• Browse More Videos
• Accessories
• All Episodes
• Appearance
• Cars
• Electronics
• Performance
• Quick Tips
• Season 1
• Season 2
• Season 3
• Suspension
• Trucks

This MOTORZ TV Quick Tip shows you how to remove the PCM (ECU, computer) from the engine compartment of a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.

But why?

On newer model vehicles you have to flash, or program, your vehicle’s computer before changing anything that has to do with the engine.  If you don’t, your computer will throw error codes on your dashboard’s display, or just run horribly.

Your vehicle’s computer is called a PCM (Powertrain Control Module), otherwise known as a ECU (Engine Control Unit).  Whatever you call it, it’s the brain of your vehicle and if you can’t program it via a handheld programmer from SCT or DiabloSport via your Onboard Diagnostic (OBD II) port, then you have to surgically remove your PCM so a shop can hook it up to their equipment and program it using their hardware and software.  This method can usually cost several hundred dollars, depending on the shop, and the custom tune.

Give me the brain!

In this episode of MOTORZ TV Quick Tips, I show you how to remove the PCM from a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS.  The reason why we needed to do this is for episode #30, where we install a high-performance cold air intake kit called The Pipeline from Fastlane Incorporated.  We shipped the PCM overnight to Fastlane (Houston, TX) for them to program it with a custom tune, then they shipped it back.  Extracting the PCM from the Camaro is quite easy, but if you’re not familiar with the process it can be a mysterious task.

Disclaimer

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THESE PROGRAMS AND WEBSITE ARE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY AND ARE NOT DIRECTED TO ANY PARTICULAR INDIVIDUAL OR FOR ANY PARTICULAR MAKE OR MODEL OF VEHICLE. MODIFYING YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE DANGEROUS. APPROPRIATE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND PROCEDURES SHOULD BE USED. USE CAUTION WHEN OPERATING A MODIFIED VEHICLE AND REMEMBER YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. THE PROGRAMS, DEMONSTRATIONS AND/OR PROCEDURES MAY NOT PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY OR RELEVANT INFORMATION. APPLICABLE LOCAL, STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS SHOULD BE CHECKED BEFORE ANY PROJECT IS COMMENCED. ADDITIONALLY, BEFORE COMMENCING YOUR PROJECT, YOU SHOULD CHECK A VEHICLE'S OWNER'S MANUAL, SHOP MANUAL, WARRANTY BOOKLET AND/OR WITH A MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND TO UNDERSTAND WHAT EFFECT, IF ANY, A MODIFICATION WILL HAVE ON THE SAFETY FEATURES OR THE MANUFACTURER'S WARRANTY COVERAGE OF YOUR VEHICLE. PLEASE GET PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE IF YOU'RE NOT SURE, AND, IF PROVIDED, ALWAYS REVIEW THE INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS OF ANY AFTERMARKET PRODUCT. DUKE NETWORKS, LLC MAKES NO WARRANTIES EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO THE COMPLETENESS, ACCURACY, NON-INFRINGEMENT, MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF ANY OF THE DEMONSTRATIONS, PROCEDURES, AND/OR PROGRAMS NOR DOES IT GUARANTEE THAT THE PROGRAMS WILL BE ERROR-FREE OR CONTINUOUSLY AVAILABLE. YOUR USE OF THIS WEBSITE AND THE PROGRAMS CONTAINED THEREIN ARE AT YOUR SOLE RISK.