Principles of Operation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Lincoln Town Car. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Configurable modules accommodate a variety of vehicle options, eliminating the need for many unique modules for one vehicle line. These modules must be configured when replaced as part of a repair procedure.

Configurable modules should not be exchanged between vehicles since the settings are unique to each vehicle. Failure to configure a new module may result in improper operation and/or any of the following DTCs setting:

The following are the 3 different methods of configuration:

Programmable module installation (PMI)
Module reprogramming ("flashing")
Programmable parameters

Some modules do not support all 3 methods.

Definition of Terms

The following are definitions of configuration terms:

Programmable Module Installation (PMI)

PMI is a scan tool process which configures settings in a new module. Data used for the PMI process is automatically downloaded from the original module and stored when a scan tool session is started. If this data cannot be retrieved from the module being replaced, the scan tool may prompt for As-Built data entry or display a list of parameter values that need to be manually selected. Some modules are reprogrammed during PMI when a strategy/calibration update is available. To carry out PMI, refer to Programmable Module Installation (PMI) .

NOTE: It is important that the scan tool identifies the vehicle and obtains configuration data prior to removing any modules. The new module must be able to communicate with the scan tool in order to carry out PMI.

Module Reprogramming

Module reprogramming (also referred to as "flashing") is a scan tool process which updates the strategy/calibration in a module. Module reprogramming is automatically carried out during PMI when a later strategy/calibration is available.

NOTE: Module reprogramming should be limited to circumstances where a published TSB procedure recommends doing so.

NOTE: A module cannot communicate with other modules on the communication network while being reprogrammed. Clear any network communication DTCs which may have been set in other modules during the reprogramming process.

Adaptive Learning and Calibration

Some modules require a separate learning procedure be carried out if replaced as part of a repair procedure. For adaptive learning and calibration instructions, refer to the specific module removal and installation procedures.

Vehicle Identification (VID) Block

Some PCMs contain a memory area called a vehicle identification (VID) block. The PCM VID block commonly stores powertrain configuration items such as VIN, tire size, axle ratio, and whether or not the vehicle is equipped with speed control.

As-Built Data

As-Built data is a VIN specific module configuration record. During vehicle build, the configuration from all modules is downloaded and stored in the As-Built database. As Built data will not reflect customer preference items that have been changed from the default state. These items will need to be changed using programmable parameters after the module is configured.

NOTE: It is not necessary to obtain As-Built data unless directed to do so by the scan tool. This data may be accessed from the technician service publication website.

The following chart lists module As-Built data addresses:

The following chart describes specific module programming information:

MODULE CONFIGURATION AND PARAMETER CHART

Module Name	Module Address	Requires PMI	Requires Adaptive Learning	Requires Calibration	Available Programmable Parameters
ABS module	760	Yes	No	No	Tire size
DDM	A0	Yes	Yes	No	Autolock Auto-unlock Tire placard pressure
DSM	A2	Yes	No	No	Easy entry enable/disable
HVAC module	98	Yes	Yes	No	None
IC	720	Yes	Yes	No	None
LCM	70	No	Yes	No	Daytime running lamps (DRL) Turn signal warning chime
Liftgate/trunk module (LTM)	AF	Yes	No	No	None
Parking aid module (PAM)	B2	No	No	No	None
PCM	7E0	Yes	Yes	Yes	Speed control Tire size Axle ratio
RATC module	99	Yes	Yes	No	None
RCM	58	Yes	Yes	Seat weight sensor re-zero	Driver Belt-Minder® Passenger Belt-Minder®
Vehicle dynamics module (VDM)	721	No	No	No	None