[JohnnyG]

Seems I ran into the condition indicated in TSB 08-03-16-001 - "Key Fobs Inoperative, TPM System Not Reading Correctly". This occurred after I drained the battery while working on my stereo install. I could probably attack this a few ways: 1) get a Dorman key fob with programmer and re-program my fobs (which will then allow me to put the TPMS into learn mode"; 2) I could take it in for service and have the RCDLR updated as per the TSB; 3) I could buy a J2534 pass-through device and subscribe to SPS and reprogram the RCDLR myself. Naturally, I chose option 3 and have a VCX Nano on order.

Wondering if there are any words of wisdom out there on using this set up? Minus communication to the interface (which I don't have yet), I seem to have Tech Connect and Tech2Win up and running fine.

Also, with that config, I'm now wondering if I'll be able to install the "official" GMPP tune via SPS? I have the TMAP sensors and was going to use HP Tuners to start with the available stock GMPP tune downloads and work from there. I understand though that HP Tuners doesn't or may not have access to all the maps, so the GMPP downloads that are available may not be entirely complete. Seems better to push the stock GMPP tune and work from there?

 

[JohnWR]

Edit: After reading this not on my phone I realized that you already have most of the information I provided.

The Dorman programmer (and the Tech2) may allow you to relearn everything, but the data will likely be lost again if there is another loss of power.

As far as I know you can only download software or firmware that is already coded to your VIN, so unless your car already has the GMPP tune you should not be able to get it. If you buy the tune you may be able to do it, but I have seen no evidence of anyone doing that.

The same is true of your RCDLR. You may need a dealer to authorize the update specified in the TSB. Again, there is no forum experience with this that I am aware of.

Use care when flashing the modules. There have been reports of bricking modules if communication is lost while it is in process.

 

[ddSky]

I did it recently, not many words of wisdom to offer though. Software is the hardest part. If you find that you can't connect to the VCX Nano and you're running it in a virtual machine, try giving up and running it on bare metal. That's what I had to do.

If you are able to install the GMPP tune, please post about it! Now that I have this gadget I've been looking for more to do with it.

 

[JohnnyG]

Thank you both for the input! From what I've seen in videos etc, definitely possible to upgrade to latest module versions using SPS so hopefully that will resolve RCDLR issue. I don't see any menu option in Tech2Win for reprogramming fobs, but hopefully that resolves when it's actually hooked up to the car and it can read what's in it. For GMPP tune, I guess we'll see!

I have a Win7 image already in a VM but thought I'd try it on the base Win11 OS first and so far, all seems to be functioning correctly. I'm in IT by profession so not terribly worried about the software part of it. So far, at least!

 

[ddSky]

Yes I think you'll only see the fob reprogram option in Tech2Win once you connect it to the car. It's under Body > RCDLR > Module Setup. Let me know if you have any problems and I may be able to help. Here's thread from when I did it. DIY 08-03-16-001B TPMS fix?

 

[JohnnyG]

Too bad I didn't find that post of yours before I posted mine - they are nearly identical! Sounds like it should be smooth sailing

 

[JohnnyG]

Making some progress...Tech2Win seems to be working okay and with that, a question...it reports that the car has OnStar and XM Radio installed and I've removed the OnStar box. Is it possible to remove these from the vehicle config via Tech2Win somehow? I didn't see any obvious way to do this.

SPS2 is connecting to the vehicle, but when I select a module, it gets tool lock then fails at the next step with an E4399 error message. Docs suggest this might be battery voltage related, so I hooked up the charger and will try again tonight.

 

[Super Serg]

What cable (from laptop to obd device) are you using?

I had that same error and it was because I was using a non-approved cable. I’m drawing a blank on the name of the cable/adapter, but it might’ve been Keyspan.

 

[JohnWR]

What cable (from laptop to obd device) are you using?

I had that same error and it was because I was using a non-approved cable. I’m drawing a blank on the name of the cable/adapter, but it might’ve been Keyspan.

He mentioned obtaining a VCX Nano.

 

[JohnnyG]

Thanks for the suggestion! I'm using the USB cable that came with the VCX but if the error persists, I do have other cables I can try and probably would not have thought of that otherwise

 

[Super Serg]

You probably searched and found this or something similar, but for anyone else looking, here’s a quick breakdown of the possible error codes (the one you received is in there)

Resolving Service Programming Errors – GM Repair Insights

gmrepairinsights.com

Also, Tripp Lite Keyspan is what GM told me was the official brand that’s authorized to be used as the USB connection cable. I couldn’t connect for the life of me, and the Keyspan adapter I bought solved my issue.

 

[JohnnyG]

That's for a "real" Tech2 I imagine? That wouldn't apply to my configuration but the clues are starting to add up. Seems I may have had too many drivers loaded for the VCX. I had both "Passthrough" and the "GDS2/T2W" driver and SPS2 automatically thinks it's an MDI2 which, I believe, does not work with our cars (too fast). I now have just the Passthrough driver loaded and now SPS2 asks me which device I want to use and VCX Nano is on the list. Now I just have to get out to the car to test it!

 

[JohnnyG]

Just tested and it seems the communication issue is now resolved. However, I haven't been able to apply the calibration for the RCDLR so far. It fails after 2 attempts at writing to the ECU. It's clearly resetting the car just fine as the lights come on and door chimes sound, etc. It's also reporting that it can't identify the current calibration of the RCDLR. As well, no RCDLR related items are showing in Tech2 - as if the RCDLR does not exist.

Will try a few more things but wondering if it could have anything to do with me removing the VCIM, or that I have an Axxess audio interface? Won't be a ton of work to reconnect the VCIM and factory stereo but would rather not need that.

 

[JohnnyG]

Oh boy...I think this is a self-inflicted wound! The RCDLR is powered by the fuse for the OnStar/XM VCIM. The same fuse I removed when I disconnected the VCIM! DOH!!!

 

[JohnnyG]

Mission accomplished! Plugged the fuse back in and tried the remotes...still nothing. Used SPS2 to reprogram the RCDLR and it completed, but it still reported that it couldn't determine the calibration version. Went into Tech2 and could not find a function anywhere to program fobs?! Pushed the calibration again...and again...still nothing in Tech2. Took the key out of the ignition, pushed the lock button...nothing. Pushed the "panic" button and...HORN! Then each button seemed to come back slowly (multiple pushes) after that. It's not the remote - fresh battery and all soldered up. Works normally now. Was also able to reset TMPS in all wheels normally.

In SPS2, the RCDLR did not have a code history like the other modules do, so perhaps it is programmable, but not in the typical way, hence the inability to report the current level? Still doesn't explain why it doesn't come up in Tech2 though?

 

[ddSky]

Strange, you didn't see fob programming under Body > RCDLR > Module Setup with the Tech2Win program? Glad you were able to get keys set up.

If you do investigate applying the GMPP tune I'll be very interested in whatever you find. My car is currently in the shop for damage to ECU and wiring harness, and since I'm putting in a new ECU I've gotten curious about the tuning process.

 

[JohnnyG]

Nope! This is all I see below. No signs of ability to select GMPP tune. The Stage instructions say you need to provide dealer with the kit's serial number and an authorization number found in the kit, so I'm guessing dealer needs to call in and have it added to the VIN.

 

[ddSky]

When I get car back I'll take a screenshot of fob reprogram process, not sure if my memory/instructions are bad or our cars are mysteriously different.