Replacing BCM
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On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 156
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From: South Jersey
Replacing BCM I need to replace the BCM in my 98 TA going to buy a new one , and I was wondering anybody have any recomendations on where to get one and when i get it will it need to be flashed like a pcm, because i know there is something like 16 different resistances for VATS and i dont want to bypass it.
3hrs and all this just so i can have some god damn interior lights
3hrs and all this just so i can have some god damn interior lights
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 11,325
Likes: 342
From: Jacksonville, FL (originally from Toronto Canada)
No, it does not need to be flashed (in fact, it can't be flashed).
A new BCM (from the dealer) will automatically program itself to the first ignition key used. Just install it then put your key in the ignition and turn it on.
A used BCM can not be reprogrammed. If you install a used BCM you will either have to hope you're lucky enough to get one that had the same key resistance value (a 1 in 14 chance - there are 15 VATS values but only 14 were ever used in f-bodies) or you'll have to bypass the VATS.
I suppose if you have enough money, you could get new ignition keys cut to match your existing key but using blanks for each of the different resistance values...
Another option would be to get the key and ignition cylinder that matches the used BCM you buy (if you can).
A new BCM (from the dealer) will automatically program itself to the first ignition key used. Just install it then put your key in the ignition and turn it on.
A used BCM can not be reprogrammed. If you install a used BCM you will either have to hope you're lucky enough to get one that had the same key resistance value (a 1 in 14 chance - there are 15 VATS values but only 14 were ever used in f-bodies) or you'll have to bypass the VATS.
I suppose if you have enough money, you could get new ignition keys cut to match your existing key but using blanks for each of the different resistance values...
Another option would be to get the key and ignition cylinder that matches the used BCM you buy (if you can).
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Joined: Feb 2004
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From: rosemount,mn/windsor locks,ct
No, it does not need to be flashed (in fact, it can't be flashed).
A new BCM (from the dealer) will automatically program itself to the first ignition key used. Just install it then put your key in the ignition and turn it on.
A used BCM can not be reprogrammed. If you install a used BCM you will either have to hope you're lucky enough to get one that had the same key resistance value (a 1 in 14 chance - there are 15 VATS values but only 14 were ever used in f-bodies) or you'll have to bypass the VATS.
I suppose if you have enough money, you could get new ignition keys cut to match your existing key but using blanks for each of the different resistance values...
Another option would be to get the key and ignition cylinder that matches the used BCM you buy (if you can).
A new BCM (from the dealer) will automatically program itself to the first ignition key used. Just install it then put your key in the ignition and turn it on.
A used BCM can not be reprogrammed. If you install a used BCM you will either have to hope you're lucky enough to get one that had the same key resistance value (a 1 in 14 chance - there are 15 VATS values but only 14 were ever used in f-bodies) or you'll have to bypass the VATS.
I suppose if you have enough money, you could get new ignition keys cut to match your existing key but using blanks for each of the different resistance values...
Another option would be to get the key and ignition cylinder that matches the used BCM you buy (if you can).
Ive dealt with this myself.. had a writeup made... works great. I will post the link in a sec.
EDIT: here you go. https://ls1tech.com/forums/10726798-post7.html
If you know the value of the key that matches the BCM, you can just pop in a resistor chip and you are good to go. If you don't know, then just drive to a GM dealership, install it right then and there, and have them come out and plug their silly tester into the car and find out what chip you need.
EDIT: here you go. https://ls1tech.com/forums/10726798-post7.html
If you know the value of the key that matches the BCM, you can just pop in a resistor chip and you are good to go. If you don't know, then just drive to a GM dealership, install it right then and there, and have them come out and plug their silly tester into the car and find out what chip you need.
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Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Replacing the BCM No, it does not need to be flashed (in fact, it can't be flashed).
A new BCM (from the dealer) will automatically program itself to the first ignition key used. Just install it then put your key in the ignition and turn it on.
A used BCM can not be reprogrammed. If you install a used BCM you will either have to hope you're lucky enough to get one that had the same key resistance value (a 1 in 14 chance - there are 15 VATS values but only 14 were ever used in f-bodies) or you'll have to bypass the VATS.
I suppose if you have enough money, you could get new ignition keys cut to match your existing key but using blanks for each of the different resistance values...
Another option would be to get the key and ignition cylinder that matches the used BCM you buy (if you can).
A new BCM (from the dealer) will automatically program itself to the first ignition key used. Just install it then put your key in the ignition and turn it on.
A used BCM can not be reprogrammed. If you install a used BCM you will either have to hope you're lucky enough to get one that had the same key resistance value (a 1 in 14 chance - there are 15 VATS values but only 14 were ever used in f-bodies) or you'll have to bypass the VATS.
I suppose if you have enough money, you could get new ignition keys cut to match your existing key but using blanks for each of the different resistance values...
Another option would be to get the key and ignition cylinder that matches the used BCM you buy (if you can).
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