Has anyone tried to do a TCM/TCU reflash yourself using the Mongoose/SDD software? If so, can you describe what it entails? Thanks...

 

Someone trashed his TCM. Needed a new one. Read the fine manuals very carefully before starting, if you do.

 

That why when I need to reflash a TCM/PCM I stick w/ WDS...

 

abonano -
What is WDS?
Thanks

 

worldwide diagnostic system

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/World...gnostic_System

There was a Jaguar version used at the dealerships until around 2008 when they switched over to IDS (I think)

 

So has no one out there attempted the reflash yourself? Or have any knowledge about what it takes?
If it's under $200 at the dealer, it's probably not worth messing with if there's a chance of messing it up for lack of expertise.

 

I have WDS - I have successfully reflashed a few cars already, including my own..

 

The problem with WDS is that the latest software version is 2006 (the last version issued CD43 in 2006).

IDS was first issued with DVD43 (concurrent with WDS CD43) and then DVD 101, 102, 103 etc.

Be careful when you perform a 'reflash' that the version you are about to 'over-write' is OLDER than the WDS version.

I would try to perform a 'reset adaptations' if a software version is LATER.
There is usually a warning like 'CAUTION, THE SOFTWARE VERSION YOU ARE ABOUT TO INSTALL IS OLDER THAN THE CURRENT VERSION. DO YOU WISH TO CONTINUE?'

or 'SOFTWARE VERSION xxooxoxox IS CURRENTLY INSTALLED. DO YOU WANT TO INSTALL xooooxxoo?'

Pay attention when reflashing modules!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob gauff

 

A forum member in the US was just quoted $175 for the reflash (& adaptation learning drive cycle, I assume) from a Jaguar dealer.

I have reflashed the TCM in two different X350's using a cloned Mongoose and IDS/SDD V130.

Each time it was 30 minutes of chain-smoking, fingers crossed, praying the software doesn't crash, the clone doesn't burn out or something else go wrong bricking the car while it did what it does, slowly, painfully slow.....

We did brick another X350 when the software crashed in the middle of reflashing a Drivers Door Module. Car was completely immobilised and it took a few hours to get it going again. Got very lucky.

There is always a risk of something going wrong. If you do it yourself the risk is on you, if a dealer does it for you, the risk is on them.

 

My dealer charged me approx $350 (CA, US). Although I have played with such things on a modern Triumph motorcycle, didn't feel like taking the chance on the car.

 

motorcarman - I fully agree. For the cars I reflashed - all software versions were from the factory (04 and 05) and never seen a warning message cause if I did that would have been a tell tale sign of Installing older versions via WDS.

I want to dabble with Mongoose but have read too many issues... And my WDS has yet to let me down and is a Godsend for my 00 S Type...

 

I also use my WDS for all the Jags that can communicate with it. It NEVER needs to have a password.

The only drawback is the Windows 98 op system. It does fail to 'boot' on occasion and the HDD gets corrupted once-in-a-while.

I keep several HDDs loaded with ver. 43 so I just swap a hard drive and get back to diagnosis.

bob gauff

 

I've read up on all your WDS related posts and I also have several Jaguar V43 HDD's on stand by - Just in case...

And yes Win 98 a challenge but mine has been ok so far.. I found another PTU and loaded Ford V43 on it...

 

it is not hard, and it really is a self explaining process, but make sure you have a voltage maintainer to keep the voltage correct. The software will guide you and it takes about 15 minutes, it will begin the reflash once you initiate the procedure, and the cluster lights amber and red will flash while carrying out the procedure, but also if the correct files are already downloaded it wont be a need. I highly recommend if it is not needed not to do this, you do not want to damage your tcm, and when you carry it out it will lock the torque converter slightly. But also remember if you do tcm the pcm should be done fist. Pay attention to the battery icon in the top right corner of the screen ,make sure it is green and not yellow or red.The software will read voltage requirements before the process and begin the countdown as depicted in the screen. But also at the end it may say cars vid block cant be read, no worries, that the radio code. MAKE SURE you have a VOLTAGE MAINTAINER, AND NOT A BATTERY CHARGER,they are different. I use a midtronics 75amp unit that keeps everything at 13.6 volts. Until next time happy wrenching...

 

I am the one who Cambo quoted that 175$ for the PCM flash. Leith Jaguar in Cary NC.

I had an indy do it for 100$.

 

ooh ok sorry, well just throwing my two cents in to help explain the procedure to anyone that wants to do it...

 

Good write up and thanks for that.

My experience with cloned Mongoose adaptors is that they are slow, seriously close to 30mins to reflash the TCM. A genuine Mongoose Pro would get it done much faster (and with less anxiety)

 

no problem at all anytime..

 

Which IDS version brings latest applicable TCM firmware for our cars? At some point they definitely stopped any developments for X350/8 generation.

 

10-4. I am always busy, I don't get a chance to visit forum as I use to but whenever I can I will.