Reusing Mopar PCM on Different Car?

[Ninjazx71]

Hey guys,

I'm trying to figure out routes for Spring when I install my nitrous and may end up going towards HPTuners so I can control the timing for safety. I currently have a Mopar PCM installed, which could potentially become unused. Can these units be reprogrammed for someone elses car or is it a 1-time pairing? I thought I recall somewhere reading that you couldn't transfer it to another car, but then I swear I saw some for sale on different sites. If going HPTuners route, selling this one could at least help offset the cost a bit. Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[ACRucrazy]

The VIN determines the window drop, based on coupe or convertible. The PCM can be installed, relearned and mileage updated in another Gen IV, however the VIN cannot be changed. Therefor window drop cannot be changed. I have put used Mopar coupe and convertible PCMs in my ACR. When a convertible PCM was installed, the window drop would not go down enough, causing the windows to hit the roof when closing the doors unless they were rolled down prior.

[Ninjazx71]

The VIN determines the window drop, based on coupe or convertible. The PCM can be installed, relearned and mileage updated in another Gen IV, however the VIN cannot be changed. Therefor window drop cannot be changed. I have put used Mopar coupe and convertible PCMs in my ACR. When a convertible PCM was installed, the window drop would not go down enough, causing the windows to hit the roof when closing the doors unless they were rolled down prior.

That's interesting... so basically the VIN can never be rewritten, but the PCM itself won't cause any issues and should function normally when going from a Coupe to a Coupe or from a Vert to a Vert? Will having a different VIN cause any other issues down the road like trading in the vehicle or anything?

[TwinVipers]

That's interesting... so basically the VIN can never be rewritten, but the PCM itself won't cause any issues and should function normally when going from a Coupe to a Coupe or from a Vert to a Vert? Will having a different VIN cause any other issues down the road like trading in the vehicle or anything?

Not as long as the dealer doesn't catch it lol. In all seriousness, this is easily remedied by swapping back the stock ecu.

[Ninjazx71]

Not as long as the dealer doesn't catch it lol. In all seriousness, this is easily remedied by swapping back the stock ecu.

Yup, figured as much. Just trying to edumacate myself as much as possible so I can be sure the new owner of the PCM understands it all, if I decide to sell it.

Thanks guys!

[Angleiron]

I believe that is where the dealer can reflash the Mopar PCM...no? If you sold the PCM to someone else they could take it to the dealer who could flash it to that persons VIN.

[ACRucrazy]

According to SRT engineers and me using a StarScan tool, the VIN cannot be changed. Mileage and all the monitor relearns can however.

Note the mileage change doesn't change the mileage displayed on the odometer, it just makes it so the PCM matches what the cars BCM/ODO has.

[Redx]

Also if you have a Mopar PCm for a vin number that's not your own, arrow will not flash it with there tune. If anybody wants a Mopar pcm for vert, I'll let one go for $450. I had to buy a brand new one to get the Arrow tune.

[MoparBoyy]

the VIN can be changed, I've done it many times with a OEM scan tool. you just have to know how to cheat the system ;)

[ACRucrazy]

the VIN can be changed, I've done it many times with a OEM scan tool. you just have to know how to cheat the system ;)

I am sure there are ways. LOL


There are really 4 major things learned by the Mopar PCM in order to operate your vehicle correctly.

First the VIN... The VIN tells many modules in your car how to operate correctly. The Door glass drop for example won't work correctly if the VIN says its a coupe, and you put it in a convertible (or vice versa). The VIN is only allowed to be programmed once via the dealers tools (for various reasons of security, etc).

Second, the throttle learn - This is an important function of the PCM to learn the nuances of the two throttle on your particular engine.

Third, the pedal learn - This is also important for the same reasons as the throttle, it is part of the By-Wire security to make sure that all sensors involved with your foot getting to the throttles are in check. There are small differences between all such sensors, and it could be possible to have limp-outs if you start mixing and matching.

Fourth -> Misfire TEC learn - This is a critical learn that detects small differences in the way a particular engine rotates, and how that rotation is detected... the crank targets are machined into every crank individually and somewhat uniquely. This learn matches the crank to a PCM.

The last three learns can all be re-done to match a PCM to a given engine via the dealer tool (Starscan / WiTech), but the VIN would remain an issue. Not a big issue as long as you go coupe->coupe or convertible->convertible. The last issue is tracking odometer... you are likely to loose your tracking odometer as proof of your main odometer with all of this swapping around. There is no change to TPMS (that is a different module). Keep in mind that this is an off-road use only part, it will not past state emissions tests... it also only provides gains in conjunction with other parts (headers, porting, exhaust changes). It also needs the best unleaded fuel possible, or the knock system may even reduce power in an effort to keep your engine safe.