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Mail-In & Mobile Service

Module Recovery & Diagnostics

DFW Mobile and Mail-In programming for shops, rebuilders and independent mechanics.

Mobile service is available in the Dallas / Fort Worth service area. Mail-in accepted nationwide. Every job backed by a 1-year unlimited guarantee.

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Mail-in nationwide or mobile in DFW - quotes returned in under 4 hours.

Module Recovery & Diagnostics
BENCH / OEM PROGRAM
Flat-rate pricing - confirmed before any work begins
Quotes are free - no obligation.
Quotes returned in under 4 business hours
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Built around what your shop actually needs.

About this service.

Why Shops Send Bricked Modules to Core Auto Logic

A failed flash, a wrong calibration, a power drop mid-write, or anti-tamper lockout leaves modules in states that the standard OBD path cannot recover. We have the bench, the chip support and the dealer subscriptions to bring most of them back.

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Bench Recovery + Boot Repair
When OBD will not respond, we open the module, access the chip directly, repair the boot sector and rewrite the firmware from a known-good dump. Most platforms recoverable; we quote-or-decline on intake.
BENCH
Network Analysis on Live Vehicle
Intermittent module faults often trace to network noise, ground integrity or another module pulling the bus down. We do the OEM network test sequence in DFW or guide the diagnosis remotely.
NETWORK
Quote-Or-Decline on Intake
Some modules are recoverable; some are economically not. We bench-evaluate every job at intake and either quote a recovery or decline with a written explanation - no lost modules with sunk fees.
QUOTE
Mail-In Bench Recovery - Nationwide
Ship the module with a description of how it bricked. We bench-evaluate within one business day, send a quote, and either recover and ship back with a programming report or decline with a written explanation.
Pre-paid label Bench evaluation Quote or decline No fix, no charge
MAIL-IN · TRACKED · INSURED
1-3 DAY EVALUATION

Two Ways to Get Your Module Recovery & Diagnostics Done

Ship it to us for bench service, or book a mobile visit if you're in the DFW metro. Either way, the work is guaranteed.

We Come to Your Shop

Vehicle never leaves the lift. Mobile tech arrives with OEM Software and Custom Tools and a J2534 interface.

  1. Schedule a visitOnsite work is typically scheduled within 24-48 hours; same-day may be available
  2. Tech arrives on-siteRoute window confirmed before arrival, full tool kit in the van
  3. Service in-vehicleFlash, VIN pair and adaptation reset on your lift
  4. Verification driveShort drive cycle to verify the work before we leave
COVERAGE
DFW Metroplex
Dallas, Fort Worth, Plano, Arlington, Frisco, Irving
Book On-Site Service

Ship Us the Module

Bench flash + VIN pair + CAN-sim test. Return timing is confirmed in the quote response.

  1. Request intakeSubmit VIN, donor VIN and core info online or by phone
  2. Ship with pre-paid labelWe email a tracked label after quote approval
  3. Bench program & testFull flash, VIN write, adaptation, CAN-sim verify
  4. Tracked returnShipped back insured with QA scan and programming report
TURNAROUND
3-5 business days door-to-door
Bench work after intake and QA
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Everything covered in this service

Every job is bench-tested, logged and documented. No guesswork, no try-and-see flashes.

Full CAN Network Diagnostic Scan
DIAG
We scan every module on the network - not just engine codes - to map the complete fault state and identify which module is the root cause vs. which are downstream victims.
Bench Recovery for Bricked Modules
BENCH
Modules that will not respond to OBD tools are connected to a bench harness and powered independently. We attempt recovery via alternate boot mode, boot loader flash, or chip-level EEPROM write.
EEPROM Extraction Before All Else
CHIP
Before any write attempt on a damaged module, we extract and back up the existing EEPROM content. If subsequent recovery attempts fail, the original data is preserved for reassembly.
Component-Level Repair Assessment
REPAIR
Water-damaged and voltage-spiked modules are inspected under magnification. Repairable boards are quoted for component-level repair before the module is replaced - often at significant cost savings.
Recovery Report Every Time
REPORT
You receive a documented recovery report showing the diagnostic findings, what was attempted, what succeeded, and any remaining recommendations - regardless of outcome.
Mail-In Module Recovery - Nationwide
MAIL
Ship the module to us with a description of what happened. We attempt recovery and report back before committing to any irreversible write operations - you approve before we proceed.
TOOL CAPABILITY MATRIX

Capable platforms for this work

Platforms used to recover bricked modules, inspect vehicle networks, and decide whether OBD, bench harness, or chip-level work is safest.

Bricked module recovery and data backup
BENCH PROGRAMMER
Alientech / Autotuner / Orange5 / Scanmatik / Flex / VVDI2 / PCMFlash / CGDI / X-Prog / bench CAN harness Used when normal in-vehicle communication is unreliable or the module must be recovered off vehicle.
Bench access required Bench/chip-level only
Source basis: Bench programmer and CAN harness workflow documentation.
Network diagnostics and topology
AFTERMARKET PLATFORM
Autel, Launch Tech, Topdon Used to map module communication, identify gateway issues, and verify recovery before closing the job.
Coverage varies by vehicle Tool subscription required
Source basis: Autel, Launch Tech, and Topdon scanner-vendor capability documentation.

