1996/03/04 Caterpillar

Challenger 75C (4KK2303-UP),
Challenger 85C (9TK1856-UP) Agricultural Tractors Powered By 3176B (43Z2133-UP) Engines

Challenger 75C/85C Agricultural Tractors are now equipped with 3176B (43Z02133 - Up) Engines that have a sealed ECM. Since the ECM is completely sealed the personality module is no longer replaceable. Flash programming capability is now required to update the personality module (Flash file) on engines with the new sealed ECM. The sealed ECM is also used to service the ECM on all 3176B (43Z768 - Up) Engines in Challenger 75C (4KK501 - Up) and Challenger 85C (9TK231 - Up) Agricultural Tractors. Remember that a new ECM from parts stock has a blank personality module and requires Flash programming to allow the ECM to communicate with a service tool and run the engine.

This article answers the most common questions regarding Flash programming and identifies the required tooling/software. For those technicians that are familiar with 3176B on-highway truck engine, the Flash programming procedure and required tooling are the same (must have correct Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) Data Subscription if using WinFlash). Additional information on Cat ET is available in Caterpillar publication NEHP5614, "Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET)".

What Is Caterpillar Flash?

Flash is a memory technology that is used in the latest Caterpillar ECM. This memory technology allows the changing of the information in the personality module inside the ECM, via the data link connection. This eliminates the need for replacing the personality module.

Where Do I Get The Flash Program?

To perform Flash Programming you will need the Caterpillar software "Flash" or "WinFlash". WinFlash is a Windows version of the Flash program that comes with Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) starting with version 1.4. The DOS version of Flash comes with Service Information System (SIS) or can be purchased as a separate program.

Option 1: Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET) (includes WinFlash)

* JERD2124 Program Single Use License

- and -

Annual Data Subscription (Order one ONLY)

* JERD2129 All Engines & Machines

- or -

* JERD2141 Commercial Engines Only

- or -

* JERD2128 Truck & Commercial Engines

Option 2: Service Information System (SIS)

* SIS Setup & Tool Guide CD. The Flash program (DOS version) and all the current Flash files are included on the SIS Setup & Tool Guide CD which is included with any SIS Library.

Option 3 FLASH Program

* LEXT3037 Flash Program (DOS version) is available separately.

Where Do I Get The Flash Files?

Flash files can be obtained by downloading the files from the Caterpillar Mailbox using a modem or the files can be obtained as a subscription.

Caterpillar Mailbox- Downloading the Flash files from the Caterpillar Mailbox allows on-line access to the most current Flash files 24 hours a day. This method requires an error correcting modem (minimum 9600 baud) attached to the PC. The PC communications program Hyper ACCESS 5 (LERQ3133) is also required. For Flash file download support call the Caterpillar EDI Hotline at 1-800-HELP EDI (1-800-435-7334) and select the "Flash" option (option 7).

Subscription- All the current Flash files are included on the SIS Setup & Tool Guide CD which is included with any SIS Library. This method of obtaining Flash files will give you monthly updates.

All the current Flash files are included with LEXT3037 Flash Program (DOS version). New Flash files are sent as a subscription only as necessary when a majority of the Flash files are updated. There are no regularly scheduled updates with this method of obtaining Flash files.

Which Flash File Do I Use?

A Flash file is required to program the personality module in the ECM. Currently there are 2 Flash files available for the Challenger 75C/85C Agricultural Tractors equipped with a 3176B engine.

A listing of the most current Flash files can be found in these 3 separate documents:

1. FIND system - "3176B Flash File Cross Reference" (Document Type "Flash"/ Key Word "3176B"). This document is updated as needed and is kept most current.

2. Special Instruction, SEHS9914, "Personality Module Booklet".

3, READXREF.TXT File - 3176B Flash File Cross Reference is included in the READXREF.TXT file on the SIS Setup & Tool Guide CD (Flash Directory).

What Type Of Computer Do I Need?

To perform Flash programming you will need a Personal Computer (PC). To run the Flash Program LEXT3037 (DOS version) almost any IBM compatible PC will work. If you are using WinFlash which comes with Cat ET, the computer requirements are based on those required by Cat ET. Cat ET requires a minimum of a 486 IBM compatible PC Running Microsoft Windows Version. 3.1. More information on Cat ET is available in Caterpillar publication NEHP5614, "Caterpillar Electronic Technician (ET)".

What Communications Adapter Do I Need?

To perform Flash programming you will need a communications adapter and the required cables. The communications adapter performs the translation between the engine data link and the PC's RS232 communications port. Note that the 3176B engine in the Challenger 75C/85C Agricultural Tractors use the American Trucking Association (ATA) data link cable like the on-highway truck engine, NOT the Cat Data Link cable.

* 7X-1700 Communications Adapter

* NEXG4523 Service Program Module Software (Version 1.2 or higher) for 7X-1700 Communications Adapter Tool Group.

* 7X-1425 RS232 Cable Assembly (Included in previous 7X-1688 RS232 Cable Group).

* 7X-1412 American Trucking Association (ATA) Data Link Cable Assembly.

The MPSI Pro-Link 9000 can be used as a communications adapter if equipped with the Caterpillar Cartridge (Version 1.04 or higher) and MPSI PC/Terminal Cable.