How to Successfully Program Opel Ampera SHVC by Yourself?

Here is feedback from a loyal VXDIAG customer about our device, sharing his experience of successfully programming SHVC on an Opel Ampera using the VXDIAG VCX Nano for GM.

The following is a personal account from Mr. Justin Burks:

I recently used the VXDIAG VCX NANO GM/Opel scanner (from VXDIAG Official Web) to program my Opel Ampera and successfully remove the SHVC warning. Here’s my experience in detail:

Problem:

I encountered several trouble codes, including P0AA6 (insulation fault), P1FFF (level and insulation issue), and an additional DTC that triggered the MIL (Check Engine Light). My insulation resistance reading in GDS2 was only 400K, which seemed quite low, though I wasn’t sure what a normal reading should be.

Attempts to clear the codes using Torque Pro and GDS2 appeared to work momentarily, but the warnings returned almost immediately. If the car was plugged in to charge when the codes were cleared, the amber charging LED would briefly turn green, the horn would beep, but then the SHVC warning and codes would return, turning the LED back to amber.

Purpose:

The main goal was to re-program the system and remove the SHVC warning so that the car could charge properly again.

Device Used:

• VXDIAG VCX NANO GM/Opel scanner
• PSA Service Box (for SPS programming)

Procedure:

1. Registering SPS on PSA Service Box

   • Registered as a professional account on PSA Service Box.
     
     
     
     
     
   • During the SPS purchase process, an active VAT number was required. I entered a valid VAT number and was able to proceed with the payment.
     
     
     
     

2. Connecting VXDIAG VCX NANO

   • Hooked up VXDIAG VCX NANO and attempted to clear the SHVC fault.

3. Reprogramming the HPCM2 Module

   • The HPCM2 module was reprogrammed successfully, and the SHVC warning disappeared.
   • The car started charging again without any issues.
   • The entire process took around 1 hour, mostly troubleshooting SPS setup. However, the actual programming only took about 7 minutes.
     
     
     
     

4. Software Setup Challenges & Solutions

   • Used Windows 10 (64-bit) with Microsoft Edge.
   • Initially faced multiple warnings about missing SPS plugins, particularly Java.
   • Spent unnecessary time trying to install plugins, but Java installation through the Oracle website eventually solved the issue.
   • Downloaded the SPS Java Web Starter App (download.jnlp), which launched the SPS programming tool properly.
     

5. VXDIAG Driver Installation

   • Windows 10 automatically loaded an FTI driver, but SPS couldn’t detect VXDIAG VCX NANO.
   • Had to manually install VX Manager, which resolved the detection issue.
   • After programming, the MIL light was still on, showing a DTC for a transmission error in Torque Pro.
   • Cleared DTCs in Torque Pro, and after a power cycle, the MIL light turned off.

Final Thoughts:

💡 If I had to do it again, I’d follow this order for a smoother process:

1. Install Java (32-bit) and VX Manager first.
2. Register on PSA Service Box and subscribe to SPS.
3. Ignore SPS plugin warnings, just download and run the SPS Java Web Starter App.
4. Connect VXDIAG VCX NANO, ensure it’s detected, then proceed with programming.

I did not install GDS2 and Techwin on my main laptop. Instead, I used a separate hard drive with a fresh Windows 7 Pro installation for GDS2 diagnostics.

Final Verdict: The VXDIAG VCX NANO GM/Opel scanner worked perfectly for the Opel Ampera SHVC programming, despite minor software setup issues. Highly recommended for Opel diagnostics and programming!