Chip-Tools

ITDEENBGES

Reading and writing ECUs and TCUs on the bench with the Distribution Box (without opening the unit)

"Bench" mode reads and writes ECUs and TCUs with a direct connection to the unit's pins through the Abrites Distribution Box, without having to open it or solder anything. It's the method most used today by anyone doing ECU replacement, tuning and key programming, particularly on Bosch EDC17 Tricore units.

Procedure

1. Set up the hardware chain: AVDI connected to the PC, ZN151 connected to the AVDI via the CB402, 12V supply ready (ZN074 or bench power supply).
2. With the DB15 cable disconnected from power, wire the ECU using the manual's pinouts and the CB401 or CB403 cable, starting from GND and then all the other wires.
3. Connect the DB15 to the Distribution Box and only at this point feed the box with external 12V.
4. Start the ECU Programming Tool, choose "Bench" and select the type of unit you want to work on.
5. For Bosch MEDC17 units select "TC17xx Internal Flash", "TC17xx External Flash" or "TC17xx data Flash": the software detects the Tricore processor type automatically.
6. For the other units supported on the bench use the correct cable: Bosch MG/MD TC2xx with the CB023 (BMW MD/MG ECU Connection Cable); Bosch MG1/MD1 SPC with the CB030 (Mercedes-Benz MD/MG) or with the CB403; Bosch ZF 8HP TCUs with the ZN079; MB VGSNAG2-FDCT and VGSNAG3 9G-tronic are supported as well.
7. Press "Info" to check communication and the type of unit detected.
8. Press "Read" to read internal/external Program Flash and Data Flash and save the files to the PC as a backup.
9. Press "Write" to write the files to the target unit, typically when you're replacing one ECU with another.
10. If the read fails on the bench too, the only route left is "BSL" mode (boot mode), which means opening the ECU and soldering the boot pin.

Reference screenshots