***Important notice for V6 Trifecta customers*** - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

BNRacing · 02-16-2012, 12:25 PM

We’ve had a couple reports of V6 Camaro ECMs getting “bricked” after running into a communication error (one case was caused by a low battery situation on the laptop) and then attempting to reflash it again. After investigating the issue, we’ve determined the root cause is a defect in the software in the ECM itself.

Background:

When a controller (ECM in this case) doesn’t complete a flash fully, it goes into a mode where it can’t run the engine, but still has communication capability so it can accept a new flash. Very early programmable controllers (e.g. LT1) didn’t even have this mode, so if the flash got interrupted (battery, cable pulled out, software error, etc.), the controller was literally unusable (e.g. where the term “brick” comes from).

When the controller gets into this mode, it does give programming software (e.g. EZ Flash) some information about how to get the ECM properly programmed again. For example, it tells us whether we need to do a “whole flash” or a “short flash”.

The Problem:

In the two cases where the ECM got “bricked” (e.g. wouldn’t respond to communications any further), the ECM first had failed to complete the “main OS” flash, but then reported to EZ Flash that only a “short flash” was needed when a “full flash” was. So we did what we were told to do (“short flash”), the sequence completed, the ECM said everything was GREAT, and we never heard from it again. And the engine still wouldn’t start. This is the “bricked” state.

It should be noted that if this happened with GM factory programming tools, the outcome would be the same – the ECM would be bricked.

The Solution:

We’re updating EZ Flash to always do a “whole flash” under this condition regardless of what the ECM tells us to do. We recommend everybody who has a V6 Camaro and our tune go to our website and pick up the latest version of EZ Flash (v1.2.147.0) to avoid running into this potential ECM software defect. You can contact us at Bad News Racing for the download link, just provide your VIN when you send your request.

JCO2185 · 02-16-2012, 01:38 PM

Subscribing

mydreamcar · 02-16-2012, 01:40 PM

sub

GoldCartridgeGamer · 02-16-2012, 02:02 PM

Subscribed.

Can also download from here: http://www.trifectaperformance.com/ezflash.aspx

BNRacing · 02-16-2012, 02:36 PM

I didn't want to post the link myself because I was asked not to, but no one said you couldn't. So yes, you can get it from there ^

ChadG · 02-16-2012, 03:03 PM

So it's the same link you sent us from your original email, with the updated software located at that link?

hapisok · 02-16-2012, 04:03 PM

:tweetz:

thanks for the update

Camaro1* · 02-16-2012, 04:09 PM

I got my vehicle back from dealership today, they replaced the ECM

ChadG · 02-16-2012, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro1*

I got my vehicle back from dealership today, they replaced the ECM

So did you brick yours? If so how'd you get them to replace it under warranty?

JCO2185 · 02-16-2012, 05:04 PM

Just picked mine up as well, new ECM was needed

BNRacing · 02-16-2012, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChadG

So it's the same link you sent us from your original email, with the updated software located at that link?

Yes. Just overwrite ezflash on your computer with the new one

ChadG · 02-16-2012, 05:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Camaro1*

Quote:
Originally Posted by Camaro1*
I got my vehicle back from dealership today, they replaced the ECM
So did you brick yours? If so how'd you get them to replace it under warranty?
----- I called said it would not start that was it.

Wow, did you have to get it towed to the dealer? I wonder if they'll crack into the ECU to see what went wrong or if you'll just be good to go - please keep us updated!

rydahog · 02-18-2012, 10:42 AM

I think if ENOUGH of the ecm;s come back ,,,they WILL for sure look into this...

GoPaul · 07-13-2012, 09:30 AM

I've always wondered about the ghost cam option - will that replace my current "13HP" tune or does it add to it - ie: can I keep my current tune but add the ghost cam option?

EDIT: probably the wrong thread for this - I'' repost elsewhere.

