Common EFILive Trouble Code Descriptions and Fixes

This article will give definition to the EFILive error code you are receiving as well as tips an tricks to try and resolve the issue.

$0101 - No Data Received 

This code means that the EFILive device has tried to communicate with the vehicle and was not able to.

This can be caused by a USB or OBDII cable that is not connected properly, a faulty or damaged cable, or a bad ECM, TCM, or PCM depending on what your trying to communicate with.

To try and fix this issue make sure all your cables are connected properly and making good connection.  You can try another USB port on your computer if you have one.  Make sure your key is 2 clicks forward, in the on position, engine not running.   Make sure your EFILive device is up to date, if not update your device.

 

$0106 - Received data contained parameters that were out of range. Firmware may need updating.  

Make sure your EFILive device is up to date.  Check boot block, firmware, and update your bbx settings.  This can be done under the Check Firmware tab or Control Panel tab in EFILive V8 Scan and tune.   

 

$0194 - Write failure.

Usually, this means that the target file system is full.
If you are programming BBX configuration data, try reformatting the Config file system using the drop-down option on the [Program] button. Then [Program] the BBX configuration data again.
If you are copying tune files or a BBX Quick Setup file to the device, check that the SD Card (or FlashScan’s or AutoCal’s internal memory) has enough free space.
If you are reading a tune or black box logging, check that the SD Card (or FlashScan’s or AutoCal’s internal memory) has enough free space.

 

$0281 - No data received or key is not in the run position.

FlashScan or SPADE did not receive valid data from the connected vehicle, check all cables and connections. Make sure ignition is turned on to the run position. Make sure the vehicle is supported by EFILive. Remove/disable all aftermarket electronics.

 

$0333 - Security Access Denied.

The controller has either not been successfully unlocked or has re-armed itself prior to FlashScan or AutoCal making a secure request.

When using V8 pass-thru reading and/or flashing, try selecting “Assume Lock may be Faulty” and “Try Alt Keys” and retry the operation. 

 

$0335 - Invalid Key

Controller is locked with a customer key.  Try to pass through flash the controller using V8 Scan and tune, try selecting "Try Common Alternative Keys", "Assume Lock may be Faulty" and " Try Alt Keys".  If the controller still will not flash it is possible that the ecm was locked by a previous tuner or the lock in the controller has gone bad and EFILive is not able to unlock the controller.

 

$0340 - Download Not Accepted.

For Cummins controllers: Controller contains security to prevent modified tunes being programmed. For other controllers, Internal. For Cummins controllers: Re-flash ECM with a stock file to make ECM operational again.

For other controllers, contact EFILive if this error persists. 

 

$050B - Script file not supported by the current firmware version.

The script file uses features not available in the current firmware. Update your Firmware and BBX settings. See Update SPADE Firmware and Update BBX Settings for further instructions.

 

$050C - Operation not supported.

A read operation was attempted for a controller that does not support reading, or
A flash operation was attempted for a controller that does not support flashing.

This error will be displayed if the controller’s read or flash script file (*.obj) cannot be found in the device’s [Config] file system when performing black box reading or flashing.
If the respective operation is documented as being supported for the controller type, try re-programming the device’s BBX settings via the [F5: BBX] window.  See Update SPADE Firmware and Update BBX Settings for further instructions.

 

$0502 - BBX settings have been corrupted.

The script (*.obj) file does not exist on the device. You will need to make sure your device boot block and firmware are updated, as well as load/update BBX settings on your SPADE. See Update SPADE Firmware and Update BBX Settings for further instructions.

 

$0503 - Script file not valid

The script (*.obj) file is corrupt.  You will need to make sure your device boot block and firmware are updated, as well as load/update BBX settings on your SPADE. See Update SPADE Firmware and Update BBX Settings for further instructions.

 

$0521 - Cannot read from tune file.

This is usually caused by a tune file that has been corrupted.  A tune file can get corrupted when downloading or uploading the file sometimes if the file does not get copied over all the way. You will need to remove that tune file from your device.  Then, try to re-download the file and load the new download onto your device.  If this error persists the tune file may need to be sent to you again.

 

$0525 - Tune file is not compatible with current software version.

The EFILive software and/or the FlashScan or AutoCal firmware does not recognize the tune file format.  To fix this click here and download the latest version of EFILive V8.  Once you have downloaded and installed this program, make sure your boot block, firmware, and BBX settings are up to date.  See Update SPADE Firmware and Update BBX Settings for further instructions.

 

$0530 - Flashscan/AutoCal device license mismatch.

The author of the tune file has restricted the devices that can be used to flash this file by specifying a device license number in the security settings of the file.  This code may be caused by a spade device that is not linked to us or a mismatch in license numbers between your device and the file being used.  Contact your tune provider to get a link code or to determine the licensing on your device.

