Car Fix DIY Videos

In this GM Vehicle Control Module (VCM) (aka ECU aka PCM) reflash video we’ll make use of a benchtop programming harness that simulates the GM Off Board Programming Adapter (OBPA) so that we can go over how to replace your Vortec engine VCM (both trucks and vans) with an used one from a salvage yard vehicle, including reprogramming the correct VIN and latest calibration software level (or of course to a new or remanufactured VCM from GM / ACDelco instead). This was the first generation of flash programmable control modules from GM used in the GMT400 era trucks, aka old body style (OBS) trucks, and they were called a VCM rather than a Powertrain Control Module (PCM).

You do NOT need this bench top programming adapter harness I’m showing to do the repair, you could perform the procedure I go over with the VCM installed in your actual vehicle instead. However, you WILL need access to a GM Tech2 scan tool as well as the associated GM TIS2000 software, or an acdelcotds.com Tech2Win subscription.

ADVICE:
Check that any replacement VCM matches your original ones service number EXACTLY!
You can ignore the 1996-97 TIS2000 error “M676: The ECU could be a service ECU !!!”

Buy a VCM
It is always preferable to use a brand new or factory remanufactured GM / ACDelco VCM for service purposes, but as we showed an used one will also work. Documentation may refer to the part as an ECU or PCM. The part numbers for the Vortec V6 & V8 engine VCMs for these years fall into three groups. Here are affiliate search links on eBay and Amazon for each:
Early 1996 GM 16208546 (built before 2/14/1996): https://ebay.us/YJHtLk
Early 96 VCM Rewiring Kit GM 12167310: https://ebay.us/Z3RU8r
1996 – 1997 GM 16244210: https://ebay.us/nyUYwt
1998 and up GM 16250279 (also 09366810, 09355699): https://ebay.us/A6PZVh and Amazon: https://amzn.to/3tUSdXh

Buy the GM Service Manual
If you are looking for the 98 GM C/K service manual, here’s an eBay affiliate search link: https://ebay.us/Vkbhwi

Buy a Tech2
If you are looking for a GM Tech2 scan tool, here’s an affiliate link on eBay to get you started: https://ebay.us/xEWuoJ

Buy a Tech2 USB to DB9 Serial Port adapter
And if you need a USB adapter, the GM recommended Tripp Lite Keyspan USA-19HS can be found at this eBay affiliate link: https://ebay.us/tAWnY5 or at this Amazon affiliate link if you prefer to shop there: https://amzn.to/2GEDwE4

WARNING: When performing SPS operations in the actual vehicle, pay very close attention to the service manual instructions around power cabling and battery readiness as a power fluctuation during an SPS programming procedure can permanently damage any controller module. GM recommends use of their EL-49642 SPS Programming Support Tool (Midtronics PSC-550S) attached to the battery to avoid this. You can also jumper cable another battery to mitigate this risk. But do NOT attempt to use a battery charger for this purpose though.

NOTE: TIS2000 was deprecated by GM in early 2008, but was once the primary Techline Information System (TIS) approach delivered to dealers via DVD media. Today we would use the subscription based TIS2Web as part of the ACDelco TDS server (www.acdelcotds.com) based offering to accomplish many of the same tasks, although the Off-Board Programming Adapter (OBPA) path shown in this video is no longer supported or offered by TIS2Web.

NOTE: be sure your USB to serial adapter device driver is configured for 115200 speed on Windows using Device Manager and that you set the COM port it is assigned to within TIS2000 for communication to be successful. GM recommends the Tripp Lite Keyspan USA-19HS adapter (USB to DB9 serial).

And if I’ve saved you some $$ here, consider some coins for the coffee tip-jar! https://ko-fi.com/drshock

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001
Astro Safari Express Savana Tahoe Blazer Suburban Yukon Escalade Silverado Sierra Cheyenne Sonoma Bravada Jimmy S10

Chapters
0:00 – VCM Location & Identification
3:50 – Removal from the vehicle
7:26 – Bench top wiring harness
14:20 – VCM Visual Inspection
15:18 – Knock Sensor Calibration Module Transfer
19:10 – 1996-97 VCM Programming
43:44 – 1998+ VCM Programming
58:10 – VCM Relearn Procedures

#drshock #chevytrucks #obstrucks #cheyenne

Disclaimer: DrShock, the alias for the human content creator for this YouTube channel, is not responsible for any damages, injuries, losses, or liabilities associated with any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance performed on yours, or any other, vehicle whatsoever. No warranty, express or implied, is made as to the accuracy or completeness of any information provided within this channel. Viewing and using the “as-is” information of this channel is totally at your own risk. Always wear personal protection equipment and follow appropriate vehicle manufacturer service manual guidelines with original manufacturer parts only when performing any repairs, upgrades, or maintenance upon any vehicle.