Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Service
Category Engine/Hybrid System

Section Emission Control Market USA

Applicability

YEAR(S) MODEL(S) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

2001 - 2020 CT200H, ES300H, ES330,

ES350, GS F, GS200T,
GS300, GS350, GS430,
GS450H, GS460, GX460,
GX470, HS250H, IS F,
IS200T, IS250, IS250C,
IS300, IS350, IS350C,
LC500, LC500H, LFA,
LS430, LS460, LS500,
LS500H, LS600H, LX470,
LX570, NX200T, NX300,
NX300H, RC F, RC200T,
RC300, RC350, RX300,
RX330, RX350, RX400H,
RX450H, SC430, UX200,
UX250H

REVISION NOTICE
July 01, 2019 Rev1:
 Applicability has been updated to include 2019 – 2020 model year Lexus vehicles.
 The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated.
Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded.

SUPERSESSION NOTICE
The information contained in this bulletin supersedes Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14.
 Applicability has been updated to include applicable 2018 models and 2016 – 2018 model year
RC 300 and 2015 – 2018 model year RC 350 vehicles.
 Applicability has been updated to exclude 2001 – 2003 model year ES 300 vehicles.
Service Bulletin No. L-SB-0021-14 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded.
Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding.

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Introduction

Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated without
replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as
field-fix procedures described in individual Service Bulletins. This bulletin details the Techstream
ECU flash reprogramming process and outlines the use of the Technical Information System (TIS)
and the Calibration Update Wizard (CUW). Flash calibration updates can only be applied to the
vehicle/ECU combination for which they are intended. ECUs have internal security that will not
allow them to be programmed with another ECU’s information.
NOTE
ECU is a Lexus term used to describe integrated computerized devices responsible for managing the
operation of a system or subsystem. For the purposes of this bulletin, the term ECU is used as a generic
label for the following SAE J1930 standard references:
 Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
 Engine Control Module (ECM)
 Transmission Control Module (TCM)
 Any other Lexus-specific control unit

Warranty Information

OP CODE DESCRIPTION TIME OFP T1 T2

N/A Not Applicable to Warranty – – – –

Parts Information

PART NUMBER
PART NAME QTY
PREVIOUS NEW

00451-00001-LB L Authorized Modifications Label 1

NOTE
Authorized Modifications Labels may be ordered in packages of 25 from the Materials
Distribution Center (MDC) through Dealer Daily – Parts – Dealer Support Materials Orders.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Required Tools & Equipment

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER PART NUMBER QTY

Techstream ADVi* TSADVUNIT

Techstream 2.0 TS2UNIT
ADE 1
Techstream Lite TSLITEPDLR01
Techstream Lite (Green Cable) TSLP2DLR01

*Essential SST.

NOTE
 Only ONE of the Techstream units listed above is required.
 Software version 14.10.028 or later is required.
 Additional Techstream units may be ordered by calling Approved Dealer
Equipment (ADE) at 1-800-368-6787.
 Use Techstream or an approved J2534 interface to perform flash reprogramming updates. Visit
techinfo.toyota.com for more information regarding J2534 reprogramming.

SPECIAL SERVICE TOOLS (SST) PART NUMBER QTY

Battery Diagnostic Tool* DCA-8000P T 1

*Essential SST.

NOTE
Additional SSTs may be ordered by calling 1-800-933-8335.

Techstream Preparation
Select the Correct User Type

The appropriate user type MUST be selected for Techstream to function correctly.
Perform the following: Figure 1.

1. Select Setup from the Techstream main

menu screen.
2. Select Techstream Configuration from the
Setup dropdown menu.
3. Select the area and language.
4. Input information and select US Dealer 1
from the User Type dropdown menu.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Techstream Preparation (continued)

Select the Correct VIM

Techstream software requires a VIM selection before it can be used for reprogramming.
Perform the following: Figure 2.

5. Select Setup from the Techstream main

menu screen.

6. Select VIM Select from the Setup

dropdown menu.

7. Select the correct interface setup from the dropdown list.

 If using Techstream ADVi, select MongoosePro MFC2.
 If using Techstream 2.0, select MongoosePro MFC.
 If using Techstream Lite, select MongoosePro MFC (blue or updated clear case), or
MongoosePro MFC2 (green case) depending on the cable being used.

NOTE
Mongoose Driver MUST be installed before Mongoose selections will be available.
See TIS – Diagnostics – Scantool page for additional information.

