New ECM - wrong VIN

[doncaruana]

So after a whole bunch of diagnostic work, the shop I took my truck to told me I needed a new ECM. That whole saga is in another thread and the jury is still out on whether it solved my problem. However, what I noticed, via DashCommand, is that the new ECM, which is a reman supposedly, has the VIN of a 1997 Sierra with a 5.0L engine in it and I have a 97 Tahoe with a 5.7L. I don't care about the model, but the engine is a huge difference. I also am getting a P0137 (HO2S Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2) now, which is completely new, although I'm hoping that's because it's confused.

So a few questions...

What kind of problems can that VIN mismatch cause?
If it was a reman, wouldn't the VIN be blanked out or something and need programming before working? Or is this just a junk yard pull someone is passing off as a remanufactured unit?
Lastly...what does it take to program the VIN into the unit?

 

[Joseph Garcia]

I believe that you need to program the new ECM to your truck's vin.

 

[exp500]

Some Ebay sellers have reprogrammed ECMs that are plug and play. Send VIN and Mileage and it works when you plug it in. Otherwise, need a Tech-2 or similar to program that info in.
The shop should know this. Sounds like you got a junkyard ECM (look for paint marks from yard).

 

[doncaruana]

Some Ebay sellers have reprogrammed ECMs that are plug and play. Send VIN and Mileage and it works when you plug it in. Otherwise, need a Tech-2 or similar to program that info in.
The shop should know this. Sounds like you got a junkyard ECM (look for paint marks from yard).

It looks very clean...maybe a return to wherever they bought it from? I don't think the shop is scamming but I am a little disappointed in the shop, with that sticker there and all...

 

[exp500]

That looks like a reman ECM. Just needs programming. Takes about 20 minutes or less. Ebay price is usually the same programmed or not because they are plugged into it on the bench already.

 

[doncaruana]

That looks like a reman ECM. Just needs programming. Takes about 20 minutes or less. Ebay price is usually the same programmed or not because they are plugged into it on the bench already.

Well it's been programmed... To a 97 Sierra with a 305! Im guessing that whoever the shop got it from sold them a return that hadn't been cleared out.

 

[exp500]

Remember that ECM fits many, the software(programming) is different. So looks like a call to the shop to find out if They can re-program it, or send it back to wherever they got it for reprogramming.

 

[doncaruana]

Remember that ECM fits many, the software(programming) is different. So looks like a call to the shop to find out if They can re-program it, or send it back to wherever they got it for reprogramming.

First thing Monday. No way I'm driving around with it programmed to the wrong engine size any longer than I have to

 

[east302]

Some Ebay sellers have reprogrammed ECMs that are plug and play. Send VIN and Mileage and it works when you plug it in. Otherwise, need a Tech-2 or similar to program that info in.
The shop should know this.

That’s the key point right there. They’re sloppy and I’d not use them again.

 

[doncaruana]

Honestly, I'm guessing the tech thought the front office ordered it programmed to the truck and then didn't double check. He was trying to get it done so my daughter would have a the car for the weekend.

So yeah I'm disappointed cause it's lacking a little due diligence. But they've been really thorough on everything else.