I find conflicting answers in my online search to the question; does a USED ECM from another vehicle but same year, make and model have to be reprogrammed? Some say only an authorized GM dealer can do it. Others say that any shop with an ODBII scanner can clear it. And yet others say a USED ECM cannot be used without the VIN from the vehicle the USED ECM came out of. And still others say USED ECM will work without reprogramming as long as it is the same OE part #.
Does anyone have the experience in actually performing this replacement and can provide the correct solution. BIG Thanks for your time!
I was reading through the replacement procedure for the ecm in your vehicle.Here`s what I found.you may use a used ecm but it does have to be reprogrammed to your vehicle and it can only be done at the dealership.This I know because I worked at a Cadillac and G.M. dealership.I worked at a dealership for 16 yrs.The other thing is you don`t` need the vehicles vin that the used computer came from.The only one you need is your vin number.This number has all the information that your car is equipt with.The used ecm will have the other vehicles fuel continue password so the programming will put in the fuel continue from your vehicle.The other thing that needs to be programmed is the engine oil life and the transmission oil life or they revert to 100%.Then an idle relearn procedure will have to be performed.The only thing any other shop can do is get the codes or clear the codes.But they can not program a computer.Only the authorized dealerships have this software.Hope this helps clear up your any questions.Good luck.
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The newer vehicles do not have a removable chips or prom is what it is called.The pcm is now hardwired and the only thing that is sometimes removable is the knock sensor.The pcm can be reprogrammed or updated to change certain things but you can not just replace one with another without reprogramming it to your specific vehicle.It has to come from the same body and model vehicle.
It's possible to put in a used PCM but the VIN for the vehicle receiving the used unit must be programmed in thru GM dealer or a TECH2 scanner which is only exclusive with a dealer. GM has a database for every vehicle's VIN with its own specifications like EMMISIONS, SECURITY, ETC.
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You can use the used ECM. You can do it without reprogramming. Just take the EEPROM out of your old one and put it into the one you want to use.
I did this with one from a totally different car that had an automatic transmission. Mine has a manual. Initially the only problem I had was the shift light came on after I was in fifth gear. So I switched the CALPAK (EEPROM). and there was no issues at all.
So you can keep your programming. Its all on a removable chip.
Which chip? Where is it located on the ECM?
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