The powertrain control module (PCM) in your vehicle is the main computer controlling its various operating systems. For example, the PCM controls the engine, the transmission, the fuel system, and the speedometer. If the vehicle isn’t performing the way it should, the PCM can be reprogrammed to increase performance. Recalls are another reason your PCM may need to be reprogrammed. Since Chevrolet is a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), GM tools and software are used to reprogram a Chevrolet PCM.

GM pioneered the replaceable PROM chip as a way of programming a limited number of basic PCMs to fit a wide range of GM makes and models. A replaceable PROM chip also meant the PCM could be 'retuned' if necessary to correct certain kinds of emission or driveability problems.

Step 1

Do-it-yourself ECM/PCM Reprogramming (OBDI & II) If you decide to get into programming for yourself, there are a few questions you need to ask yourself. First, you need to ask yourself if you are planning on keeping your current powertrain configuration. How to: American vehicles (GM Ford Chrysler) PCM flash reprogramming tutorial in detail for newbies. What is PCM Programming? Why do you reprogram PCM? Who can help do PCM Reflashes? – GM PCM Flash – Ford PCM Flash – Chrysler PCM Flash. What is PCM Programming? Flash reprogrammable PCMs have been ussed in vehicles since the 1990s.

Use your web browser to go to GM’s calibration look-up website, and type in your vehicle’s VIN number to check for any programming updates to your PCM. If there are updates, you will need to purchase GM’s techline information system (TIS) programming software and service.

Step 2

Turn on your computer and plug the scan tool into it and your vehicle, using the pass-through cable. Turn on the scan tool and load the TIS programming software from GM on your computer.

Step 3

Click the “Service Programming System” option on the main screen of your TIS software on your computer. The “Select Diagnostic Tool and Programming Process” window will appear on your screen.

Step 4

Click on the “Pass-Thru” option under diagnostic tool, “Reprogram ECU” under select programming process, and “Vehicle” under ECU location. Click the “Next” button in the lower-right hand section of the window to proceed.

Step 5

Enter the VIN number in the VIN text box in the “Determine Vehicle” window, and click on “Apply” next to the text box. This will fill in your vehicle’s data in the boxes below. Click the “Next” button to proceed.

Step 6

Gm Ecm Reprogramming Software

Go through the checklist in the “Preparing for Communication” window, and click next to confirm your VIN number. If your VIN number is incorrect, enter the correct one. Click “Next” in the bottom-right corner.

Step 7

Click on the “PCM/VCM” selection under the “Select Controller” section of the next window. Select “Normal” under programming type and click the “Next” button.

Step 8

Select the newest calibrations for each system in the “Calibration Selection” window by clicking on each system’s tab, and putting a check mark next to the highest number of calibration. Click the “Next” button in the bottom-right corner of the window after every tab has a green check mark on it.

Step 9

Click “Next” at the summary screen after verifying your recalibrations. If all of your calibrations are up-to-date, an error will appear indicating there is nothing to reprogram. If they are not up-to-date, a transfer window will open and the program will begin to download and reprogram your PCM with the calibrations you selected.

Click the “Close” button on the “Programming Complete” window after the reprogramming is complete. You can turn off your scan tool and remove it from your vehicle.

Tip

• GM technology and software is expensive. If this isn't a procedure you will do on a regular basis, you can have your PCM programmed at your local dealer or some local part stores. All you need is your VIN, mileage and the PCM that needs programming.

Warning

• Make sure the battery in your scan tool is completely charged. If your battery dies while in the middle of reprogramming, irreparable damage may occur.

Items you will need

• Chevrolet compatible scan tool
• Serial pass-through cable
• Computer
• Internet access

• computer cable image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

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Free Gm Ecm Programming Software

GM Tech2 alone is a scanner, working together with TIS2000 CD, it can perform PCM programming.

Tools source:

Generally speaking, from China. here I’d like to advise eobdtool.co.uk.
GM Tech2 scan tool + TIS 2000 software CD and USB key

Also, a laptop or pc running windows xp home

Important!!!

Gm Ecm Programmer

GM Tech2 with TIS2000 work on GM vehicle before 2007 year, please be informed so that the process smoothly.

Laptop Engine Tuning Software

Guide:

–Insert the TIS 2000 CD into the computer, Tis2000 helps to get the latest calibration for the PCM
–Connect your Tech2 scan tool with laptop with a RS232 pass-thru interface
–Start the GM recalibration software program on your PC and welcome the vehicle information (year, make, model, etc.) program
— Connect the Tech 2 scan tool into the vehicle’s diagnostic socket
–Turn the ignition switch on and wait for the start screen
–Confirm the vehicle VIN number
—Select the operating system, engine, fuel system, speedometer or transmission.
— Select “normal reprogramming” or “VCI” (special modifications).
—Select the update bulletin/recalibration number from the menu.
–The system now starts transferring data. It will last about 3 minutes. You will notice that the PC screen will display a blue progress bar as the software is uploading to the vehicle. (The GM setup will not allow the same calibration to be reinstalled over itself. Only an updated calibration can be loaded into the vehicle computer.)
–When the system completes loading software, the windows will pops out “PROGRAMMING COMPLETE” message.
–Turn off the Tech2 ignition and disconnect it from the vehicle.

Images mean a lot:

TIS2000 application selection

Service Programming System:

If you forget to put security key in PC.

Gm Ecu Programming Software

With security key connected.

Not actually connected to car.

Take example : 2001 Chevy PCM programming with GM TECH2 + TIS2000

In 2001 the Chevy service manual says the PCM can only be reprogrammed using the Pass Through method.

The pass through programming method requires the use of a scan tool in series with the Techline terminal and the DLC.

The original 10 MB version of the Tech 2 did not offer Service Programming System (SPS) as an option. It looks like the Tech 2 was only a pass through device between the vehicle and the Techline Terminal in the early days (1997). SPS is the option that allows remote programming so without it the pass through method would have been the only method available. That’s the most likely reason my 2001 manual says pass through must be used. I am confident the newer Tech 2’s will program the Tracker PCM using the remote method.