"Boot Strap" Error Occurs When Using the DRB III to Flash PCM on 2003 RS

855  Will Flickema Wed, Apr 18, 2018  DRB III

VEHICLES:

2003 RS 2.4L, 3.3L 41TE automatic transmission

SUGGESTIONS:

  1. Verify the DRB III is at the latest release using TechTOOLS.
  2. Verify the CH7000 red ended cable is being used and is in good condition.
  3. Verify that DRB III connections are clean and not damaged.
  4. Verify the vehicle DLC (Data Link Connector) is not damaged and no pins pushed out.
  5. Check vehicle battery condition.
  6. Repair and damaged wiring before flashing any ECU.
  7. Verify all accessories are off while flashing controller.

If all the above items have been checked and there is still an issue with flashing the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), perform the following:

Disconnect Flash Enable Circuit D123

  1. The Flash Program Enable wire needs to be isolated between the TCM and Data Link Connector (DLC).
  2. The Flash Enable wire must be isolated only when the DRBIII instructs you to turn the key off while flashing the TCM.
  3. Disconnect the Flash Program Enable wire at the TCM connector pin 46 and DLC pin 9.
  4. Fabricate a jumper wire and connect it to the open wire at the TCM connector pin 46 and DLC pin 9.
  5. After the jumper wire is installed, continue with the flash procedure.
  6. After the flash is complete remove the jumper wire and reconnect the disconnected Flash Program Enable wire.
  • Circuit D123 must be disconnected from the TCM and DLC and a temporary jumper wire installed between the TCM and DLC.
  • This removes the Integrated Power Module and Body Control Module from the D123 Flash Program Enable circuit.

DRB III Cold Boot

  1. Press the "Yes" and "More" buttons at the same time, then when prompted press the "F4" button to continue.
  2. After the cold boot has been performed, the flash file will have to be downloaded again from TechTOOLS.

Reseat DRB III PEP Module

  1. The PEP module in on the back side of the DRB III and is opposite the DRB III screen.
  2. To reseat, pull the DRB III out of the protective cover, turn over, slide the PEP module towards the top (connector) side to remove.
  3. Repeat this several times to reseat the connectors.