Does anybody know if you can replace a PCM with a used one from another car ? My car wouldn`t start , so i took to dealer & they are telling me the the PCM is bad and the cost will be $ 1,140.00 to replace.

You could order a performance tuned PCM for $99 if the problem is actually just in the PCM. It would take 5-10 minutes to swap.

edit: Here is a link It would actually cost you $175 since you couldn't get a core charge on a bad PCM. I would double check that is all that is wrong though. These PCM'* are not new, they are used, but you shouldn't have any problem with them.

I`m going off of what the dealer is saying. So what your saying is , yes you can replace with a used or a performance tuned pcm . Do you have to have the dealer do anything after replacing ?

You will have to take it to the dealer after the swap and have a CASE learn done, or know someone near by with software to do it. You will also have to do a security relearn, this is a long drown out process, but can be done by you.

If you get another pcm from a junkyard or one of us, the dealer can then reflash your program and vin onto it. There'* no reason for it to be that much, just don't buy the part from them.

Sounds like i need to get the car out of the dealers and get the pcm .Now the question of where should i get it and how much should i pay ( i really would like to have new ) ?
One other issue that i forgot to type in yesterday, when the dealer was telling me about the costs, he said something about the terminals ( pins ) having some corrosion on them , and they would have to be cleaned up as well ? Should i be concerned about how to clean these properly ?

These should be sealed... connecting and disconnecting a few times should clean them up.

As for wanting new..that'* normal. The truth is that a pcm is a computer and a new one can have an issue and an old one might last forever. There'* no telling, and overall they have a very small failure rate. I'd spend $20 at my local JY, then $100 to have it programmed by the dealer or aftermarket to be fixed up.

So you don`t think it should be a problem ? Not sure if i understand " sealed and connecting & disconnecting means ? Sorry, I know this may sound like a dumb question but i want to be clear on this before starting .

These aren't dumb questions at all. They are the same questions we all asked ourselves before seeing or working with this stuff.

The wiring harness at the pcm connector has two parts. A blue connector and a clear connector. Each is held to the pcm with a 7mm bolt that goes through it'* part. The bolt not only holds it there..but pulls and pushes it off the pcm pins.

If you were to take and screw/unscrew these connections a few times, that should clean up the corrosion. Vendors like Intense and ZZP etc have PCM'* from junkyards etc that they flash with the right program to install into your car. Where ever you get a pcm and then have it programmed, it'* all well under the price the dealer quoted you. But then dealers won't have a used part for you.

Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Replacement

Service of the PCM should normally consist of either replacement of the PCM or EEPROM programming. If the diagnostic procedures call for PCM replacement, check the PCM first in order to determine if the PCM is the correct part. If the PCM is faulty, remove and replace the module.
The new service PCM will not be programmed. You must program the new PCM. DTC P0602 indicates the EEPROM is not programmed or has malfunctioned.

Notice

Do not touch the connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage to the PCM.


Notice

Turn the ignition OFF when installing or removing the PCM connectors and disconnecting or reconnecting the power to the PCM (battery cable, PCM pigtail, PCM fuse, jumper cables, etc.) in order to prevent internal PCM damage.

<A href="http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=685320&evc=sm&pubid=263&cellId =25393&mspsdsubkey=2073#ss1-685320">Removal Procedure

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<A href="http://127.0.0.1:9001/servlets/BlobShtml?ShtmlFile=685320&evc=sm&pubid=263&cellId =25393&mspsdsubkey=2073#ss2-685320">Installation Procedure

Notice

Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

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Document ID# 685320
2002 Pontiac Bonneville