The difference between ECU/PCM cloning and VIN & Firmware Update Programming

The main difference between these two services is that ECU/PCM cloning is where we have a donor (original) and replacement units. We transfer original data from one and program it to another.

 

While we can clone other units, at the current moment (7/22/2024) we only offer this for ECU/PCM

 

VIN & Firmware Update Programming serves a different purpose. If a customer no longer has the original, we can program the VIN and the latest firmware update on a given control module to work for that vehicle. This can be on a TCM/BCM/FEM/ECU/PCM. We have programmers that use the VIN to encode it specifically to a car.

 

While having the original is always ideal, this is a viable alternative if the original is already lost. Also, since it's not a clone a re-adaptation and additional programming may be required in-vehicle with this type of service. We have disclaimers on the service repair pages for these.

 

Another reason why someone might want their computer module programmed is because the fix is primarily a software one. This means hard shifts, car stalling, and misfires, depending on the YMM (year, make, model) and set of DTCs (diagnostic trouble codes), the solution might be a programming-only service.

 

The customer if unsure whether they need a repair or programming-only service can first visit our website to see if their unit is supported for repairs. If it is, we can do a firmware update on it while it's in here for repairs.

 

If it's not supported, they can provide us with a list of codes and let us know the issues. Based on the codes we can instruct them to either:

 

List of Supported Programming-Only Services at the time of writing:

 

GM (General Motors) - Chevy/GMC/Cadillac/Hummer/Oldsmobile/Pontiac

Ford - Ford/Lincoln/Mercury and select Mazdas that had the same PCM as Ford during their partnership

Allison TCM - Chevy Silverado 2500, 3500 & GMC Sierra 2500, 3500