The ECM Programming service is performed on most OBD II (OBDII Vehicles) units and is included with the purchase of an Engine Control Module. This will eliminate the need to go to your local auto repair shop or dealer after receiving your unit from us.
The PCM (powertrain control module) is your car's on-board computer. It controls a myriad of the car's features, including emissions specifications, idle speed and brake control. The PCM can be reprogrammed to improve the car's performance or to fix a bug that negatively affects one or more of the car's characteristics (the car maker creates updates to the PCM software periodically), which is usually done at a dealership. You can update your car's PCM yourself, however, with the right scan tool and the updated PCM software.
Obtain the PCM software specific to your make and model -- you can download this software online from the vehicle maker's website, or you can order a CD with the software on it. Both of these options usually involve paying a fee, although this can vary with different auto companies. When getting your PCM software, make sure that it is specific to your exact make and year.
Connect the scan tool to your computer and start the PCM software program to transfer the information to the scan tool; some auto companies require you to validate your car's VIN and other information throughout this process. After the transfer is complete, disconnect the scan tool and locate your car's PCM -- as this location can vary based on your vehicle, check the owner's manual for the exact location (it is usually located around the car battery). After locating the PCM, find the OBD II connector on the PCM (refer to owner's manual here also).
Turn your car's ignition on, connect your scan tool to the OBD II connector on the PCM and then turn the scan tool to its 'On' position. Depending on the make of your car, you will have to select several specifications regarding your vehicle (engine and fuel system details). After providing this information via the scan tool, start the data transfer. Make sure to keep the scan tool connected to the PCM throughout this entire process; the scan tool will alert you when the transfer is completed.
Turn the scan tool to its 'Off' position after it alerts you that it has finished reprogramming your PCM. Disconnect the scan tool from the OBD II connector and then turn your car's ignition off. Restart the car to make sure that the codes have been installed properly and that there are no warning lights on your display.
Tips
Check with your car dealer to find out the specific scan tool that is required for your car.
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When we talk about “OBD1” GM vehicles, we mean vehicles made from (approximately) 1986 to 1995. These cars used several different types of engine controller – some have one injector for each cylinder (Tuned Port Injection, or TPI along with the LTx motors) while some have fewer injectors that are placed near the throttle body (Throttle Body Injection, or TBI) instead. All the vehicles of this generation speak the ALDL protocol for logging/vehicle communication.
For purposes of this guide, “ECM” means Engine Control Module, Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Engine Computer Module (ECM) – terms will be used interchangeably to mean the same thing.
Overview
94-95 model years are oddballs. Many of these ECMs support being reflashed over the ALDL interface (e.g. LT1) using TunerCATS. Some (like the 94-95 TBIs) use a G1 adapter. Many Grand Prix from these years use the G4 adapter. Diesels generally use the G5 adapter.
The process for tuning OBD1 GM products is pretty much the same for all 86-93 model years. First, a “chip adapter” is used to convert whatever the ECM in question needs into a form that accepts a 28 pin EPROM. Some chip adapters require soldering for installation (G2, G2X) but most do not (G1, G3, G4, G5). The same EPROMs can be used for all of our OBD1 GM products (except the switching adapters…) which is usually the 27SF512 – C2.
After a chip adapter has been installed in an ECM, tuning can begin. You can burn chips using a ROM burner such as the BURN1/2. Alternatively, you can either use the Ostrich 2.0 emulator or the emulation facilities of the APU1 to make changes while the vehicle is running.
Logging from the computer is accomplished using either an ALDU1 or the logging facilities of an APU1. For 86-94 vehicles, CABL1 is required to connect the logger and the vehicle. For the 1995 model year, CABL2 is required due to the physically different connector.
Instead of buying the BURN2, Ostrich2 and ALDU1 separately, you can buy the APU1 unit that does the functions of all three pieces in one unit.
G1 – “Memcal” style chip adapter (TPI, Syclone/Typhoon, 94-95 TBI, 92-93 LT1, etc.)
G2 – “TBI” 24 pin style chip adapter
G2 GN Style – Grand National Only.
G2X – Multiple program switching version of G2
G3 – Multiple program switching version of G1
G4 – Blue Memcal style chip adapter for some 94-95 vehicles
G5 – Diesel memcal style chip adapter
HDR1 – Header that allows reading memcals in a BURN1/2. Used to read stock program on memcal ECMs.
BURN2 – Programs chips
Ostrich – USB Chip emulator, allows realtime changes while engine running
Socket Booster – required for use of Ostrich 2.0 in TBI applications. Can be used instead of G2 adapter.
ALDU1– USB ALDL interface
CABL1– Used to connect an ALDU1 or APU1 and a pre-1995
CABL2 – Used to connect an ALDU1 or APU1 and a 1995 car
APU1 – Combines the functions of the BURN2 (programming chips), Ostrich 2.0 (real time chip emulation) and the ALDU1 in one unit
This table is abbreviated. If you don’t see your application here, please email us.
Chip Burning | Emulation | Datalogging | ||||
ECM/PCM Part # | G1, G3 | |||||
X | X | X | ||||
X | X | X | ||||
86-93 TBI | X | – | X | X* | X | – |
– | X | X ’94 | ||||
92-93 Corvette LT1 | X | X | – | X | X | – |
1227148 | X | – | X | X | X | |
91-93 Syclone/Typhoon | X | X | – | X | X | – |
* Socket Booster (S_BOOSTER) required for Ostrich 2 emulation and TBI ECMs
If you have excel, you can also take a look at this spreadsheet for a list of what hardware you’ll need with various combinations.
TunerPro RT ( link ) and TunerCATS ( link ) are the two most commonly used software packages for OBD1 GM.
FreeScan is a free datalogger that works with some GM vehicles. ( link )
There is an excellent cross-reference I found with google that lists common ECMs, which mask (software revision) they use and various other useful information. ( link )
TunerCat OBD1 tuner seems to have the best support for Holden vehicles at this time ( link ) although TunerPro has support for some ( link )
Hardware-wise, the majority of these vehicles use the G1 chip adapter. Some of the newer vehicles use our newest G6 chip adapter. We don’t know the Australian vehicles as well as those stateside so we recommend you check out http://www.delcohacking.net for more info on these vehicles.