corsmitch

I have a 2001 Impala and Pep Boys just did a flowchart diagnosis on it, and said that I probably need the PCM replaced. I know that a dealership has to do the work, but I was wondering if I can replace it and how hard would that be. Also need the location of where the PCM is. PLEASE REPLY!

GMMerlin

Well lets start at the beginning..
What is wrong with your vehicle?
Having Pep boys do powertrain diagnosis is like going to McDonalds and asking for a Taco Supreme

__________________
Why do you never have enough time or money to do the job right the first time, but enough time and money to do it again?
Got all the certifications
25 years ASE Certified Master Technician
GM WCT
Yea..I work at a DEALERSHIP....got a problem with that?

bigrod118

yeah, if your PCM goes bad, you know it. but replacing it you can do your self its easy to find and all you have to do is unplug it and plug in the new one and have your car relearn the new one, which I forgot how to do. but when you replace it you just have to make sure your battery has a full 12 volts. but your pcm is located in you stock air box of all places. act ilke your going to replcae the air filter, and take that cover off, then get a driver and take off the two screws or bolts that hold the second half of your air box together and then you will see your PCM.


I gutted my sir box so this picture is of right behind the driver side headlight, yours wont look like this, itll have plastic air box left of it, but that is your PCM.

GMMerlin

The PCM is not a "plug and Play" piece!.
The new PCM must be programmed

__________________
Why do you never have enough time or money to do the job right the first time, but enough time and money to do it again?
Got all the certifications
25 years ASE Certified Master Technician
GM WCT
Yea..I work at a DEALERSHIP....got a problem with that?

bigrod118

did you miss that part.

MoNsTeR`ImPaLa

OH yeah if you're going to replace this yourself in the driveway have a tow truck on stand-by ( to take you to the dealership sevice dept )

also remember to dissconnect your battery its also good to hook up a 9 volt battery to a lighter plug and PLUG it in to the lighter socket that way you computer will not lose all power and you wont have other problems down the road


OH yeah if you need it done. have a dealership service dept check first and let them do the work its safer that way

GMMerlin

No I didn't miss it...your incorrect information shows your lack of knowledge of GM operating systems
The PCM will have to be flashed with all the calibrations specific to the VIN of the vehicle.
This means you will have to visit your local GM dealer to have this done.
Plus the following other procedures must be done.
CKP System Variation Learn Procedure

GM Oil Life System - Resetting

Inspection/Maintenance (I/M) Complete System Set Procedure

Programming Theft Deterrent System Components

__________________
Why do you never have enough time or money to do the job right the first time, but enough time and money to do it again?
Got all the certifications
25 years ASE Certified Master Technician
GM WCT
Yea..I work at a DEALERSHIP....got a problem with that?