SSR

SEAN03

MEMBER
2006 CHEVROLET SSR
100,000 MILES

Hi I recently posted what was wrong with my dads truck. The ECM was bad from what I was told. My question is if nothing is burnt in the circuits why could they not reflash it. Also where is the powertrain relay located in the truck and what does it do. If I get a remanufactured ECM does it have to be flashed. Thanks. I like to learn and find out what stuff does.

6 Replies

DOCDTC

MECHANIC
53 POSTS

Hi Sean,
It depends on the supplier whether or not the PCM is pre-flashed. The PowerTrain relay is in the underhood fuseblock in cav. #26. Even with nothing visibly burnt, PCM's can fail due to an I/C chip issue or a fatal exception that will not allow new data to be uploaded. Hope this helps, if you have further questions, e-mail me at DocDTC@gmail. Com Doc

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012 AT 12:45 AM

SEAN03

MEMBER
523 POSTS

Hi I went to the dealer. He tried flashing the computer when I asked him. It didnt work at all. I found the powertrain relay in the fuse box. I think it was number 43 or 42. Anyways he said I need a new computer. I can get a remanufactured computer at rock auto for 103.00 plus a 75 dollar core charge. My question is I know the new one has to be flashed. If I buy this scanner could I flash it myself. The dealer wants 300 to install the computer and the relay and flash it. I dont want to put that much into it if I dont need to. I can buy the relay for 12.00 and install and I can change the computer myself for 103.00. I would need it flashed and I got a quote of 80 dollars to flash it. Thanks for all your help and time. Also let me know about this scanner. I would also appreciate it if you could ask around about a neosocket. It gets plugged into the cigarrett outlet of the car. It runs on 12volts and it is suppose to give you better gas millage and a little bit more horsepower. I installed this in my dads truck and the mechanic said it is possible it damaged the computer and the relay.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012 AT 7:06 PM

DOCDTC

MECHANIC
53 POSTS

Your dealer is correct about the neosocket- Basically its electronic snake oil. The risks involved negate any plausible gain.
As far as performing the reflash yourself- the code reader you sent me the link to is only for pulling codes and viewing data stream info. To get into equipment capable of doing a reflash, youm are looking at a sizable investment. I personally use a unit from EASE Diagnostics- Their Universal ReProgrammer interface II. The unit, along with the necessary battery support equipment, I have invested about $2600.00 not including the new dedicated laptop. Not too feasible for a single user. For access, to say, AC Delco (GMs data provider, the rate is the rate is $55 for 48 hour access. If you haven someone willing to do the procedure for $80, I'd take that deal! The relay is definitely DIY, its just plug it in and go. Hope this was kinda helpful. Doc

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Tuesday, August 21st, 2012 AT 11:49 PM

SEAN03

MEMBER
523 POSTS

Hey I got one more question if I decide to bring the truck back down to my house and I pull the old ECM out and buy the new ECM. Could I take both of these computers up to the dealership without the truck being their could they program the new computer. Or does the truck have to be their while they are doing the programming. If the truck doesn't have to be their when I get home I will put the new programmed one in. Thanks.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

Wednesday, August 22nd, 2012 AT 12:04 AM

DOCDTC

MECHANIC
53 POSTS

If you have the VIN and the old processor, they can do a flash out-of-vehicle. If your dealership has the correct off-board cables. Most all of the larger dealerships do though. Worst case scenario you may have to do a VTD reset/relearn, but its pretty easy and only takes 31&1/2 minutes to do. ( I'm not making that number up!)LOL Let me know if you need to do this and i'll walk you through it. Keep me posted, Doc