I have an 2005 convertible (35K miles) that is going into reduced engine mode(stops running) because of an ECM memory error code. It took some time, but I found an ACDelco ECM from a dealership that programmed it with my VIN number before sending it to me. Can I install the ECM in this state and drive it to have any additional programming performed or should I just have it towed to have it installed/programmed? I would rather drive it than have it towed if possible.

 

I would assume if the dealer programed the ECM by vin you should be good to go.

 

I agree.....

 

Call or email Chuck Cow here on this forum, he is a vendor. Chuck will be able to flash you a new computer at a tractor of the cost of the dealer.

 

He has a ECM that the dealer already flashed , his question is , is there any additional programming that needs to be done ?
is it plug and play??
If the dealer flashed the new ECM using his vin then the flash data should contain all the data/options that were programmed in his old ECM .....

So yes it should be .... as along as the dealer flashed it correctly
Dave

 

The dealer can not do it..... Like that. While the dealer might have the harness to flash the controller, that

ECM needs to be theft learned to the BCM in order for the car to start in addition to crank learn other setup programming.

They can not flash it on the bench and you install it at home.

If you're interested, you can send it here because that's exactly what I'm configured to do with my equipment.

Additionally, most people take advantage of the fact that the ECM has to be on my workbench and that's the

perfect time to take a bad situation like this and install my CoW BOOSTER! and a nice tune while we're setting it up.

Again, it's a sweet way to make a fun project you can look forward to out of a bummer situation like a bad ecm repair.

914-332-0049 if you have questions.

Thanks
Chuck CoW

 

Chuck , he might not be able to plug and play but the dealer CAN do this with a TECH ll and the TIS GM software along with Access to the GM flash programs....... otherwise all dealers would have to call you to flash ECM's lol lol

Hey did the guy from the C6 Facebook group tell you I was drumming up business for u lol

Dave

 

Hey Dave! Yes, Matt is an existing customer of mine. A few months back he traded up from his C5 to a 2008 C6.

Pretty cool looking car.... Except, the dealer told him he has a bad ECM.

Easy fix for me.

As for the dealer with the flashing, YES the dealer can prepare the ecm ONLY IF the car is there.

a BRAN NEW ACTUAL GM STOCK ORIGINAL (never used) can be bench flashed and it should start the car if it has never

been in a vehicle before..... Same as how it works on the assembly line..... No tuning software needed for GM.

NOW, since the 2005 E40 ECM has been DISCONTINUED for some time now... there's no way to re-activate the

Theft learn on first start. This is why I said he has to send it to me.

In addition to the theft learn (or vats delete that I'll perform) he'll have to have the crank learn procedure performed in addition to

keep the CEL off. Also know that 2008 and up stick cars will need a "CLUTCH PEDAL POSITION LEARN" performed as well

or the vehicle won't start. That's another provision that I've managed to work into my bench rig so that I can overnight

any pcm to anywhere and it will start right up fine and in car.

You can't imagine how many people call me with cars stranded at the dealership waiting for discontinued ECMs

or those unwilling to pay some of the insane prices the dealers try to get.

In every case, I can get them a TUNED and CoW BOOSTED! replacement ECM for close to half the $$$

that the dealers try to get.... And I'm giving away free CANDY basically with your fix.

Chuck CoW

 

Great explanation Chuck !

Thanks
Dave

 

 

i am not sure if my ecm is bad or not how do u do a replacement when ur car is tuned..

 

What makes you think it's bad?

Dave

 

Here is a threat about the issues I am having

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...post1599420366

 

You send me the original...... and I recover the tune for you.

If the ECM is destroyed and the files can be read...then we have to tune it from scratch.

If it's a bolt on tune, it's best we re-tune it,,,, If the tune is for a blower or cam and has some "magical significance"

then I'll do my best to save it for you.

Chuck CoW

 

Dr Phil tuned the car for 93/e85 and all that jazz. i can still drive the car and all that but i am just having alternator charging issues. I have trouble shooting everything on GM techs sheet would do except change a ecu......
the dumb thing just will just not charge until maybe 3-5 mins after it has started to run. And during that time it squeals like a banshee .. Skip to 1:25 basically when i get the stupid lead to stop moving.. this is me testing the grey lead into the alternator

 

I've seen many E85 / NOS and other consumer installed wiring mods hurt these ECMs....

They are fragile and the ECM controls the charging system.

Do your testing diligently.

Chuck CoW

 

I don't really have any trouble shooting left other then ecu. I have swapped parts traced wires and ya lol. Tried two alts a new battery. Check engine bay grounds sucks. What do u change on the ecu

 

I am having the same issue. Mine will go in low power mode. All communication with suspension, ABS, fuel communication. Pretty much anything to do with coms all drop out. What are the steps I need to do to get this issue fixed.

 

What do you mean by “ anything to do with Comms all drop out” ??...I’m assuming you’re using a scan tool so you either have communication between the scan tool and that particular module or not !!...diagnosing these comm issues are a little bit more involved than changing plug wires...if it’s only one module you can’t communicate with the first thing is checking it’s power or ground...I use my CAN test box, scan tool and digital scope to tackle these issues !!...if this is a little to involved for you I’d take the car to an “auto-electric” repair shop !!

 

My fault Code is U2100. From looking online it’s saying bad computer or possible broken wires. I guess my next question is what’s the best way to access the ecm and check the wiring