8. Click OK.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Process Overview

Techstream ECU flash reprogramming is a four-step process:

1. Verify the vehicle’s applicability for recalibration and locate the desired calibration file by
performing the Techstream Health Check function.
NOTE
Techstream will automatically search TIS for the appropriate Service Bulletin using the current
calibration ID from the vehicle if the PC is connected to the Network (see figures below).
Calibration file links can be found embedded in the corresponding Service Bulletin.

Figure 3. Not Connected to a Network Figure 4. Connected to a Network

2. Connect the DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool using “Power Supply Mode” ONLY.
The DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool includes a power supply mode to help maintain battery
voltage at 13.5V during ECU reprogramming.

NOTICE
 ECU damage may occur if the correct battery charger mode setting is NOT used.
 Refer to Vehicle Reprogramming Tips for other approved chargers, located at
TIS – Diagnostics – Reprogramming – Reference Documents.

3. Locate the appropriate calibration ID and reprogram the vehicle ECU with Techstream.
Techstream uses the CUW application to open calibration files and facilitate the ECU flash
reprogramming process.

4. Attach the Authorized Modifications Label.

Modifications to ECU calibrations MUST be recorded and properly displayed on the vehicle
using the Authorized Modifications Label.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure

1. Verify the vehicle’s applicability for recalibration and locate the desired calibration file.
A. Connect Techstream and establish a vehicle connection.
B. Click the Health Check button on the Figure 5.
System Select tab.

Figure 6.
C. Choose the desired ECU group(s) in
the Health Check dialog box, then
click Next.

D. Click Continue to view the Health Figure 7.

Check results.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

E. Available calibration updates are indicated by a Yes link in the Calibration Update column.
Click the Yes link to access the appropriate Service Bulletin on TIS.

NOTE
 Note ANY DTCs stored in systems that will be flash reprogrammed.
 Clicking the Yes link will automatically launch TIS and perform a calibration search.

Figure 8.

F. Log in to TIS. (If already logged in, skip this step.)

Figure 9.
G. To review the Service Bulletin and
access the calibration file, click the
Service Bulletin link in the Document
Title column of the calibration search
result portlet.

NOTE
ONLY Lexus Certified Technicians and
other authorized users may access
calibration files.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

2. Connect the DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool.

NOTE
Refer to Vehicle Reprogramming Tips for other approved chargers, located at TIS –Diagnostics –
Reprogramming – Reference Documents.

A. Connect the DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool to the vehicle and turn it ON.

B. Select Power Supply Mode.

NOTICE
 ECU damage may occur if the correct battery charger and mode setting are NOT used.
 Power Supply Mode is used to maintain battery voltage at 13.5V while flash
reprogramming the vehicle.
 For details on how to use the DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool, refer to the
DCA-8000 Instruction Manual located at TIS – Diagnostics – Tools & Equipment –
Battery Diagnostics.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

3. Click the appropriate calibration ID and reprogram the vehicle’s ECU with Techstream.
A. AFTER reviewing the procedures outlined in the selected Service Bulletin, click the
appropriate calibration ID link by matching the vehicle’s current calibration ID to the
Previous Calibration ID in the Calibration Identification Chart.

NOTE
 Calibration files are embedded as live links in the Service Bulletin.
 Some vehicles require special preparation. Review the selected Service Bulletin carefully.

Figure 10.

B. Click Open to load the calibration Figure 11.

file information.

NOTE
Techstream downloads calibration files as
needed to ensure the latest calibration file
is used. Do NOT save calibrations locally
on the hard drive or other media.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

NOTICE
Errors during the flash reprogramming process can permanently damage the vehicle ECU.
Minimize the risk by following the steps below.
 Battery voltage MUST NOT FALL BELOW 11.8V during reprogramming. Confirm battery
voltage is higher than 11.8V, but be sure voltage DOES NOT RISE ABOVE 16.0V
during reprogramming.
 Turn OFF ALL vehicle accessories (audio system, A/C, interior lights, DRL, etc.).
Do NOT add to or significantly change the vehicle’s electrical load while reprogramming.
 Confirm the hood is open and ensure under-hood temperature does NOT exceed 158°F (70°C).
 Confirm cable connections between the vehicle and Techstream are secure.
 Do NOT disconnect or turn off Techstream or vehicle ignition during reprogramming.
 Set parking brake.
 Complete ALL flash calibration updates provided for each ECU.
 If the battery’s State-Of-Charge (SOC) or capacity is in question, test with
SST No. DSS-5000P T (Battery Diagnostic Tool), and follow the DSS-5000 Instruction Manual
located at TIS – Diagnostics – Tools & Equipment – Battery Diagnostics.
 The DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool MUST be used in Power Supply Mode to maintain battery
voltage at 13.5V while flash reprogramming the vehicle.
For details on how to use the DCA-8000 battery diagnostic tool, refer to the
DCA-8000 Instruction Manual located at TIS – Diagnostics – Tools & Equipment –
Battery Diagnostics.

