Alright heres the deal...so I was in the process of becoming a BETA tester for the flash tuner but we've run into a problem. The method used for flashing the Ion ECM differs from the Cobalt (of course!) so there has been a little delay. Vince from Trifecta has attempted to flash the ECM with the help of a Tech 2 and this failed as well.

He belives the Ion ECM has an additional module called a VCM which works in conjunction with the ECM (Cobalts do not have this)...his theory is that the Tech2 must first speak with this module before getting access to the ECM.

So bottom line is, they need someone from the Seattle, WA area to be willing to help out by letting Trifecta test the flasher out on their car before they can go further.

So, if any of you Cobalt guys have friends with 05-06 2.2 Ions send them Vince's way and help a brotha out!

 

Shoot I dont know of any 2.2 Ions in our group.

 

I think thats another reason us Ion redlines have such a hard time tuning. Vince is having trouble with adding timing and reducing ECT, he said the SS's were at like 170 and the RL's were at like 180. But i dunno they are kinds different so maybe we have different ECM prgorammers, or something.

 

i'll look around for an ion 2.2 to come up there with me.

 

I looked in SI and according to GM, the only computers are the following:

ECM - located near the coolant tank
Electronic Brake Control - left side of engine compartment, near ECM
BCM - Under dash, near HVAC
Transmission control module - left rear of engine compartment, near strut tower (which a Cobalt has)

No reference to a VCM per GM schematics

Also, VCM and ECM are usually interchangeable term-wise.

Not doubting Vince, just don't see the mysterious module in the 05 Ion 2.2

Now, there is a VCIM - Vehicle Communication Interface Module - which is used for cell phones, however it does transmit/receive data over the class 2 serial wire, presumably to the BCM only. It is only available on vehicles with option code UE1.

Here's the full breakdown of components... hopefully it helps some

http://projectwyldfyre.com/tech/l61e...onent_list.pdf <-- 141k, 27 pages

 

sweet, thanks for the info

yeah I'm just relaying the info I was told I haven't dove into this myself at all

he told me when he tried to flash the ECU with the help of the TechII that he wasn't getting any response at all. it would just sit and do nothing so hes thinking there is some module or interface that needs to give the okay to access the ECU

I'm vaugely remembering the convo but he did mention something about class 2 with the Cobalts but said Ions were different and did not use this...?

when are you going? that'd be sweet...we have someone that would be willing but it wont be til atleast a month from now

 

I can do it, as Jerry said, but I'll be coming from Yakima and it won't be till about the 2nd week of July. So if you guys find someone else please post up, and let me know.....

Tony