"new" PCM/TCM in vehicle = no crank

Let me preface this by saying, I only do a limited number of LS based stuff every year. Recently I've been asked to do more and more, so I'm on a steep learning curve.

Customer has a 2008 TBSS with some 3rd party software on the PCM. Customer installs supercharger and requests I tune it (at this time, the vehicle will start and run). When I arrive the PCM and TCM are locked and I can neither read nor write to either unit. GM technician attempted to wipe them clean and could not. Customer sourced a new PCM and TCM from junkyard from a 2008 Malibu. I licensed a stock 2008 TBSS file from the repository and was able to write to both the PCM and TCM. I was sure to swap vins and disable VATS. After completing the flash, the truck will not start (starter does not engage). Did I do something wrong? Are the two PCM's incompatible/have different pinouts despite being the same type and year? Any help would be appreciated. Both files are enclosed below (hopefully).


Attachment 103441

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Originally Posted by dux10

Let me preface this by saying, I only do a limited number of LS based stuff every year. Recently I've been asked to do more and more, so I'm on a steep learning curve.

Customer has a 2008 TBSS with some 3rd party software on the PCM. Customer installs supercharger and requests I tune it (at this time, the vehicle will start and run). When I arrive the PCM and TCM are locked and I can neither read nor write to either unit. GM technician attempted to wipe them clean and could not. Customer sourced a new PCM and TCM from junkyard from a 2008 Malibu. I licensed a stock 2008 TBSS file from the repository and was able to write to both the PCM and TCM. I was sure to swap vins and disable VATS. After completing the flash, the truck will not start (starter does not engage). Did I do something wrong? Are the two PCM's incompatible/have different pinouts despite being the same type and year? Any help would be appreciated. Both files are enclosed below (hopefully).


Attachment 103441

Attachment 103442

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Specific language is always beneficial ...

PCM = Powertrain Control Module (controls the engine and automatic transmission).

ECM = Engine Control Module (controls the engine only).

TCM = Transmission Control Module (controls the transmission only).

Locked ECMs are just that - you generally cannot reprogram them, even with GM software.

If you are going to do tuning for others (and charge them a fee), then you need to invest the time to self-educate. There are many threads on this Forum, that clearly tell you that you cannot use the method that you did, to reprogram a Gen 4 ECM.

The 2008 Malibu E67 ECM must be initially programmed with GM software using a Tech 2 / MDI / etc. with a VIN based TBSS calibration. Tuning software cannot accomplish this task.

What Jon said, you need to flash the Malibu ECM with a factory calibration from GM's SPS so the DBW segments will be updated.