There is a bit of confusion in our industry with the two words: reflash and relearn. Personally, I think it is the industry’s fault. As an industry, we use many words that mean the same thing. Also, use words that seem the same but in actuality, they are not.
For example, the word reflash can be referred to as a program, reprogram, flash, flash tune, tune, remapping, upload, download, pass-thru, new software, new firmware, and coding. It is also mistakenly referred to as relearn, hence the confusion - but wait, there’s more!
The word relearn can be referred to as a learn, reset, change setting, adjust, calibration, recalibration, and refresh.
Some folks use these two words synonymously, although they do not mean the same thing.
To make matters worse, each OEM approaches and categorises these various relearns differently. Depending on the OEM, they might be found under functional tests, output controls, special functions, actuator tests, or module setup.
I explored the word reflash a bit and discovered a whole different meaning.
Our middle son, Rob, dreamed of being a firefighter since he was a young boy. He volunteered as soon as he was old enough, then went full time a few years later. He has been trained and now trains his team to avoid reflash. The definition below comes from a training manual for firefighters:
re·flash: A rekindling and bursting into flame. Prevent possible reflash by cooling the hot surface and any glowing material—Training Manual for Auxiliary Firemen
Rob has had years of training in putting out fires in such a way that reduces the chance of a reflash. He also uses the term, reignite. Because of that training and experience his team rarely has a reflash. Think about how dangerous a reflash would be without proper training.
Why in the world am I talking to you about firefighters and their training? Well, number one, I am proud of Rob and his accomplishments as he has worked his way up to Captain.
Number two, just as firemen needs training and experience, success with reflashing a vehicle’s computer depends on a technician’s training and experience, because a wrong move could render the vehicle immobile
You know when you experience your mobilephone or laptop notifying you of an update from time to time? The update actually replaces the existing software/firmware in your device with an updated version. It sends the update from the manufacturer through the cloud, to your device. The updated version of software will enhance something or maybe many things about your phone or laptop. It may even correct an issue.
That is what a reflash is to a vehicle’s computer. By replacing the existing software with updated OEM software, drivability or emission issues and more can be fixed. Most often a TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) will have led you to the conclusion that a reflash is needed.
To Reflash a vehicle computer requires a J2534 PASS-THRU device, a Windows® computer, an internet connection, access to the manufacturer's website, a license to download the manufacturer’s files, and a regulated battery supply - at minimum!
The device is the interface between a PC or laptop and the vehicle’s OBD connector. The new software from the OEM is delivered through the internet to the PC or laptop. Then the software will pass through to the vehicle’s computer.
Most professional technicians and workshop owners would never want to tie up a scan tool to do a reflash which could take up to an hour. A separate J2534 PASS-THRU device, is the most efficient way to handle the job.
As I have already mentioned, success with reflashing a vehicle’s computer depends on a technician’s training and experience. We already mentioned how dangerous a reflash could be in a house fire. Reflashing a computer on a vehicle can be quite dangerous as well (not in a life threatening way) to the vehicle’s computer network. Proper training and experience can reduce that danger. Each OEM’s reflashing process is unique. The software that is downloaded to your PC or laptop when the operating software for the PASS-THRU device is installed is called the J2534 Toolbox®. Note the training options and videos available.
So I hope it is obvious that reflash has nothing to do with relearn. Relearn/resets are done through a scan tool. Make sure your scan tool has the latest software update to ensure the vehicles you’re working on with secure gateways requiring Security Link™ are accessible.
The word relearn reminds me of an old friend of mine named Buddy. We used to play back porch music together. Buddy was a great banjo, mandolin and guitar player. He also was a wood worker. I think he might have been a better musician than wood worker because he kept losing fingers! Each time he would lose a digit he would have to “relearn” how to make a chord with the fingers he had left. Eventually he only had one finger and a thumb left on his left hand.
I feared that our back porch pickin’ days were done. Buddy did another “relearn” and bought a Dobro®, similar to a slide steel guitar. He was able to hold the slide with his index finger and a thumb. To the back porch we go.
Similar to having to relearn how to make a chord after a major change, a vehicle’s computer needs to relearn after a major change. The vehicle’s computer and the electronic components in its network are like a family. If a component gets replaced, there is a new family member in the network. A relearn must take place to “introduce” the new family member to the network (the family.) I call it a handshake. Think of a relearn as a handshake, introducing the new member to the rest. You shake hands and are welcomed to the family.
Looking at a Snap-on® TRITON-D10™ scan tool, I can see all available resets and relearns available with one push of a button. The vehicle seen below shows 68 different resets and relearns available.
Below is a partial list of the 68 components that would require a relearn. It’s no big deal, as you just hit a button in most cases and it is done. What is a big deal is knowing when I need to do one. This TRITON-D10™ has a very useful feature called Fast-Track® Intelligent Diagnostics where it will filter through those 68 resets and relearns and only list what is relevant to the trouble code. Talk about saving time.
In the sample below with a P0300 code requiring a crankshaft position sensor (CKP) replacement, the only thing we need to do is a CKP variation relearn. Failure to do this will probably result in a check engine light or a comeback.
Reflash and relearn are two vastly different procedures. Use TSBs and OEM level repair information like Snap-on Information System® to determine the need for a reflash. Use Fast-Track Intelligent Diagnostics or the master list of available resets and relearns to see what might be needed, based on what was replaced.
Ok, I am headed to the back porch to pick a while.