Flashing a new A6 TCM

[pjs]

Hello all, I'm in the process of having my C6 A6 trans replaced; blew the 4-5-6 valves I believe. Anyways...
I'm told that typically with new transmission, it comes with new/blank TCM that needs to be flashed.

Problem is that the installer is having trouble finding someone who will flash this new TCM on a modified Vette; it's supercharged, CAM, etc...
The usual people who do it for them don't want the liability of flashing a modified car.

So, figure I start researching and planning for plan B; which will be that I will be responsible for flashing the TCM after trans is installed.

Anyone have any thoughts/experience with something like this?

Will I just be able to flash the TCM with my HPTuners?


Thanks,
Pj

[pjs]

I'm starting to find that special HW is needed for this. So, another important question...

Say after the ECM/TCM is flashed with the special HW, will I be able to tune/flash the ECM with my HPTuners as usual?

[blindsquirrel]

If the new TCM doesn't have any kind of code in it at all then HPT will not detect it. If it does, though, then you can flash it with the file you pulled out of the old TCM just fine. Must use 'write entire' the first time.

[pjs]

Thanks, that's what I'm hoping for. It will be flashed by GM tools so I'm hoping HPTuners will still be supported.

Think I read somewhere that the new TCM is now inside the 6L80? Dunno...

[edcmat-l1]

Thanks, that's what I'm hoping for. It will be flashed by GM tools so I'm hoping HPTuners will still be supported.

Think I read somewhere that the new TCM is now inside the 6L80? Dunno...

Yes you'll be able to use your HPtuners.

[pjs]

Cool, thanks. Starting to feel better

The installer put in the order for new trans today so I've been desperate to find this out. I posted to support as well and will share what comes out of that.

[blindsquirrel]

Why would a stock TCM calibration in a replacement trans not be supported?

[pjs]

My bad luck

Was hearing that TCM is now in the trans and that the GM tech stuff flashes both ECM/TCM and was afraid that changed things.

[2xLS1]

my experience with them is 99.9% of new out of the box AC Delco TCMs are reman units and have some program with 4 segments in them.

[pjs]

Thanks, sounds like I should be ok.

[pjs]

Does anyone know why someone with the GM Tech tools would be reluctant to flash the TCM on a modified vehicle?

[gtstorey]

On a modified but stock wired vehicle, no. On a swap, maybe. I’ve heard the process can be temperamental, and having to sort out wiring at the same time might be painful.

[pjs]

Thanks, I'll have to remind the installer that the car is calibrated for the supercharger/CAM/etc...but otherwise stock. Maybe their GM tech people will be more open to it, or not.
My guess is that they just don't want to deal with it. I may have to look for someone who will. Dealership maybe. We'll see...
In any case, I will update with the end result. The new trans is on order now and week away...

[edcmat-l1]

Flashing a modified vehicle is no different than flashing a bone stock vehicle. You can flash the modules individually. For that matter, if you're worried about it just make sure you have a copy of your current tune file. If by chance they screw up and flash your ECM you just flash your current back in and you're ready to go.

[blindsquirrel]

Flashing the base stock calibration to a modified vehicle is only the first step and the only part a dealership tech will do (or be able to do), altering the tune to make it work with your mods is up to you (or your tuner who is not the dealership tech - dealerships don't have the tools to change the settings in a calibration). If you're asking a dealership to flash and then make changes then of course they will tell you to F.O.

[pjs]

Thanks guys...I do have the stock files and my custom tune files.
I did remind the installer that I would then flash the ECM with my HPTuners after they were done with it. Would be the same with dealership if we end up there.
I'm hoping installer finds someone willing to GM flash the TCM and then I can use HPTuners to update the ECM with custom tune. That was the original plan anyway.

If the installer can't get the TCM flashed, then it's up to me. They agreed to install the new transmission at least.

After the research so far, I figure I have two options...
1. Try to flash/write entire the TCM with HPTuners. I'm reading reports that seems to work 99% of the time with new TCM modules from AcDelco.
2. Ask a local dealership to flash the new TCM then I would update the ECM if needed.

I'm under the impression that this GM Tech flash will flash both the TCM and ECM. Anyone know if that's true?

[edcmat-l1]

You can flash each module individually. You do NOT need to flash the ECM when flashing the TCM.

[blindsquirrel]

What kind of transmission shop in the year 2024 is able to keep their doors open and doing this kind of work without the tools and subscriptions to flash the modules in the units they put in?

[blindsquirrel]

I mean, that's like if it was 1960 and a shop said 'We only change the parts that can be done with wrenches, for stuff that needs a screwdriver you have to take it somewhere else, we don't do that here.'

[pjs]

Good to know. Don't know why they're making a big deal out of it then.

Thanks all for the responses.