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.

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.

 If you are experiencing any 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.

If you are unsure whether you need a repair or programming-only service, you can first visit our website to see if your unit is supported for repairs. If it is, we can do a firmware update on it while it is here for repairs. If it's not supported, you can submit a Custom Repair Request.