Give it a go with PGM pulled down. I only found this after intermittent programming problems on a project some time ago, now allways keep this pin in a way it can be pulled down (even if it means an extra pad on the PCB).
If the device is new then LVP is enabled - note 5 on P228, but i also suspect if the device is erased is default's back to this.
Edit:
In your case pullde to VCC via 10K, just shorting RB3 to GND while programming would do the trick.




Bookmarks