I have seen this quite often in the field and I figure I would shed some light on the topic and hopefully get some discussion going.
Many times you are faced with changing a module, whether it be the ECU, TCM, SRS, ABS. As we all know these modules are not cheap and we have to sometimes find something that will work within the customers budget.
Used modules have been available ever since the first computer controlled cars hit the salvage yard. Sometimes on the early vehicles, you could do a basic module swap between vehicles and it would work no problem. Not so much with the more advanced cars of today.
Primary reason most modules do not interchange is they are ROM based where data is flashed to the memory of the module in order to tell it what to do. What happens with used modules is the previous vehicles data MUST BE ERASED before you can use them in another vehicle, and sometimes some modules just can not be erased. This is all up to the manufacturer when they design the module.
In order to service the eraseable used modules, some "module remanufacturers" have the root level software in order wipe a module clean for reuse, sometimes they can use OEM software to accomplishment this, sometimes they must use more forceful methods.
What the X431 can accomplish is either with a NEW or BLANK module, is typically re-code to the system, which is very common in VW & Audis. This is far different than programming which will be addressed in a later post.
If LAUNCH X431 GDS is based on OEM software for diagnosis .... why the tool is not capable to recode/reprogram used modules? Might be a hardware limitation or deliberately this functions are not included?
As you know...swapping parts from wrecked vehicles is the only way to compete with dealers prices and deal with tight customers and their fix budgets.... The day that this tool let us to reprogram used modules it will become our HOLY GRAIL !! ...
If LAUNCH X431 GDS is based on OEM software for diagnosis .... why the tool is not capable to recode/reprogram used modules? Might be a hardware limitation or deliberately this functions are not included?
As you know...swapping parts from wrecked vehicles is the only way to compete with dealers prices and deal with tight customers and their fix budgets.... The day that this tool let us to reprogram used modules it will become our HOLY GRAIL !! ...
If the OEM allows you to use USED modules, then the X431 should as well, if the OEM does not, I don't think the X431 can perform this.
Also, don't you typically need a J2534 pass through device to flash a module? Which I believe is sold seperately for the GDS.
I can communicate with ANY used module on the work bench ... without the vehicle. It doesn't matter if it's GM, Ford, Chrysler, Euro or Asian. No matter what "K", "L" or CAN lines, it is possible.
Programming the controller depends if the scan tool has the ability to "pass-through" the data such as coding, adaptations with a VIN transfer.
The used controller MUST fit the correct year, make and model including the part number.
In some cases, MCU data may need to be read, saved and transferred to a used or virgin MCU.
