PCM reprogramming

Tiny
KWMERRITT
  • MEMBER
  • 2017 HONDA CRV
  • 1.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • 7,000 MILES
I am looking for a new vehicle and I noticed that on the Carfax report that the computer has been reprogrammed. It does not specify which computer or for what reason. Why would such a new vehicle need such a major service?

Thanks in advance,

KW Merritt
Sunday, July 8th, 2018 AT 1:17 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,414 POSTS
Having a module flashed is a very common "repair" procedure on newer vehicles. Add another key or remote = flash update. Change the main battery = flash to set the new battery parameters. In the case of that CR-V it could be for just about anything as virtually every module on it requires programming to work properly like 99% of the vehicles these days. I do not see anything in the TSBs or recall inforamtion but without knowing exactly what was done it would be hard to pin down. However it is no longer a major item to flash a module. Even changing out a defective radio requires a flash update.
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Tuesday, July 10th, 2018 AT 12:09 PM
Tiny
BUCKTUDRUSSELL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2007 HONDA CRV
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
I saw somewhere that putting the negative battery cable on the positive post would reset the ECM/PCM. Sounds problematic. Is this for real?
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon.

No, never ever do that.

Removing a battery cable will make the ECM forget a current code but will come back when you start the car.

If you have codes, they need to be identified, diagnosed, repairs made and then the light can be cleared.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Roy
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 11:12 AM (Merged)

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