Write VIN to ECM - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

evonschu · 04-06-2019, 03:39 PM

Any quick and easy ways to write the VIN to the ECM on our rides? Had the ECM replaced a while back chasing down another issue and the VIN # is coming up "N/A" so cant pass DEQ here. Had the dealer program all the immobilizer stuff after the tune was put on. Not sure if they wiped it or not. Just trying to avoid a trip there or tuner if at all possible. I dont have HPTuners. Tried a couple auto parts stores in the area, as I saw online a scantool can write VIN. They said theres did not do that though.

evonschu · 04-11-2019, 03:39 PM

Well nevermind. Figured out that my old ECM I had never sent back to rock auto still worked to start and run the vehicle.

Back when I had a separate issue that ended up being the starter getting heat soaked ( https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527875 ) I had replaced the ECM prior to figuring out the culprit was the starter not the ECM. Flashed the tune on the new ECM and had the dealer program the immobilizer/security features in so I could use this new ECM on my ride which started the above issue with the missing VIN. However, I assumed the dealer removed the old ECM from being allowed to start the vehicle and what not. They did not. So now I have 2 working ECMs that have my tune on them. Handy! Even though one doesn't have the VIN #, my original still does and solves the problem I had originally posted. Hopefully this info helps someone.

For what its worth programming just the VIN number is not something it seemed any shop or auto parts store I talked to could do. Even specialists with OBDII programming said they could not do it without flashing it back to stock. The dealer obviously can, but that's $$$ and risks them overwriting the tune to stock if you happen to get someone that doesn't know what they are doing. I was told that even with HPtuners, if you don't have the original dongle used you have to license another or something like that. What a headache. Sure glad I kept the original PCM and got to sidestep this problem.

RobZL1 · 04-11-2019, 04:29 PM

I've never needed to do it, but my understanding with HPTuners in your situation is:

1) you need to already have credits/license for your VIN/ECM/OS combo (which you do)
2) purchase credits to license the new ECM, which must match the one you already have by ECM/OS (which it does)
3) use the Change VIN feature in HPT to fix it.

So, basically, it would cost $100 in your case and would work fine, assuming you already have the MPVI or MPVI2 that you tuned it with originally.

That's my understanding anyway- never personally needed to do it.

owhite3003 · 04-25-2019, 05:03 PM

That sucks on the vin deal. You would think that wouldn't matter.

04-06-2019, 03:39 PM	#1
evonschu Drives: Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Hillsboro, OR. Posts: 166 View My Garage	Write VIN to ECM Any quick and easy ways to write the VIN to the ECM on our rides? Had the ECM replaced a while back chasing down another issue and the VIN # is coming up "N/A" so cant pass DEQ here. Had the dealer program all the immobilizer stuff after the tune was put on. Not sure if they wiped it or not. Just trying to avoid a trip there or tuner if at all possible. I dont have HPTuners. Tried a couple auto parts stores in the area, as I saw online a scantool can write VIN. They said theres did not do that though. __________________ 2013 Camaro ZL1 M6: Rotofab CAI, JDP ZL-R Rough Idle Cam, Upgraded Valve Springs and Pushrods, Ron Davis Heat Exchanger, Alky Methanol Injection, Rx Catch Can, 87mm VMAX Ported TB, Summit Performance Spark Plug Wires, 10" Lower Pulley, Kooks 1 7/8" Headers with Magnaflow Cats, ID850 Injectors, Johnson 2110R lifters, EBC Slotted Rotors+Hawk Pads, Rotofab SC Coolant Reservoir, 160* Thermostat, Custom Mild to Wild switch, Tune, 1st to 4th bypass. 685 RWHP / 640 RWTQ.

04-11-2019, 03:39 PM	#2
evonschu Drives: Camaro ZL1 Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Hillsboro, OR. Posts: 166 View My Garage	Well nevermind. Figured out that my old ECM I had never sent back to rock auto still worked to start and run the vehicle. Back when I had a separate issue that ended up being the starter getting heat soaked ( https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=527875 ) I had replaced the ECM prior to figuring out the culprit was the starter not the ECM. Flashed the tune on the new ECM and had the dealer program the immobilizer/security features in so I could use this new ECM on my ride which started the above issue with the missing VIN. However, I assumed the dealer removed the old ECM from being allowed to start the vehicle and what not. They did not. So now I have 2 working ECMs that have my tune on them. Handy! Even though one doesn't have the VIN #, my original still does and solves the problem I had originally posted. Hopefully this info helps someone. For what its worth programming just the VIN number is not something it seemed any shop or auto parts store I talked to could do. Even specialists with OBDII programming said they could not do it without flashing it back to stock. The dealer obviously can, but that's $$$ and risks them overwriting the tune to stock if you happen to get someone that doesn't know what they are doing. I was told that even with HPtuners, if you don't have the original dongle used you have to license another or something like that. What a headache. Sure glad I kept the original PCM and got to sidestep this problem. __________________ 2013 Camaro ZL1 M6: Rotofab CAI, JDP ZL-R Rough Idle Cam, Upgraded Valve Springs and Pushrods, Ron Davis Heat Exchanger, Alky Methanol Injection, Rx Catch Can, 87mm VMAX Ported TB, Summit Performance Spark Plug Wires, 10" Lower Pulley, Kooks 1 7/8" Headers with Magnaflow Cats, ID850 Injectors, Johnson 2110R lifters, EBC Slotted Rotors+Hawk Pads, Rotofab SC Coolant Reservoir, 160* Thermostat, Custom Mild to Wild switch, Tune, 1st to 4th bypass. 685 RWHP / 640 RWTQ.

04-11-2019, 04:29 PM	#3
RobZL1 fo'shizZL1 Drives: 2017 ZL1 Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: ATL Posts: 1,281	I've never needed to do it, but my understanding with HPTuners in your situation is: 1) you need to already have credits/license for your VIN/ECM/OS combo (which you do) 2) purchase credits to license the new ECM, which must match the one you already have by ECM/OS (which it does) 3) use the Change VIN feature in HPT to fix it. So, basically, it would cost $100 in your case and would work fine, assuming you already have the MPVI or MPVI2 that you tuned it with originally. That's my understanding anyway- never personally needed to do it. __________________ 2017 ZL1 M6 Black \| Maggie 2650 // 103TB // Big Gulp Past Rides- 2014 ZL1 M6 Red Hot \| Tons of mods 2004 CTS-V M6 Silver \| Many mods 1995 Corvette M6 Torch Red \| A few more mods 1992 Camaro M5 White \| A few mods

04-25-2019, 05:03 PM	#4
owhite3003 Z-BEAST Drives: 2013 JDP ZL-850 Track Spec ZL1, Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Oregon City, OR Posts: 1,470	That sucks on the vin deal. You would think that wouldn't matter.