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How to flash your 2001-2010 Duramax
- 2006-2010 trucks please read off your stock tcm file before proceeding.
- In order to install your tune, you will need the following items: SPADE, and OBD2 cable.
- Please remove your electronic boost fooler and pressure box if you have one installed on your truck. It will negatively affect your truck's performance with our product.
- Turn off or remove any aftermarket electronics. These can interrupt the flash process and cause tune loading issues.
- Turn off auto headlamps and dome lights while flashing.
For 2001-2005 Trucks the following fuses under the hood should be removed prior to flashing to avoid voltage issues:
- Radio
- Radio amp
- Info/infotainment(not every truck will have this one)
- HVAC(some trucks will have multiple)
- 60amp ABS
- Lift pump
- Remote start (some installers will steal power from the OBD2 port, this would need to be disconnected prior to flashing)
- Anything else aftermarket(subs, navigation, steps, etc.)
A battery tender/ charger can be used during the flash as an added safety
To put your truck back to stock follow the same process, but select your "Stock" files.
ECM Tune Installation:
1. Turn the key two clicks forward to the On position (engine off)
2. Plug the SPADE into your truck using the OBD cable
3. Press ✔ to get to the main menu
4. Toggle over to Tune Tool, press ✔
5. Press ✔ on Tuning
6. Press ✔ on Program Full
7. Toggle down through the tune files to the ECM tune you’d like to load, press ✔
8. The SPADE will check to make sure the ECM is available for flashing.
9. If you receive a code, please refer to the Cummins or Duramax Trouble Code Descriptions and Fixes section located in this manual.
10. The first time you load the tune your SPADE will ask you “License ECU?”. Press ✔, and when you are asked “Are you sure?” Press ✔ again.
11. The SPADE will now start to flash the tune on your truck. You will see various messages such as “checking, erasing, and flashing” This is normal.
12. Once the flash is complete. Turn the key into the off position, and press X.
DO NOT turn the vehicle ignition on until the countdown timer expires. This time is critical to allow the ECM to perform internal functions after a read or write operation.
13. You will see a countdown. Once the countdown is complete you can unplug the SPADE and start your vehicle.
TCM Tune Installation:
LBZ trucks will need to send in your stock A40 read prior to tuning
To put your truck back to stock follow the same process, but select your "Stock" files.
TCM Tune Installation:
1. Turn the key two clicks forward to the On position (engine off)
2. Plug the SPADE into your truck using the OBD cable
3. Press ✔ to get to the main menu (do this if you just plugged in the spade)
4. Toggle over to Tune Tool, press ✔
5. Press ✔ on Tuning
6. Press ✔ on Program Calibration
7. Toggle down through the tune files to the MOD TCM tune you’d like to load, press ✔
8. The SPADE will check to make sure the TCM is available for flashing.
9. If you receive a code, please refer to the Cummins or Duramax Trouble Code Descriptions and Fixes section located in this manual.
10. The SPADE will now start to flash the tune on your truck. You will see various messages such as “checking, erasing, and flashing” This is normal.
11. Once the flash is complete. Turn the key into the off position, and press X.
DO NOT turn the vehicle ignition on until the countdown timer expires. This time is critical to allow the ECM to perform internal functions after a read or write operation.
12. You will see a countdown. Once the countdown is complete you can unplug the SPADE and start your vehicle.
The DSP5 switch can be installed before or after the tune is flashed. It is good practice to test that the truck runs prior to loading the tunes once your switch is installed. If your truck does not run, please check your ECM connections.
If your tunes are loaded before you install your switch the truck will default to the Optimized Stock tune.
Your tunes are in the following positions:
1. Optimized Stock
2. Heavy Tow
3. Light Tow
4. Street
5. Sport/Max Effort
Useful Links:
Moving files between your spade and windows computer
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