Evo problem to solve before upgrade

JIM JAMES · #1 Tue, October 20th, 2009, 12:31 PM

I guess this is to Bill:

Got my Evolution last year, in Ogden, drove on down to LA and had some "connection" problems. In short, from time to time, the unit would go out and if I wiggled it, would come back on. I talked to Casey at Edge, he thought it was the cable, I thought it was something in the unit. The problem never became so bad to push me to get it fixed, and I changed tune levels a number of times over the last year, no problems of note. Most recently, set at Tow. Now, when I turn the key on, it comes up "connecting to bridge" and stays there.

Now, I am assuming that Bill can help me fix that problem so I can set the truck (01 Excursion, 7.3, 122k) back to stock to send the unit in for programming.

Or do I need to talk to Edge?

Jim

***Jackpine*** · #2 Tue, October 20th, 2009, 04:22 PM

I'm not Bill, but it DOES sound like a cable problem. The "bridge" is a communications circuit built into that cable. I suspect you need a cable replacement.

However, you could try this: Unplug the cable from the OBDII port. Then, turn the ignition key to ON (don't start) and plug the cable back in. If this clears the problem, you'll at least be able to change tunes. If it doesn't, it won't hurt anything.

I'm sure Bill would appreciate you getting a new cable (if that's the problem) from Edge before you send the unit and the cable to him for the upgrade, but he MAY have an exchange deal with Edge set up too. He'll have to advise you on this.

- Jack

***88Racing*** · #3 Tue, October 20th, 2009, 04:41 PM

Probably contact edge first if no help then Bill.
As Jack stated in his post Bill is probably the best person for this job!
Also what Jack said about the cable possibly being faulty»I would try to get this fixed before any other complications arise.
Lars

***Power Hungry*** · #4 Tue, October 20th, 2009, 05:16 PM

As indicated by my fellow cohorts

, it definitely sounds cable related. One thing you absolutely want to do before proceeding any further:

Download and install Pegasus from our website.

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One installed, go to the Utilities Menu and select "Read Critical Files". This will save a copy of your VID (Vehicle ID) and stock calibration. This is critical because you have an Excursion and the PATS (Anti-Theft) information is stored in the VID block and if that gets lost or damaged, even if we recover the PCM you'll still have to get towed to the dealer to have the ignition keys reset.

Once that is complete, proceed with the following:

Disconnect and reconnect the cable to the unit.
Disconnect and reconnect the cable to the OBDII port.

Make sure when connecting to the OBDII port that the key is in the "on" position. This won't necessarily help the "Bridge" issue, but if you happen to get past that then you want to make sure the PCM is active so the programmer will pick up the HEX ID.

If none of those work, don't distress. PCM recovery is easy, so long as the hardware is functional. We can get Edge to send you a replacement cable/programmer and once you receive it we can affect a recovery of the PCM to get you back to stock.

Again, this is all assuming that you can't return the PCM to stock. If you get it restored, then just get Edge to send you a replacement cable and we can handle the rest from there.

Take care.

JIM JAMES · #5 Tue, October 20th, 2009, 08:11 PM

Thanks to all who made suggestions.

I did download and run Pegasus, did run the Critical Files (nothing showed on the screen box), did the connect and disconnect process (with the key on) and still get the Connecting to Bridge dialog and did not get past that.

I will call Edge in the morning (assuming I don't get called to work) and see where that goes. Again, thanks for the suggestions.

AND>>>>>>>>>> now that you mention it, Bill, that PAT system's idiosyncrasies may be the reason that, a couple of times when I reprogrammed, the vehicle would not start. I went in the house, came back out a few hours later and it started. Maybe because I clicked the lock and unlock buttons on the key, reset things to work???

Jim

***Power Hungry*** · #6 Wed, October 21st, 2009, 02:05 AM

Excursions are SUPER touchy about PATS. Usually walking away for a few minutes is all it takes for PATS to reset. There is a specific procedure for resetting PATS if it should happen to freak out during a programming session...

Inset key into ignition.
Turn Key "On".
Theft light will blink rapidly for about 1 minute.
Once Theft light starts blinking slowly (about once every 2 seconds) turn key off.
Remove key from ignition and keep at least 2 feet away from the steering column.
Wait 30 seconds.
Reinsert key and vehicle should now start.

Jim,

I wasn't thinking when I asked you to do the critical files download. I didn't have your model number supported in the programmer list so it didn't do anything. I added an update to Pegasus to include the current model numbers for Edge's units and it should work now. Just go to Updates and then Pegasus Update Manager. You should see an update for "models.edf" at v1.007. Apply the update and then try the Utilities --> Read Critical Files. This should download all the necessary files for recovery and store a copy on your computer.

Let me know if you have any further problems.