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Flashing a computer? What is that?

6K views 7 replies 6 participants last post by  a2l1 
#1 ·
Ok this is from another post here in another forum.

"I've got a tested and working computer from a 1993 Chevy Astro that will also fit a 1993 GMC Safari, originally equipped with a 4.3 V6, 4L60E transmission. Can be reprogrammed (flashed) for better fuel economy, faster shifts, and better performance. "

How does one "flash" the computer to gain better fuel economy - performance - etc? Is it something one can do in an afternoon? Does it involve and "special" equipment? What does it really involve and what does one gain from doing this? I would just like to know.Would it work on the 95? Can anyone enlighten me please?

Thanks,

A J
 
#2 ·
stand in front of it in just a raincoat with Jethro Tulls auqulung playing and when nobody looking open the raincoat. :rofl: no really some scanners can change the programming and that is called flashing.It can change the timing fuel map shift points.it just runs better.Example I cranked the timing manually and this tells the computer to crank it without changing distributer position.
 
#3 ·
theres a program for lap top computers to do this stuff and i have no idea what it is or how ,,, but theres a map and there are values that can be edited or deleted or etc.,
and these are values in relation to things that the engine is allowed to do, and their limit values, etc.

is this ECM for a CPI or for a TBI?

both existed in 1993... FYI

also in 1992 and 1994 and 1995

different computers for either system

if the ECm is for a CPI then it should work in a 95 if it is also CPI engine powered
but the 4L60E trans may be electronically different from the 95 so i cant guarantee the 93 ECM will properly run/control the 95 trans,
or if its actually a seperate PCM on these vans that runs the trans

why do ppl double post stuff in separate forums?

wow..
 
#4 ·
Flashing is a term used for re-writing the firmware instructions on a solid state chip , called firmware because it is software like code that is permanently burned into the chip , some chips are EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory , just like the BIOS in a computer . It requires a device like a Tech2 Tool , or a software program like EFI Live , or
HP Tuner , Tuner Cat , etc. These programs access the chip inside the PCM/ECM through a connection at the OBD1 or OBD2 diagnostic port and communicates directly with the chip firmware , when you Flash , you are changing the firmware instruction set on that Chip so that it operates in the way the software program has programmed it to do . For instance you can change the fuel mixture trim levels , timing settings , etc, etc .to a custom setting for a given vehicle .
 
#5 ·
The computer on my 1988 silverado had a removable chip. If you wanted to change the settings I believe you just bought a new chip. Let us know what you figure out because I need my van flashed to run without the cats.
 
#7 ·
chevymaher said:
a2l1 said:
Ok this is from another post here in another forum.

"I've got a tested and working computer from a 1993 Chevy Astro that will also fit a 1993 GMC Safari, originally equipped with a 4.3 V6, 4L60E transmission. Can be reprogrammed (flashed) for better fuel economy, faster shifts, and better performance. "

How does one "flash" the computer to gain better fuel economy - performance - etc? Is it something one can do in an afternoon? Does it involve and "special" equipment? What does it really involve and what does one gain from doing this? I would just like to know.Would it work on the 95? Can anyone enlighten me please?

Thanks,

A J
stand in front of it in just a raincoat with Jethro Tulls auqulung playing and when nobody looking open the raincoat. :rofl: no really some scanners can change the programming and that is called flashing.It can change the timing fuel map shift points.it just runs better.Example I cranked the timing manually and this tells the computer to crank it without changing distributer position.
:rofl: My wife and I thought that was too funny
 
#8 ·
Randy --- self portrait??? :goodpost:
It is funny. I think I will pass on having the computer flashed because I could never look at the van the same way anymore !!
 
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