PCM Swap - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Pluto · 08-02-2013, 01:33 AM

If I took my stock PCM out of my car and had another PCM to drop in the car for a tune, would that work? I'm having an argument with my friend about I say it wouldn't work. Wouldn't things like mileage be off? As in the PCM is thinking I currently have 4000 miles, but the cluster sees 4600. In other words he's trying to keep warranty while having a tune for his car. Any thoughts?

SSMickey · 08-02-2013, 07:33 AM

Your right, he's wrong. Many, many threads about this on here. You got to pay to play.

DJ_BigC · 08-02-2013, 08:27 AM

GM released a bunch of bulletins about this, you CAN'T just swap modules anymore, especially on the new Global A Platform vehicles.

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm sure it is for certain modules, but if u wanted to swap out ur PCM with another one, someone is gonna have to reflash the stock GM programing with an MDI and then make sure your car runs with that new PCM and then you'll be able to use that PCM and just swap them over, from my understanding.

Pluto · 08-02-2013, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ_BigC

GM released a bunch of bulletins about this, you CAN'T just swap modules anymore, especially on the new Global A Platform vehicles.

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm sure it is for certain modules, but if u wanted to swap out ur PCM with another one, someone is gonna have to reflash the stock GM programing with an MDI and then make sure your car runs with that new PCM and then you'll be able to use that PCM and just swap them over, from my understanding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSMickey

Your right, he's wrong. Many, many threads about this on here. You got to pay to play.

More trouble than its worth. I was a Chrysler tech for years and that kind of stuff was hard to hide since I can remember. He wants to go through with it anyway, but I told him to just program the one he has. I don't know, I have a cold air intake, a muffler delete, and a catch can, and to my knowledge that doesn't void the warranty. I just think he'd be throwing money away on a second PCM.

SSMickey · 08-02-2013, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pluto

More trouble than its worth. I was a Chrysler tech for years and that kind of stuff was hard to hide since I can remember. He wants to go through with it anyway, but I told him to just program the one he has. I don't know, I have a cold air intake, a muffler delete, and a catch can, and to my knowledge that doesn't void the warranty. I just think he'd be throwing money away on a second PCM.

I think I read on here somewhere that to even get a new PCM, you had to turn-in the old one. Not sure though.

Iam Broke · 08-02-2013, 11:37 AM

There are outfits that sell 'unlocked' ones but the few I have seen still have issues unless you program it with a GM Tech II (or whatever the current is) to mate with your BCM. They are still going to be able to tell it was swapped out afaik.

Mr_Draco · 08-02-2013, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJ_BigC

GM released a bunch of bulletins about this, you CAN'T just swap modules anymore, especially on the new Global A Platform vehicles.

I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm sure it is for certain modules, but if u wanted to swap out ur PCM with another one, someone is gonna have to reflash the stock GM programing with an MDI and then make sure your car runs with that new PCM and then you'll be able to use that PCM and just swap them over, from my understanding.

Also you need to do this every time you swap it out, you can't just do it once and be good to go. Not to mention swapping out the module isn't exactly something you can do in your driveway.

08-02-2013, 01:33 AM	#1
Pluto Drives: 2013 Camaro 2SS/RS Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,198 View My Garage	PCM Swap If I took my stock PCM out of my car and had another PCM to drop in the car for a tune, would that work? I'm having an argument with my friend about I say it wouldn't work. Wouldn't things like mileage be off? As in the PCM is thinking I currently have 4000 miles, but the cluster sees 4600. In other words he's trying to keep warranty while having a tune for his car. Any thoughts? __________________ 2013 VR Camaro 2SS/RS LS3 Small, but effective mod list: Roto-Fab Intake, TSP 2" Long tubes, TSP catless mids, MSD spark plug wires, stock catback, Elite Catch Can, APEX washer relocation and scoop, VMAX throttle body, Diablo InTune-Tuned by Matt@FSP, and a JacFab license plate bracket.

08-02-2013, 07:33 AM	#2
SSMickey Drives: 2010 IBM 2SS Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Columbia S.C. Posts: 1,455 View My Garage	Your right, he's wrong. Many, many threads about this on here. You got to pay to play. __________________ ProCharger P1X, Vengeance Racing Kaotic Cam, ARH Headers and Exhaust with Borla ATAK mufflers, MGW Shifter, MTI Drop Springs, Forgeline RB3C Wheels, 3.91 gears, Night Owl LED Control System

08-02-2013, 08:27 AM	#3
DJ_BigC Rockin' Steady Drives: 2010 Camaro 2SS Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Timmins Posts: 216	GM released a bunch of bulletins about this, you CAN'T just swap modules anymore, especially on the new Global A Platform vehicles. I'm not saying it's impossible, I'm sure it is for certain modules, but if u wanted to swap out ur PCM with another one, someone is gonna have to reflash the stock GM programing with an MDI and then make sure your car runs with that new PCM and then you'll be able to use that PCM and just swap them over, from my understanding. __________________ Eric Carrier, proud GM Technician for over 10yrs. 2010 Camaro 2SS Black, L99, SLP headers, GMPP axle back, complete JRE tune, 22" Boss 337's, Nitto Invos 5% tint, Eforce Supercharger w. 3" pulley, ADM FPCM, ID850's, JRE fuel rail mod, Eforce CAI, Moroso catch can, spark plug insulators.

08-02-2013, 11:37 AM	#6
Iam Broke PHAT B33 Drives: 2012 TF3 Camaro 2SS/RS M6 Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Dark of the Moon Posts: 1,460 View My Garage	There are outfits that sell 'unlocked' ones but the few I have seen still have issues unless you program it with a GM Tech II (or whatever the current is) to mate with your BCM. They are still going to be able to tell it was swapped out afaik. __________________ Another 1 of 371 '12 T3 LS3 M6's built.