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Unplugging the ECM

Tiny
JUSTIN78BERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 BUICK CENTURY
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I'm replacing the radiator and the computer is housed inside of the cold air intake filter box. It has two wiring harnesses that are stiff and short causing it to be in my way, plus I don't want to possibly get antifreeze on it while lifting the old radiator out. So, can I unplug it completely and set it aside for now? I've read when replacing them that you have to have dealership programming? Would it plug back up without any problems I guess is what I'm getting at.
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Thursday, August 5th, 2021 AT 5:01 AM

4 Replies

Tiny
JUSTIN78BERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I'm sorry, PCM not ECM.
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Thursday, August 5th, 2021 AT 11:26 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sorry for the delay. Short answer is no you do not need to program it again if you unplug it.

Once it is programmed to your vehicle it will keep that programming. However, some of the drive monitors will have to be run again which will happen normally when driving. However, if you have an inspection in the near future then I would not do this as it will fail if these monitors have not run.

If you are concerned about this, what I have done in the past is just leave it plugged in but unbolt it and then wrap a trash bag around the module and connectors so that it is protected. This will leave it plugged in and not get any coolant on it.

Please see the info below on how to replace it if you need this.

Thanks
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 8:07 AM
Tiny
JUSTIN78BERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay, good. I did have it wrapped with a shopping bag while removing the radiator then I started to do a flush and thermostat change and of course the thermostat is right there with it too. So I took the gamble and unplugged the connectors, put them inside a brand new rubber dishwashing glove and taped up (not wanting to make contact with the pins).
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Friday, August 6th, 2021 AT 10:21 AM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Great idea. Thanks for the update.

Please let us know how it turns out or if you have other questions. Thanks
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Saturday, August 7th, 2021 AT 5:28 PM

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