Can I replace computer myself on 99 gmc suburban
Asked by Blank78 Sep 26, 2016 at 03:08 PM about the 1999 GMC Suburban K1500 SLE 4WD
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
has 2 pages of trouble codes, passes emissions test i Colorado. Starts to miss
badly, qualified mechanic cant fix. Only thing he can come up with is might
need computer, must be done by dealer. I found at parts store computer for
less than $200. Found on internet, should be plug & play, is that true?
3 Answers
Yes you can change your self,if the computer number,s match,if they don,t match you will have to have dealer program it.
I changed the computer on my suburban the numbers matched it starts but cut right back off.running the battery down
The reason that it starts and then cuts right back off is because of the built-in passlock vehicle anti-theft system. It does not recognize the key. All you have to do to reprogram it is: 1) Start vehicle. It will only run for a moment before the VATS is unable to confirm the identity of the key, and tells the computer to shut down the engine. ***DO NOT TURN THE KEY AFTER TYE ENGINE STOPS!!!!*** On the dash, the Security light will either be on or flashing, I forget which. 2) Walk away for 20-60 minutes. Make sure you turn off any Accessories like the fan, radio, etc, so you don't drain the battery with the car sitting there with the ignition still on, and/or hook up a battery charger on a lower setting, just don't leave it on jump start for this process. 3) After no more than 60 minutes, the security light will eventually turn off. This indicates that it has read the "new" (to the computer) key, and saved the info to it's memory. At this point, turn the key to start the engine again, WITHOUT turning it to the "off" position first. It will fire up again, but this time, it will stay running. Hope this helps.