 

$0532 - Controller need to be licensed before flashing.

An attempt was made to program a controller before it was licensed.  In order to flash the selected file you first need to license the controller to your spade device.  Once this is done you will then be able to flash the selected file.

 

$0533 - No VIN-license slots available.

An attempt was made to license a controller when no free VIN licenses slots were available.  Additional VIN license slots can be purchased for FlashScan devices from Duramaxtuner or Calibrated Power. For further information on ordering a vin license or adding a vin license check out the following links.

Info needed to order a vin license. 

Adding a vin license to your device.

 

$0534 - Invalid Serial Number.

An attempt was made to program and license a controller that had a corrupt serial number.  It is possible for the serial number to appear corrupt due to a data transfer failure. Retry the operation a few times, if the error continues to occur then the serial number probably is corrupt. 
In that case, (for LB7 & LLY controllers) use the EFILive Tuning Tool software to full-flash your stock file onto the controller to restore the serial number.

 

$0535 - AutoCal is not yet linked to a FlashScan.

See also error $010D. An attempt was made to program a controller using an AutoCal device that has not yet been linked to its parent FlashScan device. All AutoCal devices must be linked to a parent FlashScan device before they can be used to re-flash any controller.  If you have not received one already, you will need to reach out to your tuner to get a link code and link your autocal device to your tuner.

 

$0536 - Tune file is not registered to this AutoCal device.

An attempt was made to program a controller with a tune file that is not linked to this AutoCal device. AutoCal devices may only be used to flash tune files that have been specifically created for that SPADE device. Please contact customer service to resolve this issue.

 

$0537 - Controller is locked with a custom key.

An attempt was made to read or program a controller that cannot be unlocked using the standard GM keys. If you know the truck has been tuned before, contact the tuning company to have your ECM unlocked. A locked ECM will not accept a tune from anyone until it has been unlocked. You can also try to pass through flash the ECM and check the boxes "Try Common Alternative Keys", "Assume Lock may be Faulty" and " Try Alt Keys" and try the flash again. If you can’t get your ECM unlocked you will need to purchase another ECM.

 

$0539 - Tune file does not allow full flashing.

The selected file does not support full flashing and can only be calibration flashed. If the file is a .coz it must be Cal flashed. If you need to full flash the file contact your tuner for a new file that allows full flashing.

 

$053B - Flashscan/AutoCal device serial mismatch.

The author of the tune file has restricted the device that can be used to flash this file by specifying a device serial number in the security settings of the file.  Contact the author of the tune file to obtain a file that can be flashed using the target FlashScan or AutoCal device.

 

$053C - Tune file does not allow calibration flashing.

The author of the tune file has flagged the file to prevent calibration flashing. The file may only be full-flashed.

 

$053E - VIN security restriction in *.ctz file does not match controller's VIN.

The author of the tune file has restricted the controllers into which this tune file can be flashed by specifying a VIN pattern in the security settings of the file.  If you get this error code it may be that the controller lost the vehicles vin, a file that is not for that vin may be trying to be flashed, or the vin was given wrong when the tune order was placed.  Verify your vin number to the vin number in the file you are trying to flash. If they do not match contact your tune provider to fix this issue.

 

$0540 - Incompatible operating system.

An attempt was made to program a controller with a tune file containing an incompatible operating system.  Check that the tune file being programmed has a compatible operating system with the controller being programmed.  If it is not compatible contact your tuner for the correct file.

 

$0548 - Flash checksum failed.

The data programmed into the controller has been corrupted. Retry the flash procedure.  If this error keeps occurring contact your tune provider.

 

$0549 - Ignition is switched off.

Ignition switch must be in the on position. Switch on the ignition and retry the operation.

 

$06FF - Checksum failure.

The data written to the controller has been changed or corrupted during reprogramming.  Please retry the flash operation.  If this error keeps occurring contact your tune provider.

 

$0677 - Boot loader checksum failed.

The boot loader program code has been corrupted.  Try to flash the file again, if the file will not flash it may be possible that the ECM lost some of its data.  Full flash your stock file back on the truck and try the tune file again.  If this error keeps occurring contact your tune provider.

 

$0683 - Battery Voltage out of Range

The power supply to the controller is either too high or too low.  To fix this if the battery is low connect a battery charger to the battery of the vehicle and charge the battery prior to flashing the vehicle.  If this is caused by high voltage, it is recommended to diagnose the vehicle and figure out the cause of the overcharging.

 

 

1. Open EFILive V8 Scan and Tune.
2. On the left-hand side click on F8: Tools.
3. A new window will open, in that new window click on F8: Error Codes.
4. Enter the error code number that you got and a description will be displayed.

 

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