Can locked PCM be reflashed?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 7
From: Andreas Pennsylvania
Can locked PCM be reflashed?
Hey guys,
I bought my Corvette with a cam already in it, so it was tuned. I have since put on a set of heads, Fast intake and LS2 TB. I went to get it tuned but they were unable to access anything. I am being told I have a locked PCM with a custom operating system. I am not really interested in going back to that tuner since the car had issues since I bought the car (I have also met others that had issues with this tuner). I was told to take the PCM to a chevy dealership and they would flash it for me (someone said for free?). They said this would take it back to stock settings and then I could have it tuned from there. Some one else told me that if it is locked, that they won't be able to reflash the PCM and that I would have to have it unlocked first. Who is correct? This is turning into a major pain in my rump! I really don't feel like going all over the East coast to get this thing tuned. If you guys know what I can do and who to go to, I am all ears. Thanks.
I bought my Corvette with a cam already in it, so it was tuned. I have since put on a set of heads, Fast intake and LS2 TB. I went to get it tuned but they were unable to access anything. I am being told I have a locked PCM with a custom operating system. I am not really interested in going back to that tuner since the car had issues since I bought the car (I have also met others that had issues with this tuner). I was told to take the PCM to a chevy dealership and they would flash it for me (someone said for free?). They said this would take it back to stock settings and then I could have it tuned from there. Some one else told me that if it is locked, that they won't be able to reflash the PCM and that I would have to have it unlocked first. Who is correct? This is turning into a major pain in my rump! I really don't feel like going all over the East coast to get this thing tuned. If you guys know what I can do and who to go to, I am all ears. Thanks.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Can you return to the tuner and have them unlock it for you? As for reflashing, I've heard both stories and frankly, I have no clue which is true. Yes, it can be reflashed by the dealer and also heard that no it cannot be done. Sorry
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 7
From: Andreas Pennsylvania
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Even with a new PCM, which aren't that expensive, you'll still need a dealer with a Tech 2 to do all the programming needed to make the car run. RPO codes, security and etc....
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 870
Likes: 7
From: Andreas Pennsylvania
I am not looking to buy a brand new PCM. I figured if I bought a used one, that I could have it tuned easier, since it isn't locked. Are you saying this is incorrect thinking?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Look up the price on www.gmpartshouse.com for a new one. No clue what they are going for used, but lets say if you buy a pcm on the auction site, after you've spent the money and get it, will it be the right one for the car and will it have already been locked by someone else? Personally speaking, I would rather have a new one, get it programmed properly and take things from there.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,315
Likes: 17
From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Yes a locked PCM can be reflashed but it has to be back to stock, I think they use a Tech II then it can be retuned.
Or you can visit that big auction site and buy a used PCM for ~$90.00 and they will put a stock tune in it for you.
Then just do your custom tune and install.
Or you can visit that big auction site and buy a used PCM for ~$90.00 and they will put a stock tune in it for you.
Then just do your custom tune and install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
You can buy a new or used PCM off the auction site programmed with your VIN so it's plug and play. I believe most of the security stuff is in the BCM not the PCM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
Actually the PCM and BCM share or exchange a hidden password in order to allow the car to start. So both have to be programmed together. There's a user procedure that will allow that to happen but no way to put in the RPO codes without a Tech2.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 11,405
Likes: 26
From: Whippany NJ
CI 6-7-8-9 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
NCM Sinkhole Donor
How about ship the PCM to the original tuner to have it unlocked?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
The PCM is programmed by the seller with your VIN number which tells it all it needs to know. Yes, the seller uses a Tech 2 to do this but the buyer does not need one to use the PCM.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 465
Likes: 16
jessebubb@yahoo.com
Wait4Me Performance
23 EMS c22 lane
warsaw, in 46582
574-267-3630 Hours 10am - 6pm monday thru friday.
He unlocked my pcm. $60 or something like that. I can access and reflash now, no problem.
Wait4Me Performance
23 EMS c22 lane
warsaw, in 46582
574-267-3630 Hours 10am - 6pm monday thru friday.
He unlocked my pcm. $60 or something like that. I can access and reflash now, no problem.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
The PCM-BCM Relearn procedure is very simple:
'97-'00
1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF for 11 minutes.
2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
3. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF for 11 minutes.
4. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
5. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF for 11 minutes or until DTC P1630 sets.
6. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
7. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF and wait 30 seconds.
8. Attempt to start the engine.
'01-'04
# Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
# Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON (vehicle will not start).
# Observe the SECURITY telltale, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn OFF.
# Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.
# Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes (the vehicle is now ready to relearn the password on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK).
'97-'00
1. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF for 11 minutes.
2. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
3. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF for 11 minutes.
4. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
5. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF for 11 minutes or until DTC P1630 sets.
6. Turn OFF the ignition for 30 seconds.
7. Turn ON the ignition leaving the engine OFF and wait 30 seconds.
8. Attempt to start the engine.
'01-'04
# Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
# Attempt to start the engine, then release the key to ON (vehicle will not start).
# Observe the SECURITY telltale, after approximately 10 minutes the telltale will turn OFF.
# Turn OFF the ignition, and wait 5 seconds.
# Repeat steps 1 through 4 two more times for a total of 3 cycles/30 minutes (the vehicle is now ready to relearn the password on the next ignition switch transition from OFF to CRANK).
Last edited by Mark C5; Apr 27, 2010 at 03:19 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
This item is listed at $89.95:
This auction is for one 12200411 ECM (engine computer) that will arrive at your door ready to install with the proper calibration programmed to your specific vehicle.
Fits the following applications:
2001 - 2003 CHEVEROLET CORVETTE W/ 5.7L LS1 Engine Automatic
2001 - 2003 CHEVEROLET CORVETTE W/ 5.7L LS1 Engine Manual
2001 - 2003 CHEVEROLET CORVETTE Z06 W/ 5.7L LS6 Engine Manual
*Reprogrammed to your specific vehicle – shipped to your door ready to install
*1 Year replacement guarantee – no hassle
*No core charge –you keep your existing ECM
*We ship in 1 to 2 days from receipt of payment - item is in stock and ready to ship.
This auction is for one 12200411 ECM (engine computer) that will arrive at your door ready to install with the proper calibration programmed to your specific vehicle.
Fits the following applications:
2001 - 2003 CHEVEROLET CORVETTE W/ 5.7L LS1 Engine Automatic
2001 - 2003 CHEVEROLET CORVETTE W/ 5.7L LS1 Engine Manual
2001 - 2003 CHEVEROLET CORVETTE Z06 W/ 5.7L LS6 Engine Manual
*Reprogrammed to your specific vehicle – shipped to your door ready to install
*1 Year replacement guarantee – no hassle
*No core charge –you keep your existing ECM
*We ship in 1 to 2 days from receipt of payment - item is in stock and ready to ship.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 17
From: Lubbock Tx
There's alot going on in here 
Yes, a dealer can flash a locked computer back to stock to allow the next tuner to work on it. They will charge for this service. It should be cheaper than buying another, ebay or not.
Yes, a dealer can flash a locked computer back to stock to allow the next tuner to work on it. They will charge for this service. It should be cheaper than buying another, ebay or not.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I seriously doubt any dealer will hook up a Tech 2 to a vehicle for less than $89.95.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,584
Likes: 17
From: Lubbock Tx
We are a new car dealer with a dealer service dept in addition to our parts business, we did one a couple of weeks ago locally for $40. Before I worked here a few years back I had one done at a dealer in north Texas for $25. It's worth looking into.