ECU Reprogramming

Putting the ECU in programming mode

Several methods exist for putting the ECU into reprogramming mode, depending on the pre-existing application software.

  1. If the application includes a CCP Configuration block, use a CCP tool to send a reprogramming command.

  2. If those blocks are absent, use the FEPS pin for reprogramming.

  3. Applications with a CCP Inhibit Reprogramming block may need specific conditions met for reprogramming through CCP. Bypass with FEPS if needed.

  4. For software errors that don’t trigger the excessive reset handler, use FEPS to force reprogramming.

Note

  • Positive FEPS uses application-specific CAN settings.

  • Negative FEPS uses default CCP settings.

  • See Dead ECU if ECU doesn’t respond.

Large vs. Small Image Files

  • The small image targets only the ECU memory used by the application.

  • The large image fills unused memory with 0xFF.

Note

Use the small image file to avoid checksum errors during reprogramming.

Programming Tools

OpenECU supports reprogramming via CCP with various tools. The user guide outlines setup for each tool, and each tool uses a unique .a2l file format.

  • OpenECU Calibrator

    • ASAP2 File: <model_name>_generic.a2l

  • ATI Vision

    • ASAP2 File: <model_name>_vision.a2l

  • Vector CANape

    • ASAP2 File: <model_name>_canape.a2l

    • Edit .a2l settings if using the Large image.

  • ETAS INCA (deprecated)

    • ASAP2 File: <model_name>_inca.a2l

Tested with INCA v7.1.9; other versions may work.

../_images/ecu_reprogramming_img1.png

Running the Application

After programming, power-cycle the ECU to exit reprogramming mode.

Note

OpenECU intentionally stays in reprogramming mode to reduce risks.