Posted by VehicleProgrammers.com
"Calibration Not Found" is a common problem when it comes to vehicle programmers. So what does it mean? Is it the "kiss of death", or can it be fixed?
When vehicles are built, the on board computer or PCM is loaded with programming that is designed to operate the vehicle. This programming will control everything from the timing to the air conditioner functions. When the program is completed by the manufacturer, it is given a "Calibration Number". Basically it is a revision number for your vehicles programming. Every time the manufacturer finds and fixes problems with the programming (which can be often in the first few months or years of production), a new Calibration Number is assigned to that revision.
When vehicle programmers are made, they are loaded with all of the "current" calibration numbers at that time. This tells the hand held unit when to install and when not to install. This is what keeps a Duramax Diesel programmer from downloading it's programming into a Toyota Corolla. This is a good thing, but it also causes problems, especially for the older style programmers that are not internet updateable.
Over the years since your vehicle was built, many new Calibration numbers may have been created by the vehicles manufacturer. If your hand held programmer has that Calibration number then it will work fine. If it doesn't have it, then you will get the dreaded "Calibration not Found". So what then???
Almost all of the programmers that are being sold since 2007 are internet updateable. And now you can see why they started doing that. You simply plug your hand held programmer into the USB port and update it. Any new Calibration Numbers will be added to your hand held programmer and you are back in business. But if you have the older version of programmer that is not internet updatable, then the solution isn't nearly as simple.
If you are the ORIGINAL OWNER of the programmer and can prove it with a receipt, then you are still in business. You will need to contact the manufacturer of the programmer and send it in to be updated. A bit of a hassle, but not too big of a deal. If you are not the original owner... ugh oh. Well, the manufacturers of these programmers don't look too kindly on the trade and resale of these units, and will not back them in any way for a second hand owner. I know what you are thinking.... don't you buy and sell used programmers at VEHICLEPROGRAMMERS.COM? Why yes we do, but we also offer a 30 day money back guarantee because we know that this can happen. We also have one other thing going for us. We know which versions of the older style programmers typically have problems and which ones don't. We completely avoid those that tend to cause us problems.
So what if you are the guy who just bought a used programmer and you have the "Calibration Not Found" code? Are you totally screwed? Not necessarily. First of all, remember that just because your vehicles calibration is not found in the hand held unit doesn't mean that there are no calibration numbers in there at all. You may very likely be able to sell it to someone else with that same vehicle and it will work just fine for them. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at VEHICLEPROGRAMMERS.COM.