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.