Question 1

My dealer said the module is dead and needs replacement. Can you recover it?

Accepted Answer

Almost always, yes. Dealers condemn modules because their warranty process doesn't include bench-level recovery - if the module won't respond on their scan tool, they replace it and move on. We take it further. If the silicon is physically intact and the board still draws power, we can usually force-write the factory software back onto the processor via BDM, JTAG, or SWD, or do a full chip-off recovery if in-circuit programming isn't an option. Our overall recovery rate across all brick types is around 87%, and if we can't recover yours, you don't pay.

Question 2

What does module recovery actually cost?

Accepted Answer

We provide a fixed quote after VIN and scope review. Send the operation, VIN, and any DTCs and we return a number within the hour.

Question 3

Which modules are the hardest to recover?

Accepted Answer

Modern high-security modules with locked debug interfaces are the toughest - late-model BMW DMEs, some VAG cluster modules, and certain Tesla controllers use hardware fuses to disable JTAG/SWD from the factory, which means in-circuit recovery isn't available and we have to go chip-off. Older modules with accessible BDM or boot mode pins are the easiest, even if they look completely dead. Before you ship anything in, send us the module part number and we'll tell you honestly whether it's a quick job, a chip-off, or not realistically recoverable.

Question 4

Do you always have to desolder the chip?

Accepted Answer

No - chip-off is a last resort. We always try in-circuit methods first: boot mode, BDM, JTAG, and SWD. Those get us into the processor without touching a soldering iron and are faster and cheaper. Chip-off only happens when the processor is completely unreachable on every debug interface, which is usually less than 20% of the modules we see. When we do go chip-off, we use a BGA rework station with profile-controlled reflow so the board and surrounding components aren't damaged.

Question 5

How do I prevent this from happening in the first place?

Accepted Answer

Two things, every single time you flash a module. First, use a programmable voltage supply - not a battery charger, not a trickle charger, a real programming supply holding 13.5V regardless of load. Low voltage during flash is the number one cause of bricked modules we see. Second, verify the calibration file matches the hardware exactly - part number, model year, region, and hardware revision - before you hit the program button. J2534 auto-select is wrong often enough that you should always double-check against the OEM catalog. If you do those two things you'll cut your brick rate to nearly zero.

Question 6

What happens if recovery fails?

Accepted Answer

You don't pay. No fix, no charge - that's the deal, and it applies whether we spent 30 minutes or six hours on your module. If a module is physically damaged beyond what the bench can reach (blown processor, burned traces, water damage), we'll tell you immediately so you can order a replacement without wasting another day. We also document what we found so you know why it failed and can avoid it on the next one.

Question 7

A Ford Power-Up update bricked my truck overnight. Can you fix it?

Accepted Answer

Yes, this is one of the most common jobs we see right now. Ford Power-Up, GM SPS2, FCA SOTA, and Tesla OTA updates all fail mid-write when the vehicle loses 12V, loses cellular signal, or the customer interrupts the process. The module ends up with a half-written application partition that won't boot and can't be retried from the OBD port. We pull the affected module, force-write the correct factory calibration directly to the processor, and hand it back fully flashed. Turnaround is typically 48 hours for mail-in or same-week for DFW mobile service.

Question 8

How fast is the turnaround?

Accepted Answer

Mail-in modules shipped to our Carrollton HQ are typically recovered and shipped back within 48 hours of arrival. DFW mobile jobs depend on the schedule but most same-week, and emergency bench work for B2B shop clients can often be turned same-day if you can get the module to us by morning. If you're on deadline, tell us up front and we'll tell you honestly whether we can hit your date.

Question 9

Do you work directly with other shops, or only end customers?

Accepted Answer

We're primarily a B2B shop-to-shop service. Most of our work comes from body shops, transmission specialists, tuners, and independent mechanics who hit a brick wall on a programming job and need a specialist to take over. Shop pricing, shop communication, and we never talk to your customer without your permission. That said, we do take end-customer mail-in work too - if you're a DIY tuner or hobbyist who killed a module, we're happy to help.

Question 10

My dealer says the module is dead and recommends replacement. Is recovery worth trying?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 11

A shop bricked my ECU with a third-party flash tool. Can you fix it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

Do I have to commit to the repair before I send the module?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

Can you recover a module that was submerged in a flood?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

How long does module recovery take?

Accepted Answer

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.

Module Recovery & Diagnostics

Why Shops Send Bricked Modules to Core Auto Logic

Two Ways to Get Your Module Recovery & Diagnostics Done

We Come to Your Shop

Mail-In Module Service

What to know before requesting service

What happens next

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything covered in this service

Common reasons customers book this service

Capable platforms for this work

When Module Recovery Is Required

Built around what your shop actually needs.

Common Vehicles for Module Recovery & Diagnostics

A 1-year unlimited-mile workmanship warranty on our work.

Ready to get this programmed and out the door?