00002–V8150–KIT “Digital Battery Analyzer”, and follow TSIB No. PG001–06,
“Battery Maintenance for In–Stock Vehicles & Pre–Delivery”.
To ensure stable battery voltage, a battery charger MUST be connected so:
S Voltage does NOT fall below 11.4 volts.
S Voltage does NOT exceed 16.0 volts.

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Operation C. Click Next to start the calibration update process.

Procedure
(Continued) Figure 13

D. Select Techstream VIM as the desired programming device. Then click Next.
Figure 14

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Operation E. Confirm the following:

Procedure
S PC is connected to VIM.
(Continued)
S VIM is connected to DLC3 connector.
S Ignition is ON and engine is OFF or Ready Off (hybrid vehicles).
Figure 15

F. Verify correct current calibration and new calibration information.

NOTE:
S The total number of calibration IDs in the calibration file corresponds to the number
of reprogrammable processors in the ECU.
S Each calibration file may contain up to three separate calibrations.
S Figure 16 shows an example of the update procedure for a two processor ECU.

Figure 16

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Operation G. Turn ignition OFF.

Procedure
(Continued) Figure 17

H. Confirm the following:

S Ignition is ON and engine is OFF or Ready Off (hybrid vehicles).
S Hood is open.
S All accessories are OFF.
S Battery voltage is above 11.4 volts.

NOTE:
Verify the vehicle is connected to a battery charger before continuing — If battery
voltage falls below 11.4 volts, ECU damage may occur.

Figure 18

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Operation I. Do NOT disturb the vehicle during flash reprogramming.

Procedure
(Continued) NOTE:
S ECU flash reprogramming may take anywhere from 3 – 30 minutes per
calibration file.
S Reprogramming time will vary depending on model and ECU communication
protocol. Vehicles using CAN communication protocol will reprogram much faster
(2 – 7 minutes).

Figure 19

NOTE:
S If vehicle requires only ONE calibration update, then proceed to step N in this bulletin.
S If vehicle requires a SECOND calibration update, then continue as follows:
S For serial communication vehicles, go to step J.
S For CAN communication vehicles, go to step L.

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Operation J. Cal 1 has completed the update process.

Procedure
(Continued) S Turn ignition OFF for a minimum of 10 seconds.
S Confirm ignition is returned to the ON position.
Figure 20

K. Confirm ignition is ON.

Figure 21

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Operation L. Do NOT disturb the vehicle during flash reprogramming.

Procedure
(Continued) Figure 22

M. Turn ignition OFF for a minimum of 10 seconds. Then confirm ignition is returned
to the ON position.
Figure 23

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Operation N. Confirm ignition is ON.

Procedure
(Continued) Figure 24

O. Confirm all calibrations were updated as specified in the service bulletin.

Figure 25

NOTE:
Some DTCs may have been set during the reprogramming process. Clear all DTCs
after restoring vehicle.

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Operation 4. Affix Authorized Modification Label.

Procedure
(Continued) A. Using a permanent marker or ball point pen, complete the Authorized
Modifications Label and attach to the vehicle (Figure 26). The Authorized
Modifications Label is available through the MDC, P/N 00451–00001–LBL.
Figure 26. SAMPLE OF COMPLETED AUTHORIZED MODIFICATIONS LABEL

Replacement THE FOLLOWING MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE:

ECU Part Number 89661–48470
Calibration ID(s) 34845100, 54813100
THESE MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN APPROVED
AS APPROPRIATE BY EPA AND CARB
Dealer Code DEALER CODE: 31301 DATE: 8/2/06 Date Completed
CHANGE AUTHORITY: TSIB EG002–05

TSIB or Campaign Number

B. Attach the label under the hood in the location determined by the specific vehicle
TSIB or Campaign.

NOTE:
Wait 60 – 90 seconds for ink to set before handling.

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