Service Bulletin

Volvo Trucks North America

Greensboro, NC USA Trucks
Date Group No. Release Page

4.2010 284 12 1( 7 )

Engine Control Module (ECM) Programming,

Guidelines

Engine Control Module (ECM) Programming,

Guidelines
This bulletin contains guidelines for programming the engine control module (ECM).

Contents
Overview, page 2
Required Tools, page 2
PC Tool Requirements, page 2
Engine Control Module (ECM), Programming, page 4

Note: Information is subject to change without notice.

Illustrations are used for reference only and can differ slightly from the actual vehicle
being serviced. However, key components addressed in this information are represented
as accurately as possible.

PV776-88968379 USA41427
Volvo Trucks North America Date Group No. Release Page
Service Bulletin 4.2010 284 12 2( 7 )

Engine Control Module (ECM) Programming, Guidelines

Overview
Reports have been received regarding issues when
programming the engine control module (ECM) on VN,
VHD and VT trucks. Some of the issues can be attributed
to data link communication problems or disturbances during
programming. This bulletin has been developed as a
technical aid for ECM programming and outlines methods
that may address some programming issues. If during
programming a data link disturbance occurs or PTT/VCADS
stops operating, the main software may not be installed
correctly and the ECM may lose functionality or become
unusable. Technicians need to follow the guidelines listed
below for safe and proper programming techniques for
the ECM. Always be sure to use the required tools when
performing programming.

Required Tools
Premium Tech Tool version 1.11.41 or higher
Communication Interface 88890020 with firmware 1.12.0.2
or higher

PC Tool Requirements
Note: Always ensure that the most recent software version
for the communication interface (no. 88890020) is installed.
This can be checked and updated in PTT. Connect the
interface to PTT and select Menu/Settings/Communications
Unit Configuration. Make sure it is set to USB only then
select Update Software and make sure the most current
software is installed. If not, select the most current software
and perform an update.

W2056740
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Service Bulletin 4.2010 284 12 3( 7 )

Note: Always ensure that the following PC settings are

correct:

Power options All power options should be set to never.

W2056737

Screen savers Screen savers should be set to off.

Hibernation settings Hibernation settings should be set
to off.

W2056739

Note: Ensure that your PC has a reliable fully charged

battery (at least 1hr charge remaining) or connect it to a
reliable 120 Volt A/C power source.
Volvo Trucks North America Date Group No. Release Page
Service Bulletin 4.2010 284 12 4( 7 )

Engine Control Module (ECM), Programming

Note: Before beginning any programming on the ECM,
You must read and understand the precautions and ensure that all PC tool requirements are met.
guidelines in Service Information, group 2, General
Safety Practices, Engine before performing this Note: Close all other running applications on your PC.
procedure. If you are not properly trained and certified in
Note: When programming, be sure to follow all prompts
this procedure, ask your supervisor for training before
given by VCADS. Example: removing fuses.
you perform it.

DANGER
Do not attempt to repair or service this vehicle without
having sufficient training, the correct service literature
and the proper tools. Failure to follow this could make
the vehicle unsafe and lead to serious personal injury
or death.

1 Remove fuses for customer added systems that transmit

via SAE J1587 data link. Example: Qualcomm,
Highwaymaster
2 Inspect the vehicle 9 pin diagnostic connector for
contamination, connector pin quality and tension. Clean
and service as needed to ensure a good connection to
the communications interface.
3 Verify the vehicle batteries are in good condition. If below
12.4 volts, connect a low amperage external battery
charger to the batteries to ensure that the battery voltage
is maintained to complete the programming.

Note: Be sure to charge at a rate no greater than 10 amps.

4 Connect the Premium Tech Tool (PTT) to the vehicle
diagnostics connector using the communication interface
88890020.

Note: Ensure that the interface is fully inserted into the

socket. Fully rotate the communication interface lock ring to
secure the connection.
5 Turn the ignition switch ON.
6 Log in to Premium Tech Tool and proceed to the
Identification of Vehicle/Machine panel.
7 Once the vehicle has been identified and selected, start
VCADS Pro, read out and document all diagnostic fault
codes.
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Service Bulletin 4.2010 284 12 5( 7 )

8 Read out all vehicle parameters and save to the jobcard

for reference. This can be found in the Service and
Maintenance menu. Select operation 1700-22-03-03
Parameter Programming.

W2056741

Note: Be sure to follow all prompts given by VCADS during

programming.

Select function group 2, Engine, Engine Mounting

Equipment and select the appropriate type of
programming that is required for the vehicle being
serviced (MID 128 ECU, Campaign or MID 128 ECU
Programming). Perform programming.
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Service Bulletin 4.2010 284 12 6( 7 )

10 If programming is interrupted or stalled, refer to the Programming stalled at 100%. Refer to Symptom
symptom chart below that most closely resembles Chart 2.
the programming interruption youve encountered. If
programming is complete continue at step 11.
Programming interrupted at 0-99% accompanied by
loss of PC power or PC/PTT/VCADS frozen. Refer to
Programming interrupted at 0-99% accompanied with Symptom Chart 3.
any VCADS Error. Refer to Symptom Chart 1.
Symptom Chart 1

Action Reaction Outcome

Note: DO NOT exit the operation or Programming starts and finishes Programming complete, continue at
loss of data could occur. without any errors or interruptions. step 11.

1 Turn off the vehicle ignition and wait

10 seconds.
2 Select OK for the VCADS error VCADS doesnt recognize the vehicle Continue at Symptom Chart 3, action
message. as the same one that is connected. step 5.
3 Turn the vehicle ignition on.
4 Restart the existing programming.

Symptom Chart 2

Action Reaction Outcome

1 Wait a minimum of 10 minutes to Key cycle instruction dialog box Complete programming and continue
allow any processes to compete. appears. at step 11.
2 Perform ALT+TAB using the PC
keyboard to select the key cycle
instruction dialog box. The key Key cycle instruction dialog box does Continue at Symptom Chart 3, action
cycle instruction dialog box may be not appear. step 1.
behind the programming screen,
and ALT+TAB will bring the key
cycle instruction dialog box back to
the front.

Symptom Chart 3

Action Reaction Outcome

1 Turn off the vehicle ignition.
2 Restart PC
3 Start PTT/VCADS
4 Turn the vehicle ignition on.
5 Using VCADS, read MID 128 fault
codes.
Diagnostic fault code MID 128, SID
240, FMI 2 exists.
Diagnostic fault code MID 128, SID
253, FMI 2 exists.
Perform 2841-22-03-03 program
ECU and restore customer parameter
settings manually. Continue at step 11
when complete.
Contact Truck Tech Support at
1-800-888-2039 (select option 1 and
1) for more assistance.

Neither MID 128, SID 253, FMI 2 Contact Truck Tech Support at
or SID 240, FMI 2 exist and engine 1-800-888-2039 (select option 1 and
control module (ECM) not responding. 1) for more assistance.
Volvo Trucks North America Date Group No. Release Page
Service Bulletin 4.2010 284 12 7( 7 )

11 Reinstall any fuses that may have been removed for

programming.
12 Clear any diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that may
have been set due to the removal of system fuses.
13 Disconnect the external battery charger if connected.
14 After programming is complete, disconnect the
communications interface from the vehicle.