Midtronics recently announced an agreement with General Motors Inc. to supply a new essential tool for 2-Mode Hybrid vehicle programming support.

SPS Programming Support Tool EL-49642, based on the Midtronics PSC-550S Power Supply Charger, is shipping as an essential tool to all General Motors dealers during the fourth quarter of 2008.

GM Service Operations determined that any fluctuation, spiking or loss of voltage will interrupt Service Programming System (SPS) programming events, resulting in controller lock up. Advanced technology vehicles such as the 2-mode Hybrid from GM, require a sequential SPS event where multiple modules are programmed in simultaneously.

The EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool provides precise voltage control and clean power, eliminating potential fluctuations and spiking, or a loss of voltage, which could interrupt programming and cause a controller to lock up. The main function of this new tool is to act as a clean power supply during programming to avoid module failures. Even a fully charged vehicle battery can’t supply the necessary power for a successful SPS event and a reliable external power supply is required. GM has also stressed the importance of maintaining proper battery voltage during all SPS reprogramming events.

For additional information on products offered by Midtronics, Inc., visit www.midtronics.com.