02-16-2012, 12:25 PM	#1
BNRacing Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE, 2019 Camaro 2.0 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 718	*Important notice for V6 Trifecta customers* We’ve had a couple reports of V6 Camaro ECMs getting “bricked” after running into a communication error (one case was caused by a low battery situation on the laptop) and then attempting to reflash it again. After investigating the issue, we’ve determined the root cause is a defect in the software in the ECM itself. *Background:* When a controller (ECM in this case) doesn’t complete a flash fully, it goes into a mode where it can’t run the engine, but still has communication capability so it can accept a new flash. Very early programmable controllers (e.g. LT1) didn’t even have this mode, so if the flash got interrupted (battery, cable pulled out, software error, etc.), the controller was literally unusable (e.g. where the term “brick” comes from). When the controller gets into this mode, it does give programming software (e.g. EZ Flash) some information about how to get the ECM properly programmed again. For example, it tells us whether we need to do a “whole flash” or a “short flash”. *The Problem:* In the two cases where the ECM got “bricked” (e.g. wouldn’t respond to communications any further), the ECM first had failed to complete the “main OS” flash, but then reported to EZ Flash that only a “short flash” was needed when a “full flash” was. So we did what we were told to do (“short flash”), the sequence completed, the ECM said everything was GREAT, and we never heard from it again. And the engine still wouldn’t start. This is the “bricked” state. It should be noted that if this happened with GM factory programming tools, the outcome would be the same – the ECM would be bricked. *The Solution:* We’re updating EZ Flash to always do a “whole flash” under this condition regardless of what the ECM tells us to do. We recommend everybody who has a V6 Camaro and our tune go to our website and pick up the latest version of EZ Flash (v1.2.147.0) to avoid running into this potential ECM software defect. You can contact us at Bad News Racing for the download link, just provide your VIN when you send your request.

02-16-2012, 01:38 PM	#2
JCO2185 RIDING ON AIR Drives: 2010 2LT/RS Summit White Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 964	Subscribing __________________ --John--2010 Camaro 2LT/RS, Summit White Air Ride Suspension, BBK Longtube Headers, Hi-Flo cats, Doug Thorley catback exhaust, Elite Catch-Can, Airraid CAI, Trifecta tune, ZL1 front end with Phantom grille, ZL1 side skirts, MRR228 graphite wheels

02-16-2012, 01:40 PM	#3
mydreamcar My Dream Car Drives: 2011 SIM LS3 1SS Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: staten island Posts: 1,534	sub __________________ CAI intake/ADM Scoop/Stainless Power Headers/Dynatech cat back exhaust/Vitesse Throttle Control/ Ported Throttle Body/QTP Electric Cutouts/ 3.91 gears and janetty rear posi/ Tuned by Janetty racing

02-16-2012, 02:02 PM	#4
GoldCartridgeGamer Drives: 2014 Ford SVT Raptor SuperCrew Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Memphis, TN Posts: 7,527	Subscribed. Can also download from here: http://www.trifectaperformance.com/ezflash.aspx __________________ Phoenix (sold) 2014 Ford SVT Raptor SuperCrew How to hug your camaro Buy the car that you would most like to get beat in. The other guy will always be faster.

02-16-2012, 04:03 PM	#7
hapisok crazier than a coconut Drives: 2010 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: virginia Posts: 1,547	:tweetz: thanks for the update __________________

02-16-2012, 02:36 PM	#5
BNRacing Drives: 2018 Camaro SS 1LE, 2019 Camaro 2.0 Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: South Florida Posts: 718	I didn't want to post the link myself because I was asked not to, but no one said you couldn't. So yes, you can get it from there ^

02-16-2012, 03:03 PM	#6
ChadG Drives: 2010 Black Camaro LS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 1,679 View My Garage	So it's the same link you sent us from your original email, with the updated software located at that link?

02-16-2012, 04:09 PM	#8
Camaro1* Drives: 2011Black Camaro 1 LT RS Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Ohio Posts: 150 View My Garage	I got my vehicle back from dealership today, they replaced the ECM

02-16-2012, 05:04 PM	#10
JCO2185 RIDING ON AIR Drives: 2010 2LT/RS Summit White Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 964	Just picked mine up as well, new ECM was needed __________________ --John--2010 Camaro 2LT/RS, Summit White Air Ride Suspension, BBK Longtube Headers, Hi-Flo cats, Doug Thorley catback exhaust, Elite Catch-Can, Airraid CAI, Trifecta tune, ZL1 front end with Phantom grille, ZL1 side skirts, MRR228 graphite wheels

02-18-2012, 10:42 AM	#13
rydahog Drives: camaro ss Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: usa Posts: 2,166 View My Garage	I think if ENOUGH of the ecm;s come back ,,,they WILL for sure look into this...

07-13-2012, 09:30 AM	#14
GoPaul H-Town Camaro Club Drives: 2010 Black Camaro 2LT RS M6 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Katy, TX Posts: 926 View My Garage	I've always wondered about the ghost cam option - will that replace my current "13HP" tune or does it add to it - ie: can I keep my current tune but add the ghost cam option? EDIT: probably the wrong thread for this - I'' repost elsewhere. __________________ Best Timeslip: <Time Slip> Latest Dyno (w. Injen only): <Dyno Sheet> Journal: <Here>

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