C. Click Next to start the calibration Figure 12.

update process.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

D. Confirm the following:

 PC is connected to VIM
 VIM is connected to DLC3 connector
 Ignition is ON and engine is OFF or “READY” OFF (hybrid vehicles)
Then, click Next.

Figure 13. Using Techstream 2.0 or Techstream Lite

1 Select Correct Device Tool (“MongooseMFC,” “MongoosePro MFC,” or “MongoosePro MFC2” [green])

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

E. Verify correct current and NEW Figure 14.

calibration information, then click Next.

NOTICE
 The total number of calibration IDs
in the calibration file corresponds
to the number of reprogrammable
processors in the ECU.
 Each calibration file may contain
up to three separate calibrations.
 Figure 15 shows an example of
the update procedure for a
two-processor ECU.

F. Turn ignition OFF, then click Next. Figure 15.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

G. Confirm the following: Figure 16.

 PC is connected to VIM
 Ignition is ON and engine is OFF or
“READY” OFF (hybrid vehicles)
 Hood is open
 ALL accessories are OFF
 Battery voltage is above 11.8V

NOTICE
Verify the vehicle is connected to a
battery charger before continuing.
If battery voltage falls below 11.8V,
ECU damage may occur.

Then, click Start.

NOTE
If the key cycle is NOT done properly, reprogramming will stop at 10% and Cal 1 will fail to load.

Do NOT disturb the vehicle during flash Figure 17.

reprogramming.

NOTE
 ECU flash reprogramming may take
3 – 30 minutes per calibration file.
 Reprogramming time will vary
depending on model and ECU
communication protocol. Vehicles using
CAN communication protocol will
reprogram much faster (2 – 7 minutes).

Does the vehicle require only ONE calibration update?

 YES — Go to substep M.
 NO — If the vehicle requires a SECOND calibration update, continue as follows:
 For serial communication vehicles, continue to substep H.
 For CAN communication vehicles, go to substep J.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

H. When Cal 1 completes the update Figure 18.

process, turn the ignition OFF for
a minimum of 10 seconds, then
click Next.

I. Turn the ignition to the ON position, Figure 19.

then click Start.

NOTE
If the key cycle is NOT done properly,
reprogramming will stop at 10% and Cal 2
will fail to load.

J. Do NOT disturb the vehicle during flash Figure 20.

reprogramming.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

K. Turn the ignition OFF for a minimum of Figure 21.

10 seconds, then click Next.

L. Turn the ignition to the ON position, Figure 22.

then click Next.

M. Confirm ALL calibrations were updated Figure 23.

as specified in the Service Bulletin, then
click Finish.

NOTE
On some models, DTCs may set as a result of reprogramming. If DTCs are present, clear codes
and run the Health Check again. Troubleshoot ANY remaining current, pending, or history codes.
Permanent codes will NOT be cleared using Techstream. Permanent codes do NOT illuminate
the MIL and do NOT require troubleshooting. They will clear during normal driving once the
Universal Trip Drive Pattern is performed.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA

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Techstream ECU Flash Reprogramming Procedure

Operation Procedure (continued)

4. Attach the Authorized Modifications Label.

A. Using a permanent marker or ballpoint pen, complete the Authorized Modifications Label
and attach it to the vehicle. The Authorized Modifications Label is available through the
MDC, P/N 00451-00001-LBL.

Figure 24.

1 Replacement ECU Part Num ber 4 Date Com pleted

2 Calibration ID(s) 5 Service Bulletin or Campaign Num ber

3 Dealer Code

B. Attach the Authorized Modifications Label under the hood in the location determined by
the specific Service Bulletin or Campaign.
NOTE
Wait 60 – 90 seconds for ink to set before handling.

© 2019 Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA