Dealer wants $700+ for new ECM - any alternatives?
- Thread starter sonic808
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Blue Moon Sonic
New member
Oh man, this is a can of worms that shouldn't even be opened unless you know how these systems interact with each other. I know the reason why dealers wont let you do this sort of thing unless you order the part from them. It's very similar to what happened with me when I was doing an engine swap in the pony. I ran into the issue of having my new (used) instrument cluster denied being programmed by the ford dealership with corrected mileage from the original cluster.
So here's the deal. The dealership wants you to buy the part brand new so that they can have it programmed by GM with the correct information of the vehicle so that way they can drop it in and make sure everything matches correctly. If none of the information is correct, the car won't start. So for example, If the security key in the ECM is different from the instrument cluster or ignition assembly it start flashing the anti-theft light and cuts ignition and fuel so the car can't start.
There is also the issue of, if you don't buy the right ECU for the right year vehicle. Believe it or not, there are parameter changes between the years in how the engine is tuned due to hardware changes or what features are installed in the car. So you really have to watch out for stuff like this when messing with a car's computer systems
So here's the deal. The dealership wants you to buy the part brand new so that they can have it programmed by GM with the correct information of the vehicle so that way they can drop it in and make sure everything matches correctly. If none of the information is correct, the car won't start. So for example, If the security key in the ECM is different from the instrument cluster or ignition assembly it start flashing the anti-theft light and cuts ignition and fuel so the car can't start.
There is also the issue of, if you don't buy the right ECU for the right year vehicle. Believe it or not, there are parameter changes between the years in how the engine is tuned due to hardware changes or what features are installed in the car. So you really have to watch out for stuff like this when messing with a car's computer systems
are you in your warranty period? you could raise this to corporate GM
Blue Moon Sonic
New member
Pulled this link from another thread on the forum
Here is the link to the thread that also had a question on something similar.
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/14791-ecu-swap.html
Stew said:
Here is the link to the thread that also had a question on something similar.
http://www.sonicownersforum.com/forum/general-discussion/14791-ecu-swap.html
I'm assuming for emissions related needs? Honestly wouldn't know. The dealer can probably inform you.
shibbs
Member
I laugh that $700 is a ripoff. BUT I'm super jaded in that I work at a BMW dealership.
The CHEAPEST ECU here is $1100, and that's before programming... which is 3 hours time to code at $153.72/hr labor rate. lol
Just a warning, some ECUs only allow a VIN to be flashed on it once--so a used one might not help you. Call a dealership and ask to talk to the shop foreman - they should be able to tell you.
The CHEAPEST ECU here is $1100, and that's before programming... which is 3 hours time to code at $153.72/hr labor rate. lol
Just a warning, some ECUs only allow a VIN to be flashed on it once--so a used one might not help you. Call a dealership and ask to talk to the shop foreman - they should be able to tell you.
ScarabEpic22
Member
I just sent you a PM, if the used ECM has the same service number AND same Operating System # (you have to check and I dont think a dealer can do this, needs EFILive or HPTuners) then you can have it reprogrammed by a dealer to work with your car.
I can perform factory programming for most GM vehicles, however there are some newer modules that cannot be reprogrammed for another vehicle. On my TrailBlazer, I've swapped a handful of different ECMs and other modules arouns, but I havent had the need on my Sonic.
Here's a link to an article that specifies our Sonics: Do Not Swap Control Modules
You can purchase a new E78 ECM for our vehicles on eBay for less than $100 and then pay a dealer or someone to program it for your 2014 Sonic (I can do it as well). This seems like an easier option when new ECMs are so inexpensive vs risking paying for a reprogram twice.
I can perform factory programming for most GM vehicles, however there are some newer modules that cannot be reprogrammed for another vehicle. On my TrailBlazer, I've swapped a handful of different ECMs and other modules arouns, but I havent had the need on my Sonic.
Here's a link to an article that specifies our Sonics: Do Not Swap Control Modules
You can purchase a new E78 ECM for our vehicles on eBay for less than $100 and then pay a dealer or someone to program it for your 2014 Sonic (I can do it as well). This seems like an easier option when new ECMs are so inexpensive vs risking paying for a reprogram twice.
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Assuming as others said that the unit itself is bad in some fashion, there are aftermarket companies that can sell you another ECM unit and reprogram it accordingly based on your VIN.
A-1 Cardone is one such company in the aftermarket among others.
