Swapping control modules, including the ECM, BCM, EBCM, SDM, TCM, ECC (HVAC), EPS, HPCM, IPC, and Radio, between vehicles will damage both controllers and will result in a no start condition on both vehicles due to the new vehicle security code protocol.
These modules all have IDs that must match in order for the BCM to allow starting the engine. The control modules are coded to the vehicle when they are first programmed, which results in a unique ID being permanently stored in that module. Swapping these security-related modules will cause difficult and time-consuming remediation processes that may include the purchase of new components for both vehicles.
Security Code
The purpose of the security code is to protect the vehicle’s security information against tampering. It’s a random code, unique to each vehicle, generated at the vehicle assembly plant. The assembly plant stores the security code and the corresponding VIN for each vehicle. A correct security code match is required to allow specific vehicle theft deterrent functions to be performed. An example of this function is the learning of new key fobs to the vehicle.
Environmental ID
The purpose of the Environmental ID is to increase the time and complexity involved in attempting a vehicle theft by swapping control modules. The Vehicle Theft Deterrent Feature provides the capability to detect if modules have been substituted, indicating a potential theft situation, and will not allow continued running of the engine in that case.
Seed and Key
The purpose of Seed and Key is to protect certain control modules from unauthorized reprogramming when they are outside of the assembly plant environment. Each control module that implements Seed and Key is manufactured with a unique seed value and a corresponding key value stored in memory. The seed is a value that is reported to a reprogramming tool. The reprogramming tool must know the matching key value to unlock the control module so that it can be programmed. The reprogramming tool then sends the matching key to the control module. There is no way to read the key value out of a control module.
Symptoms of Module Swapping
A variety of symptoms may appear in a Global A vehicle containing one or more control modules swapped from a like vehicle. Depending upon which control modules have been swapped, possible symptoms include:
The VIN read by GDS and SPS does not match the vehicle.
Current DTC B3902 – Incorrect IMMO ID Rec. set in IPC, SDM, ECM, HVAC, Steering Column Lock Control Module (if equipped) or BCM. There are no warning lamps or DIC messages and this DTC cannot be cleared.
IPC module displays (- – -) for odometer and trip odometer values.
Vehicle will enter power mode only if the key fobs that match the donor vehicle BCM are included in the swap.
BCM and/or ECM has current DTC B389A – Environment Identification. There is a Service Theft System message on the DIC, the Security MIL is illuminated and this DTC cannot be cleared.
ECM odometer value is incorrect for vehicle.
Radio displays Locked
On today’s new models, it’s incredibly difficult to keep track of which control modules cannot be swapped. Electrical architecture, model, model year, sales region, vehicle option content and configuration all play a role in how a vehicle is equipped and if swapping a module will be an issue. The best way to avoid it is to simply not do it.
QR code on a driver-side B-pillar (Newer Cars, e.g. 2019 Malibu)
SPS Programming Notes
ECM
2010 Chevy Express. Programmed a used ECM (E38) from a 2015 Chevy Express using SPS.
Had to plug in the old ECM first (software glitch?), then the donor.
Theft Deterrent Reset.
TCM
2008 Colorado. TCM was from O’Reillys. Needed to be reprogrammed. Didn’t shift right and had few fault codes. Fine after programming.
Power Steering
2016 Cadillac CTS, ok. Select ‘Replace and Reprogram’ then ‘Program’. Then Select ‘Configure’.
2016 or 2018 Malibu, ok.
Air Bag Module
2013 Malibu, used cannot be programmed. Only new.
Used module didn’t want to be programmed through SPS. Last programming stage failed.
New module is programmable, but you have to select “Replace and Program” option in the beginning. After programming, do a “Setup Module” through SPS (Autel wouldn’t work).
Instrument Cluster
2020 Chevy Equinox
Used module programmed ok, even though immobilizer code didn’t go way.
Mileage after programming started showing original mileage instead of dashes.
Door Module (Switch)
2008 Tahoe.
Passenger Window Switch required reprogramming.
ADAS
2018 Cadillac CT6.
Right front radar has been replaced. Until it was reprogrammed, heated seats would not work, and would not throw any codes.
0 Comments