How to Reprogram the PICkit™ 3 In-Circuit Debugger

The PICkit™ 3 In-Circuit Debugger can be reprogramed using another working program by following these steps:

  • Download the HEX file for the PICKit 3 from Microchip
  • Carefully open the casing of the faulty PICkit 3 and notice jumper J2, which is actually an ICSP connector.
  • Use a working programmer to write the HEX file onto the PIC24FJ256GB106 from the faulty PICkit 3.

Connect the pins as follows:

  • 1st pin is VPP/MCLR
  • 2nd is VDD
  • 3rd is GND
  • 4th is PGD
  • 5th is PGC
  • 6th is unused.

After reprogramming the PICkit 3, select it again as the programmer in MPLAB® X IDE and allow it to download its updates.

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