2002 / 2001 ECM swap question

[Mark Rinker]

I have the original OEM ECM from my 2001 K2500. Selling my 2002 K2500 without the custom ECM, need to remove it.

Had truck in for service last week, asked tech to swap in the 2001 ECM, update VIN and flash to 2002 programming. He attempted to do this, but reports a failure when it "gets to the anti-theft programming" which must not have been supported on the 2001 ECM.

Question - I never tried (or asked) to simply swap the stock 2001 ECM 'as-is' into the 2002. Does the VIN have to match the 2002 truck to work, or could this work, if I simply leave the stock OEM 2001 programming in place for the 2002 truck?

[More Power]

Kennedy knows the details, but a 2001 ECM can be "custom" flashed with '02 programming. As I understand it, it's not a straightforward reflash. There are electronic differences between the '01 & '02 ECMs.

I'd be hesitant to install a non-standard ECM in a truck, and then sell it. The new owner could, at some point, take the truck to the dealer for some sort of service work. The massaged ECM could interfere with their diagnostics and any subsequent reflash.

Jim

[Kennedy]

From 2001 to 2002 there are some key operational differences within teh "front end" of the ECM. Using a Tech 2 to jump this gap will freeze the ECM making it useless unless you lift the chip and start over. Trust me I have done this a time or two. I worked closely with Ross at EFI Live on this. He has made it possible for EFI Live software to do this with a full flash. It's still not quite that easy (need to match some key vehicle options etc) but it definitely works. In this case you would load any EFI file from a 2002 and then take the Tech 2 and load the proper/exact tune to the ECM. I haven't had the need to do one this way, but am quite confident that it will work.

For those on the sidelines, this is one of the key reasons that I suggest ECM core purchase and keep the original for a stock backup. Much as I hate core buying, it's much safer to own a core. I don't price my core fees as a money maker so much as to pay for the hassle and risk involved in dealing with salvage yards.

[madmatt]

How much is a core ECM from an 03 bringing??? I have one in my box I may part with for a little extra cash. The truck ran fine when it came in and I swapped it out. Kept setting a phantom code w/ no real failure anywhere.

[Mark Rinker]

Jim - good point. I am truely trying to save the new owner any headaches - NOT create more for him. Thanks for pointing out the scenario you did...

MaddMatt - If you have the '03 ECM available to box and ship today - I'll happily PayPal you $100 (plus your shipping costs) to overnight it to me. If you are interested, call me at 612.578.6355.

Otherwise, the new owner gets a nice custom tune, and thats okay as well. My concern is that he'll leave it on the 'HI' setting, limp the truck, and call me in a panic. Its not easy to do, but it can be done (especially if you are towing) with a very heavy foot - and the truck is going to be a shop truck with multiple drivers...

Best in stock trim for that duty, IMO.

[Kennedy]

I'll make no secrets here. I run a $200 core charge on the LB7 ECM's. I pay somewhere north of $100-125 and as much as $200 each. I'm not into selling cores to make money. After dealing with salvage yards a few times it will become apparent that some have no clue. A recent core buying experience had 3 of 4 yards send the wrong parts. I gave Hollander numbers and everything yet two sent Allison TCM's and one sent a gasser ECM even though the invoice had stock number, LC number, and VIN number that did not match the product. Then it takes 30 days or more to get them to refund. Just sent threat of chargeback today.

OK off my rant (in a bad mood today) and on to Mark's deal. The 2003 ECM will accept 2002 OE programming just fine. Many run w/o the intake heater with no issue. Just depends how "right" you want the truck to be for teh new owner. This can be shut off in the tuning and I generally do this on my race tuning.

[Mark Rinker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Duramax-2004-04-Silverado-Engine-Computer-PCM-ECM-6-6L_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c66Q3a2Q 7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec 0Q2em14QQhashZitem310094195309QQitemZ310094195309



This is the cheapest online price I've found - they look like they sell a few ECMs and 100% + feedback.

[cabletech]

Mark... I have an 04LB7 ECM collecting dust in my basement. I would be more than happy to get rid of it (and so would my wife). Let me know if your interested. I work nights in Roseville, so I could meet you almost any day. My days off are Thur, Fri and Sat.

Jay