I think my car has Passkey3, but I am unsure because the keys have no identifying marks on them. I am trying to do the relearn procedure but the security light does not even come on and the car does not start. The starter doesn't even click. I then put the old PCM back in the car and it won't do anything either. I have no idea what to do at this point and any help would be greatly appreciated.
I couldn't find anything definitive with the searching I did. Some pointed to yes you would need to and others to no you wouldn't. I'd call GM and ask them if the PCM needs to be programmed to your vehicles VIN in order for it to talk to the rest of the car's electronics. If it does it would take a Tech 2 scanner to do so.
The reason I suggest this is because not to long back I swapped a new transmission into a 09 Chevy Malibu. Once swapped in, the car would start but the trans was very sluggish and I kept getting a error code for the TCM. I looked and looked and looked to try to find out why. I found many things that discussed transmission repairs but not many on swaps to a new transmission. I found a couple things here and there but they were not to detailed. I finally came across one link of a link of a link kind of thing that mentioned programming the transmission to the vehicles VIN so the TCM and ECM/PCM would talk to each other. I called a GM dealership and after a while I finally got an answer and it was a "yes" the new trans needed to be programmed with a Tech 2 scanner to the vehicles VIN. Had a guy come out and program it, maybe 30 minutes total, and everything works like a charm.
With the Malibu only being 2 years newer and the Solstice also using the 4 cylinder Ecotecs like that Malibu had, that might be the issue? Maybe not though if the old PCM won't work. I'm really not sure how all that inter-plays with the others.
Edit: According to this link the ECM/PCM/ECU (whatever 3 letters you want to use for it) does have to be programmed to your vehicles VIN. If you buy the PCM from them, they have you give them your vehicles VIN so they can program it before they send it to you. Is your replacement programmed?
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This auction is for one service number 12605843 ECM (Engine control module) that is programmed for your vehicle using the latest software updates from G.M. using your V.I.N. (Vehicle identification number) to exactly match your vehicle. After you purchase the E.C.M. you will need to provide us with your V.I.N so that we can program the E.C.M. before we ship it to you.
It's very odd as to why the old one doesn't want to work either.
That's the part that really has me scratching my head. Although there is another thing I read about those PCM's. Before I get to that though, how many times did you do the learn procedure on the new PCM? I read it could take 4 or 5 of the cycles before it programs. Something like turning the key to crank then leaving it in run until security light goes out at which point you turn it to off for at least 30 seconds and then repeat 4 or 5 times. Seems excessive, but GM.
The other thing I read about those PCM's is the reason they are in a plastic snap in shrouding is because the PCM body can't touch ground while it's plugged in. If the body grounds it can short 2 of the pins in the PCM causing it to not function. I don't recall which 2 pins you check for that though. When I had the TCM issue with the Malibu, like I said I searched and searched. That was one of the things I came across in a GM technical bulletin that wasn't specific to the Malibu but to any vehicle that used that PCM. Hopefully this isn't the problem. I'll try to search out that bulletin when I get home from work.
I couldn't do the relearn procedure because the security light wouldn't come on at all. And there has been a check engine light on prior to this so I'm not sure if there is a new one or not, I will have to check that later today.
What is weird is why would the new PCM have a check engine code?
[This message has been edited by rbell2915 (edited 04-21-2017).]
Might be a bad ignition switch (not the key switch). Be sure to check the sterio and lights dureing the install, otherwise some things wont work (like the radio).
I appreciate everyone's help on the matter, but unfortunately it way was out of my league and I don't have the patience to be messing with it, especially since we're leaving the island soon. I had it towed to the Chevy dealer and we'll see if they can fix it.
[This message has been edited by rbell2915 (edited 04-22-2017).]
I appreciate everyone's help on the matter, but unfortunately it way was out of my league and I don't have the patience to be messing with it, especially since we're leaving the island soon. I had it towed to the Chevy dealer and we'll see if they can fix it.
