PCM Diagnostics & Tuning HP Tuners | Holley | Diablo

Need help with PCM identification?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 31, 2006 | 09:26 AM
  #1  
squealingtires's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default Need help with PCM identification?

How can I determine what year the PCM is in my 2000 Trans-Am. I'm sure you are laughing right now at that stupid qustions

Here's the deal. I've got a Hypertech that I use to scan for codes. I'll plug in the Hypertech and it will say, "Power programer has programmed VIN # xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx." And this matches my VIN number. It will then flash across the screen a different VIN# and it happens so fast that I can't record it however I know it is different than my VIN#. Do I have a different PCM?

I bought my car with mail order tuning from Street & Performance, Mena, Arkansaw. Is it common for PCM's to get switched up? Sorta like a core charge system?

I would like to buy some tuning software, used, perferably. So how can I tell what year my PCM is?
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2006 | 04:36 PM
  #2  
2002_Z28_Six_Speed's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,538
Likes: 1
From: Wash, DC
Default

Originally Posted by squealingtires
How can I determine what year the PCM is in my 2000 Trans-Am. I'm sure you are laughing right now at that stupid qustions

Here's the deal. I've got a Hypertech that I use to scan for codes. I'll plug in the Hypertech and it will say, "Power programer has programmed VIN # xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx." And this matches my VIN number. It will then flash across the screen a different VIN# and it happens so fast that I can't record it however I know it is different than my VIN#. Do I have a different PCM?

I bought my car with mail order tuning from Street & Performance, Mena, Arkansaw. Is it common for PCM's to get switched up? Sorta like a core charge system?

I would like to buy some tuning software, used, perferably. So how can I tell what year my PCM is?
If you were able to get the VIN, then you could know the model, year, transmission, ect. If you have the time, then take the PCM to an automotive store. They maybe able to help. I can use AutoTap to determine VIN's. If you have AT try that.

It is very probabile that whoever tuned that PCM didn't set the VIN to yours. Did you order a seperate PCM or did you have yours reprogramed? Maybe he just accepted yours as a core and picked one out of a lot to program and send back.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2006 | 06:08 PM
  #3  
squealingtires's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default I'll try to get the V(N

I guess I can try to get the mysterious VIN# by booting up the Hypertech several times and each time recording the number incrementally. Or perhaps I'll videotape the bootup sequence. I never really thought about being able to reprogram the VIN# but I guess anything is possible.

Can you also reprogram the year? Lets say I have a 2000 LS1 computer and I can get a super deal on a 2001 software tuning package. What is to keep someone from just reprogramming their year so that the software package recognizes the new year based upon the license agreement? If I understand correctly, you generally buy a software license and it is only valid for one particular model year.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2006 | 06:52 PM
  #4  
2002_Z28_Six_Speed's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,538
Likes: 1
From: Wash, DC
Default

I know that you can program any VIN into the PCM.

I think the difference between the years is that each year is a different operating system version. I have been told you can load a 2002 operating system into a 1999 PCM.

I guess if you had the equipment you could do whatever you wanted to.
Reply
Old Jan 31, 2006 | 06:59 PM
  #5  
2002_Z28_Six_Speed's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (19)
 
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 4,538
Likes: 1
From: Wash, DC
Default

I know that you can program any VIN into the PCM.

I think the difference between the years is that each year is a different operating system version. I have been told you can load a 2002 operating system into a 1999 PCM.

I guess if you had the equipment you could do whatever you wanted to.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:17 AM.

story-0
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-2
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-3
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-5
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-6
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE
story-7
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power

Slideshow: A heavily reworked 1972 K5 Blazer swaps its off-road roots for a low-slung street-focused build with modern V8 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-09 18:08:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There are thousands of used Camaros on the market but we think you should avoid these 10

By | 2026-02-17 17:09:30


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 LS Engine Myths That Refuse to Die

Slideshows: Which one of these myths do you believe?

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-28 18:10:11


VIEW MORE