Best Way to Clone ECM?

[Flying4Fish]

I have a failing ECM so I've ordered a new one programmed with my VIN. I also bought HP Tuners MPVi3 and downloaded the Suite/Editor. I've got a 2010 LC9 and matching 6L80 transmission in my 1993 Land Rover Defender 130. The powertrain was custom tuned by a tune shop. I've read (and saved) the custom tune from the original ECM and the new ECM will arrive in a few days. Can I simply write the saved tune file to the new ECM, or do I need to compare the files and change all the settings on the new one to match the old one? It would be much easier for me, a tuning novice, to just write the original file to the new ECM (will that require a new license or credits?).

[blindsquirrel]

edit: 2nd try after engaging brain and actually reading the post

Read & save the file from the new ECM after it's installed. If the old & new are both programmed to the same VIN, and have the same OS ID, you can simply open the new file, and open the old file with 'Compare' and just right-click and 'Copy Over All Differences' will update everything that's been changed from the old file. Mostly. There are some things in the DTC list that don't get copied like that, you'll need to look through the DTCs to see if anything didn't get copied, and change them individually.

screenshot.20-07-2024 19.42.38.png

If the two files/ECMs have different OS IDs you will need to be more careful about what gets copied and what should stay the same. Thing to do is, when you have both files, post in the Gen 4 section, post the files, and you'll get more accurate answers (or some kind soul can just do it for you).

[blindsquirrel]

No, you can't write the old file to the new ECM.

[Flying4Fish]

edit: 2nd try after engaging brain and actually reading the post

Read & save the file from the new ECM after it's installed. If the old & new are both programmed to the same VIN, and have the same OS ID, you can simply open the new file, and open the old file with 'Compare' and just right-click and 'Copy Over All Differences' will update everything that's been changed from the old file. Mostly. There are some things in the DTC list that don't get copied like that, you'll need to look through the DTCs to see if anything didn't get copied, and change them individually.

screenshot.20-07-2024 19.42.38.png

If the two files/ECMs have different OS IDs you will need to be more careful about what gets copied and what should stay the same. Thing to do is, when you have both files, post in the Gen 4 section, post the files, and you'll get more accurate answers (or some kind soul can just do it for you).

Thank you for the reply. I looked at your screenshot...how do you tell HP Tuners which file you want to change when you are in the compare mode? I'm certain both ECMs will be programmed to the same VIN, but I don't know what "OS ID" is (operating system ID?).

[blindsquirrel]

Edit > Calibration Details
Compare > Open Compare File

[blindsquirrel]

Oh... which file? It can only make changes to the first file opened, it can't change anything in the file opened as 'Compare'.

[edcmat-l1]

Doubtful it's a "failing ECM". E38s are incredibly robust. Don't know if I've ever seen one truly fail. Well over 99% of the "failing ECMs" are a result of improper or incorrect diagnosis.