Programming the BCM Control Unit of General Chevrolet with SPS2 Software and RLink

Programming the BCM Control Unit of General Chevrolet with SPS2 Software and RLink

Preparations Before Programming

I. Preparatory Requirements

  1. Prepare a computer pre-installed with OE software and ensure it has sufficient power. Tips: It is recommended to connect the PC to a power source throughout the programming process to avoid interruptions due to power failure.
  2. The computer must be connected to a wired network with a download speed of ≥5M/s. Some ECUs have a large amount of data, and excessively high network latency or disconnection will directly lead to programming failure.
  3. The vehicle must be connected to a dedicated regulated power supply for programming, maintaining the voltage within the range of 13.2V - 14.5V. Voltage fluctuations will cause programming failure, so it is crucial to ensure stable power supply.
  4. Park the vehicle on a flat surface to prevent the risk of rolling. An inclined surface may cause accidents during the programming process.

II. Pre-Programming Check Points

  1. Check whether the power supply and ground circuits of the ECU are normal, and confirm that the ECU information of the ECU to be programmed is completely consistent with that of the current vehicle.
  2. If programming with a refurbished ECU, strictly follow the manufacturer's operating guidelines. Some refurbished ECUs (such as anti-theft types) cannot pass the verification of the original OEM software, and used ECUs may need to be erased of data before use; otherwise, programming failure will occur.
  3. It is recommended to prioritize the use of a new ECU for programming, and a regulated power supply must be connected during programming.

III. Programming Process Specifications

  1. During programming, please carefully read the operation prompts in the OEM software, strictly follow the steps, and do not operate without authorization.

IV. Solutions for Programming Failure

  1. After a programming failure, first check whether the vehicle status and the connection of the diagnostic equipment are normal.
  2. If the status is normal, it is recommended to let the vehicle hibernate for 30 minutes before attempting programming again. Tips: After a programming failure, the ECU of some vehicles will cache error data, and a direct retry may not pass; power-off or hibernation can clear the cached error data and improve the success rate of the retry.
Note: Try to use a new ECU for programming, and be sure to connect a regulated power supply during programming.

  1. Take out the RLink device, connect it to the vehicle's OBD diagnostic port and the computer's USB port respectively, and ensure a secure connection.
  2. After the device connection is ready, launch the RLink Platform software, confirm the vehicle connection status through the connection information in the platform, and verify whether the driver has been downloaded.
    Note: Before programming with SPS2 software, it is recommended to log in to your RLink Platform account to check for software or firmware updates. If there are any updates, they must be installed before programming the vehicle.
  3. Open the GM official website, click [View] to run the subscribed SPS2 software.
    Note: The software description information will be dynamically updated, and the final content shall prevail as published on the GM official website.
  4. Click [Add Vin] to enter the VIN code of the vehicle to be programmed.
    Note: After binding the vehicle, the subscribed programming permission will be bound to the vehicle, and the subscription cannot be used for programming on any other vehicle afterwards.
  5. Select [Launch TLC with administrative privileges] and click [Launch Techline Connect] to start the Techline software.
    Important Note: If the relevant Techline software is not installed, the relevant software installation will be automatically executed after starting Techline. As the installation may take a long time, be sure to reserve sufficient time in advance to complete the installation and ensure the smooth progress of subsequent operations.
  6. After entering the diagnostic software homepage, click [Connect Vehicle], then select the corresponding driver mode.
  7. Select [RLink] driver mode or [RLink DOIP (Diagnostic communication over Internet Protocol)] driver mode from the options (both modes are compatible with RLink device connection), and click Continue after selection.
    Important Note: For diagnostic operations on vehicles with the DOIP protocol, [RLink DOIP] driver mode must be selected exclusively; otherwise, normal connection cannot be achieved.
  8. When the RLink VCI successfully establishes a connection with the vehicle, the system will automatically read the relevant vehicle information. After carefully verifying that the information is accurate, click the [SPS] icon to enter the programming operation page.
  9. Before entering the SPS programming software, the SPS software will automatically start the verification program to compare and verify the vehicle information with the server information.
    Important Note: The verified vehicle information must be consistent with the subscription information; otherwise, reading or verification failure will occur. During the verification and subsequent programming process, ensure network stability and prioritize the use of a wired network to ensure smooth programming.
  10. After confirming the programming requirements, select [Reprogram] mode and click [Next] to proceed to the next step.
    Important Note:
    1. Some versions of the software include a work order filling function. If this option is not available, no filling is required, and the programming mode can be selected directly.
    2. The mode selection must accurately match the vehicle condition: select [Reprogram] mode if the ECU has not been replaced, and select [Replace and Reprogram] mode if a new ECU has been replaced. During the subsequent download of programming files, the SPS2 software will download relevant programming files based on this information to reduce the risk of programming failure.
  11. Select [K9 Body Control Module (BCM)] and click [NEXT].
  12. Before programming, confirm that the vehicle diagnostic power supply and RLink VCI connection are normal, then click [Start Programming].
  13. Programming in Progress
    Prompt: Do not exit midway during programming; otherwise, the ECU will be damaged.
  14. Programming of the BCM control unit is completed, click [OK].
  15. After programming is completed, enter the GDS2 (Global Diagnostic System 2) diagnostic system, configure the BCM-related information (interior lighting, wipers, window heating, lighting system, etc.), and clear the fault codes after the operation is completed.
    Note: Replacing a new BCM control unit involves anti-theft configuration. If the anti-theft information is not configured correctly, the vehicle may fail to start or trigger the security lock mode.