2005 cts ecm replace/reprogram

vongutenburgen

Hello, I have a 2005 CTS 3.6 which is running very rough due to the fuel injectors not firing properly. The issue was traced back to the ecm computer. I was told the replacement procedure would need to be performed by a gm dealer but was quoted $800 and $1000+ for a new ecm + install and reprogramming by the two dealerships I called which seems ridiculous for such a simple procedure. I see ecms can be bought used on ebay for less than $100 but how can I get them programmed to my vehicle without taking it to a dealer (they both refused to install/reprogram an ecm that I did not buy from them). I read that in another post that most sellers simply require your vin and can reprogram the ecm to your vehicle before shipping but have yet to find someone who says they will do this. Who can I buy an ecm from that will do this?

thecardoc3

vongutenburgen said:

Hello, I have a 2005 CTS 3.6 which is running very rough due to the fuel injectors not firing properly. The issue was traced back to the ecm computer. I was told the replacement procedure would need to be performed by a gm dealer but was quoted $800 and $1000+ for a new ecm + install and reprogramming by the two dealerships I called which seems ridiculous for such a simple procedure.

So why don't you just do it all yourself since it's so simple? All you need is a short term subscription to GM's Service Programming website which you can subscribe to and access here. https://www.acdelcotds.com/acdelco/action/home (That's only $40.00)

A laptop or PC that meets GM's requirements which are explained here.
https://gsi-cs.ext.gm.com/userguides/Aftermarket Infrastructure Guideline v1.0.pdf
You must use business grade hardware and software. For example, you can't just go to the regular Dell page, you have to go here instead.https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/sc/laptops (Bottom of the page starting with the XPS series)

An approved J2534 pass through device such as a Drewtech Cardac Plus3
http://drewtech.com/products/cardaqplus3.html (That will set you back about $2K)

vongutenburgen said:

I see ecms can be bought used on ebay for less than $100 but how can I get them programmed to my vehicle without taking it to a dealer (they both refused to install/reprogram an ecm that I did not buy from them). I read that in another post that most sellers simply require your vin and can reprogram the ecm to your vehicle before shipping but have yet to find someone who says they will do this. Who can I buy an ecm from that will do this?

You see it doesn't have to be done at the dealer but there is way more to it for the shops/techs that have made the investement in tooling and training than what otherwise meet the eye's. Attempting to install a used computer can be done but if anything goes wrong a second (or more) subsequent subscription to GM's TDS site will need to also be purchased because while access is permitted to flash every module that could need it on the car, you only get to do each module one time.