When Module Recovery Is Required

Module states where the standard OBD or J2534 path cannot get a programming session - and bench-level recovery becomes the only option.

Bricked After Flash
Communication dropped mid-write or wrong calibration sent. Module no longer responds on OBD; recovery requires bench access and a known-good firmware dump.
No Comm With Module
U-code reports lost communication, but the module has correct power and ground. Internal bus driver fault or boot corruption - bench review will tell.
Anti-Tamper Lockout
Repeated failed authentication attempts locked the module out of OBD programming. Bench-level reset clears the lockout counter.
Intermittent Faults
Module communicates sometimes but drops the bus randomly. Network analysis or component-level repair on the bench identifies the failing driver IC.

Common reasons customers book this service

Tap a card to see what triggers this service and which systems are affected.

A U0100-U0172 "Lost Communication" fault stored in multiple modules means a specific control module has gone silent on the network. This can be a failed module, a corrupt firmware state, or a programming error - recovery diagnostics determine which.
A dropped connection, wrong calibration file, or power loss mid-flash can leave a module in an intermediate state it cannot boot from. Bench recovery via chip-level EEPROM or alternate boot mode restores the module without physical replacement.
When a vehicle refuses to start and the cause is not immediately obvious - no visible damage, battery is good, no crank, or crank but no fire - a module-level diagnostic scan isolates whether the fault is in the engine control network, immobilizer, or power-management modules.
A shotgun pattern of U-codes and B-codes across multiple modules often traces to one failing module that is polluting the bus with bad frames. We identify the root-cause module rather than treating every code in isolation.
Flood damage, pressure-wash intrusion, or a jump-start voltage spike damages module electronics. Before replacing the module, recovery diagnostics determine if the board is repairable and if the data inside is extractable.
Dealer tools, aftermarket programmers, and DIY tools can leave a module partially programmed. Recovery diagnostics identify the state the module is in and the correct path to full function - whether that's a bench recovery flash or chip-level intervention.

From quote to delivery

How we move a job from intake to fully programmed and verified.

  1. Describe the HistoryWhat happened before the module stopped responding? Recent programming attempt, accident, flooding, battery event, or spontaneous failure? The history shapes the recovery approach. Provide the VIN and module type.
    Describe the History - Core Auto Logic module-recovery-diagnostics step 1
  2. Module Intake and AssessmentWe receive the module (mail-in or mobile), attempt CAN communication, inspect the board physically, and extract EEPROM content as a baseline backup before any write operations.
    Module Intake and Assessment - Core Auto Logic module-recovery-diagnostics step 2
  3. Staged Recovery AttemptWe work through recovery options in order of risk: alternate boot mode first, then boot loader flash, then chip-level write. You are notified before any escalation to a higher-risk step and can approve or decline.
    Staged Recovery Attempt - Core Auto Logic module-recovery-diagnostics step 3
  4. Outcome Report and Next StepsWhether the module is recovered or not, you receive a full report. If recovery is not possible, the report includes exactly why and a recommendation for the replacement path - including whether a used module can substitute.
    Outcome Report and Next Steps - Core Auto Logic module-recovery-diagnostics step 4

Frequently Asked Questions

In our experience, a significant portion of modules declared "dead" by dealer tools are recoverable via bench methods the dealer's tooling does not attempt. Recovery is always worth attempting before committing to an OEM replacement.
Often yes. A botched flash leaves the module in a partial state that OBD tools cannot reach, but bench recovery via boot loader or chip-level EEPROM write can restore it. Success depends on the chip type and how far the failed write progressed.
No. We perform a diagnostic assessment and report back on what we found and what the recovery options are. You authorize each escalation step before we proceed. If the module is unrecoverable, you pay only the assessment fee.
Sometimes. Flood-damaged modules need thorough cleaning and drying first. If the storage chips are intact and corrosion has not progressed to the chip pads, recovery is possible. We assess physically on intake and give a realistic prognosis before committing time to a failed chip.
Straightforward boot-loader recovery takes 1-2 business days. Complex cases involving component-level repair, chip desoldering, or binary reconstruction can take 3-5 days. We communicate an estimated timeline at intake and notify you if the estimate changes.
// ironclad guarantee

Backed by our 100% guarantee - not a footnote.

Every flash, calibration and programming job is backed by one of the strongest warranties in the industry. If it doesn't work, we fix it. If we can't fix it, you don't pay. Simple.

1-Year Unlimited Miles
Programming covered from the day we ship
No Fix, No Charge
Zero risk to you or your shop
Free Re-Flash
If it needs another pass, it's on us
Direct Tech Line
No ticket queues, no hold music

Ready to get this programmed and out the door?

Ship your module nationwide, or book mobile service in DFW. Most quotes are returned in under 4 business hours.

Start a Mail-In Order Book DFW Mobile Service

Prefer to talk it through? (945) 382-4065 - average answer under 5 minutes.