2.8L Duramax Colorado/Canyon
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      EFI Live 2.8L Duramax Spade Tune Installation Instructions

      We have streamlined the 2.8L Tuning Process! Tunes are now sent pre-loaded. HOWEVER, TO INSURE YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE PUT BACK TO STOCK YOU MUST READ YOUR STOCK FILES BEFORE FLASH. 

      Reading your stock file(s)

      1. Turn the key to the ON position (truck not running).

      2. Plug your Spade into the OBD2 port.

      3. On your Spade, toggle down to Tuning Tool and press ✔️.

      4. Select Read Tune by pressing ✔️.

      5.Select your vehicle (E98 for Engine / T43 for Transmission = 2.8L Duramax), press ✔️.

      6. Your stock files will take roughly 4-5 minutes to read.

      7. Once completed, you will be prompted to turn the key to the off position, do so, and press ✔️.

      8. Allow countdown to finish.

      9. If you read the ECM (E98), now proceed to read TCM (T43) by starting at step 2.

      10. Once finished, both files will be saved onto the device. DO NOT DELETE THEM

       

      To avoid corruption, please do not rename your read files.

      Installation:
      1. Turn the key to the run position (truck not running).

      2. Plug the SPADE into your truck using the OBD cable.

      3. Toggle down to Tuning Tool, press ✔️.

      4. Toggle to Program Full, press ✔️.

      5. Toggle down through the tune files to the tune you’d like to load, press ✔️.

      6. The SPADE will check to make sure the ECM/TCM is available for flashing.

      7. Your SPADE will ask you “License ECU?”. Press ✔️, and when you are asked “Are you sure?” Press ✔️ again.

      9. The SPADE will begin flashing. You will see messages such as “checking, erasing, and flashing” This is normal.

      10. Once the flash is complete the SPADE will display “Turn ignition off now”. Turn the key into the off position, and press ✔️.

      11. You will see a count down. Once the countdown is complete, you can proceed to flash the other module or can unplug the SPADE and start your vehicle.

       

      Tune Switching for a 16-18 truck using the SPADE:

      1. Make sure your DSP4 tune is installed.
      2. Plug the SPADE into your truck using the OBD cable with the ignition on.
      3. Toggle over to Tuning Tool, press ✔️.
      4. Toggle down to Switch Tunes, press ✔️.
      5. Toggle to DSP4 and press ✔️.
      6. Toggle down to the tune number you wish to switch to and press ✔️.
        (This can also be done with the switch itself plugged in)

      *If you get a Tune Switched Failed message reselect your tune and retry the tune loading operation.*

       

      Tune Switching for a 19-22 truck using the SPADE:

       

      1. Plug the SPADE into your truck using the OBD cable with the ignition on.
      2. Toggle over to Tuning Tool, press ✔️.
      3. Toggle down to Tune Tool, press ✔️. 
      4. Toggle down to Program Calibration and press ✔️. ( You may need to choose program full instead if this is your first time loading a tune)
      5. Toggle down to the tune file you wish to load, and press ✔️.
      6. Wait for tune to load and follow the onscreen prompts then you are good to go.
        (This process should take a few min)

      *If you get an error code please write it down and reach out to support.*

       

      If you need to retrieve your stock files:**GREAT IDEA FOR SAFE KEEPING***

      1. Download and install the most recent version of EFILive at www.efilive.com

      2. Plug your Spade unit into your PC

      3. Open EFILive Explorer

      3. You will notice a green checkmark on the bottom right of the program indicating that your Spade is connected.

      4. On the middle left of the program you will see a row of tabs, if it is not on F3: Data Files, click that tab.

      5. Beneath the tabs, you will see 4 file folders, click on the folder labeled Read.

      6. You will see your E98 and T43 files in this folder, go ahead and put each file onto your desktop for safe keeping and then email the stock files to stockfile@duramaxtuner.com.  Include your name, order number, and VIN number in the email.

       

      FOR UPDATES or customers who did not purchase hardware-->Loading modified tunes onto your Spade:

      1. Plug Spade into your PC

      2. Open EFILive Explorer

      3. Select the F3: Data Files tab

      4. Click the Tune folder located beneath the tabs

      5. Copy and paste your emailed modified tune into the white field to the right of the Tune folder.

      6. Once the progress bar disappears, your tunes will appear. You may now unplug your Spade unit.

      The DSP switch can be installed before or after the tune is flashed. If your tunes are loaded before you install your switch the truck defaults to the Optimized Stock tune. Your tunes are in the following positions: 1: Optimized Stock, 2: Tow Tune, 3: Street, 4: Sport. 

      DSP4 is not available on 19+ Trucks. 

       

       

      If you have any further questions or didn't find an answer to the question you had in this article, click here and fill out the form and one of our Remote Support experts will be in contact with you.