RS steering flash - FAIL on 2017

[K-Bob]

Has anybody been able to get the RS steering calibration flashed into a 2017?

I think they might have changed things.

Tried this at GM shop using a 2016 RS VIN.

All is good until the computer asks for the steering gear part number and gives a long list from which to choose.

Did this happen when flashing the older models?

Now I have to look up my steering gear part number by VIN and hope it's on the list. But will the RS calibration flash into an LT part number?

Am afraid to give it the RS part number because with the new network all the different parts and modules have to match the same VIN.

 

[K-Bob]

gear #s

my 2017 LT
steering gear pn: 42519772

'16 and earlier RS and '17 Premier
pn: 42519771

The only difference in the catalog is the 9771 number is for 17" wheel option and the 9772 number is for 15" and 16" wheel option.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Yes it happens when flashing older years as well, I got under my 13 RS and looked at the actual p/n on the rack. I just checked a 17 and didnt get the P/N prompt when I selected "Normal" programming vs "VCI". I flashed a 2012 LTZ with a 13 RS VIN, works great to this day and completely changed the steering feel.

For 2012-2016 Sonics, the PSCM (steering module) is the same across all trims, it's just the programming (the p/n is the same, different programming).

Does this mean the 17 Premier has the 2013-2016 RS calibration already? Unfortunately I'm betting the only way to know is to actually drive both cars back to back. GM might use the same underlying programming, but it will have a different OS/Cal # because it's for a different year vehicle.

I would say try it, but then again it's your brand new car so it's up to you. If you have time/access, try programming the module and seeing it it would work. If it does, try a slow drive in a parking lot. If it doesnt and you lose power steering, simply have the shop reflash your original programming back in. I looked online for a few minutes, the 2017s have a new part number for the steering rack that doesnt cross-reference back to the 2012-2016 racks. This could mean it's not possible with the 2017+ models.

Does the 2017+ RS package do anything as far as steering goes? Would flashing a 2017 Premier RS into a 2017 Premier make a difference? I havent been following GM's new trim levels that much lately...

 

[K-Bob]

It seems that for 2017, the RS is a trim package only (instead of being its own model). Am pretty sure the RS does not come with the lowered suspension anymore, so I assume it has the base steering tune as well.

So I doubt that flashing it to 2017 RS spec would do anything.

I am hoping they didn't change the modules and that the parts list is just a compatibility check. The GM catalog I looked at had the same steering rack part number for all years of non-RS.

I cannot find a listing for PSCM. But the BCM is the same part number for 2015-2018.

Am going to hook the car up and try it again with a 2015/16 VIN. The tech and I agree that if my rack's # is on the list then it should be ok, But if it isn't, we better not try.

 

[ScarabEpic22]

Yes, for the facelifted 2017+ Sonics, the RS is only a package on the different trims vs it's own trim.

I tried cross-referencing the 2012-2016 non-RS and RS steering racks and they just have different p/n's for 15/16 vs 17/18" wheels. This means the different feel is a result of programming only for 2012-2016 (known for a while, but cant hurt to verify.) Looking at the assembly diagram for the steering column, it appears the SSPS module is integrated into it.

I also found that the steering column assembly (p/n 94514690) is for 2012-2016 Sonics and is listed as compatible with 2017+ as well. BUT, if you look up the 2017+ Sonic, it returns 2 different p/n's (1 w/remote start and 1 w/o), neither cross reference back to the 2012-2016. Basically, GM hasn't identified what works here and what doesnt.

I think you and the tech have the right idea, look at the p/n on your rack and see when you use a 15/16 RS VIN if you can select that p/n. If it does, I'd try it out. If not, then not sure this will be a viable option for the 2017+ guys.

 

[K-Bob]

agree, not promising

Yes, I think your info is solid.

Tried it again this week.
The GM computer hooked up to my 2017 IDs the steering control module as # 42399490.

Using a 2016 RS VIN, the list of compatible module numbers is not even close to that. It seems the hardware is different and not compatible. (have a shot of that list but unable to attach here)

Bummer.
Maybe if I have a bit of toe-in added it will take the dartiness out of the steering somewhat.

Perhaps someone will figure out a way to do this flash, but I'm not experimenting with my $$$ module.

 

[K-Bob]

By design GM is actively discouraging swapping parts/flashing different programs.

GM wants everything on the car to match the original build per VIN, period. They will never check the backward compatibility because that isn't even a remote consideration for GM.