Ecm computer

Asked by GuruDT28C Aug 17, 2017 at 10:10 AM about the 1999 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LB RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 1993 Chevy pickup, and I was jumping it
with a battery charger. I  burnt out my ECM
computer. I went out to a wrecking yard and
bought another ECM computer and they told me
that I might have to change the chip, so when I
plugged in the computer I bought, the truck started
shaking running really rough, and just did not have
power. I changed the chip and still the same
problem.
Is there something i have to do to have the ECM
set itself to all the accessories of my particular
pickup?

2 Answers

101,345

If the donor truck had identical powertrain options and no model-year variations, the PCM would be good to go, but if not it will have to reflashed to factory specs to match your truck. Generally it's pretty hard to pick up a new chip from a scrap yard and have it work without needing to be reflashed. You can get that done at a dealer ($$$) or find a local mechanic or even parts store that can do it, just requires a GM scan tool, GM's web site can provide programming updates to your specific PCM that can be downloaded to your computer/scan tool then used to flash the PCM.

4 people found this helpful.
50

I am also having problems (different ones) after having my ecu changed; however, I came across this resource for reprogramming ecu's. Mine is a 1994 Silverado K1500, and it is not listed. https://www.aa1car.com/library/gm_reprogrammable_modules.pdf

5 people found this helpful.

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