ECM Swapping

nubuilder

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Yeah, the same ECM is used on multiple vehicles, but if I get one from a Auto 4x4, will I have issues?

I know that guys have swapped 5.7L Vortec's into 4.3L Vortec S10's with no problems. The computers look the exact same and guys say that the ECM can compensate for the larger airflow (that's the only difference it sees), but that a tune unlocks all the power.
 

nubuilder

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I'll be heading to the junkyard tomorrow to get an ECM along with a factory CD player (always wanted one since I got the truck; keep everything looking stock....less reason to break in :)).

JennaBear said that as long as its from the same vehicle I'd be find since older vehicles didn't have many options. And if it doesn't work, I'll take it back...or sell it.


Side note:
Do you guys go to a junkyard or find a private seller first?
I know the private seller will always be cheaper, but some things they just don't have. I found that they have a 4x4 14-bolt axles; 1 is 3.73 for $600 and the other is 3.42 for $800. WTF are they thinking with these prices? I've seen most of them from private sellers for easily under $400. Anyways, I guess there are reasons to use and not to use a junkyard.
 

nubuilder

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I picked up the ECM this morning. The radio I wanted was already gone. Oh well, I guess its better that I didn't get it.

This ECM is remarkably clean. Its in better shape than either of the ones that I already have. Also, the S10 has 5 plugs that go into it whereas my K1500 has 4. The 5th one is almost square and has 5 pins in it. The other 4 are just like the ones on the K1500. Anyone have any idea WTF it is for?

Anyways, I plan on swapping them out tomorrow morning. I'll let you know if there's a change. I sure hope there is!!
 

drperry

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If you've got a code reader, keep it handy...

You might not get the thing into closed loop mode.
Also, it might need a crank relearn.

For manuals the ECM is told the transmission is in 3rd gear at all times :lol:

It'll run though, and at the very least, should let you know if your idle issue is ECM related...
 

nubuilder

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If you've got a code reader, keep it handy...NOPE

You might not get the thing into closed loop mode. What does this mean?
Also, it might need a crank relearn. Is that the one I can do myself or is it the one the dealer has to do? I use to have the instructions from BBP when I got the ECM for my Silverado.

For manuals the ECM is told the transmission is in 3rd gear at all times :lol: Is this going to make anything not work?

It'll run though, and at the very least, should let you know if your idle issue is ECM related... Will I be able to drive it at all? I sort of need to get it to maintain at least 30mph if not more for my testing.
Please don't tell me I'm fWONked! :facepalm:
 

drperry

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If you've got a code reader, keep it handy...NOPE

You might not get the thing into closed loop mode. What does this mean?
Also, it might need a crank relearn. Is that the one I can do myself or is it the one the dealer has to do? I use to have the instructions from BBP when I got the ECM for my Silverado.

For manuals the ECM is told the transmission is in 3rd gear at all times :lol: Is this going to make anything not work?

It'll run though, and at the very least, should let you know if your idle issue is ECM related... Will I be able to drive it at all? I sort of need to get it to maintain at least 30mph if not more for my testing.
Please don't tell me I'm fWONked! :facepalm:


The closed loop mode is for your o2 sensors/emissions system... It's tied into the crank relearn and transmission reading.
It's the same one BBP had you do.


It'll work, it'll just throw some transmission related codes.

You'll be able to drive it :thumbs:
 

nubuilder

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Alright, I just swapped it in (and back out; only because I need to haul a couch and don't want any problems).

Either I don't have a security light or I didn't need to do a crank re-learn because the light never came on and the truck fired right up...I mean started right up :D. I only drove it maybe 3 miles. At first it seemed to be trying to idle down even though it was in high idle since it was cold. At one point it was trying to idle way high. I'm not too concerned about this yet since it is probably trying to learn.

I also realized while driving that this might not be programmed for my gear ratio. I'll need to double check the MPG compare to RPM and also compared to a GPS for checking them both.

Anyways, I gotta go haul a couch. When I get back, the ECM is going back in for more testing.
 

drperry

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Alright, I just swapped it in (and back out; only because I need to haul a couch and don't want any problems).

Either I don't have a security light or I didn't need to do a crank re-learn because the light never came on and the truck fired right up...I mean started right up :D. I only drove it maybe 3 miles. At first it seemed to be trying to idle down even though it was in high idle since it was cold. At one point it was trying to idle way high. I'm not too concerned about this yet since it is probably trying to learn.

I also realized while driving that this might not be programmed for my gear ratio. I'll need to double check the MPG compare to RPM and also compared to a GPS for checking them both.

Anyways, I gotta go haul a couch. When I get back, the ECM is going back in for more testing.


The high idle only lasts a few seconds anyway... I think the longest I've ever seen it last is in the 15 - 30 second mark... Most likely shorter than that... And that's at -40 without being plugged in.
 

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