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Can you replace a PCM by yourself?
The PCM, power train control module, within your Vehicles manages the engine control system. The PCM is a silver box with large electrical connectors coming from it. You can replace the PCM without the help of a mechanic, but you must first purchase the correct PCM Vehicles your car.
Does a replacement PCM need to be programmed?
PERFORMANCE REPROGRAMMING A PCM Reprogramming is usually required after installing an aftermarket performance cam, bigger cylinder heads, a different intake manifold or fuel induction system to compensate for changes in airflow.
How much does it cost to install a PCM?
Because of the labor costs and the arts, you can expect to pay between $500 and $1,500 for a new powertrain control module and another $120, at the low end, for the total average labor cost. This means that the total pcm replacement cost comes out to between $620 and $1,620 total.
What does reflash PCM mean?
Powertrain Control Module reflashing is essentially a software upgrade. PCMs are built with microchips that can be reprogrammed electronically without being removed from the vehicle. Dealers or car repair shops might call it a PCM or ECM reprogramming service. They all refer to an upgrade of your PCM’s microchip.
How can you tell if you have a bad PCM?
What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty PCM?
- Your “check engine” light is on.
- Other warning lights may be on, including traction control and ABS.
- You lose fuel economy for no apparent reason.
- Your car stutters when starting, requires multiple attempts, or won’t start at all.
- Stuttering or stalling during idling.
Where can I get a replacement PCM for my car?
Companies like Solo Auto Electronics can replace your PCM for 50% less than your dealer, and they’re not there to sell you an upgrade or tell you your flux capacitor needs readjustment. Getting a quote takes just a few minutes. Select your car’s make, model, year and engine type, and Solo will instantly show you the right PCM for your vehicle.
Why does my truck run poorly after installing a PCM?
The fact that after you installed a PCM the truck ran poorly and had warning lights means that there was something wrong with the install you did. Had you written the VIN to the PCM yourself when you installed it and gone on with diagnosis, the trip to the dealer never would have needed to happen and everyone would have been happy.
Can a PCM be reprogrammed to a different VIN number?
Most PCM’s I know of do not let you reprogram them to a different vehicle VIN number to prevent theft problems. This is why the dealer’s new PCM is so expensive. For some years, some manufacturers allowed reprogramming so you would need to have the dealer advise you if this particular vehicle and PCM can be reprogrammed to another vehicle.
Do You Send your PCM in to be repaired?
You are going to send your PCM in to be repaired. There is an advantage to this. Most of the time, the people who do this figure out the common failure points and can do a repair that is better than the original. For example, I had a 90 Dodge Colt that the PCM failed in. The failure was a broken ground run on the circuit board.