HP Tuners’ ECM, PCM, and TCM Services Explained
Published on: May 3, 2022Categories: Product Education
As vehicle manufacturers continue to make advancements with new automotive technologies, the way we support the automotive aftermarket evolves, too.
Let’s get into them.
Remember, here at HP Tuners, Dodge vehicles refer to all Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and Jeep vehicles.
Quick Links:
– Important Disclaimers
– Purchase
– Exchange
– Upgrade
– Options Tailored For You
Important Disclaimers
Regardless of the service, your upgraded, exchanged, or new ECM/PCM/TCM will only be compatible with HP Tuners’ tuning and calibration software—VCM Suite.
Additionally, for exchange and upgrade service options, your original ECM/PCM that you send HP Tuners MUST meet our criteria. This means your ECM/PCM cannot have any fire or water damage, has no broken tabs or connectors, and is completely functional and physically intact. If you send in an ECM/PCM that does not meet these criteria, we will send it back and you will receive a refund.
ECM – Engine control module
PCM – Powertrain control module
TCM – Transmission control module.
Purchase
The purchase option is pretty straightforward. If you have a locked L5P ECM, ZR1 E99 ECM, or 2015+ Dodge PCM, you can purchase a brand new, unlocked ECM/PCM from HP Tuners. Your new control module will be ready-to-tune with our VCM Suite software and there’s no need to send in your original ECM (no core needed).
This option is available for:
- L5P E41 ECM (2017+ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 6.6L Duramax)
- ZR1 E99 ECM (2019+ Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6.2L V8 LT5)
- 2015+ Dodge PCM (All FCA models, except the 2015+ Dodge Viper)
For GM vehicles, so the 2017+ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 powered by the 6.6L Duramax, your new ECM from HP Tuners will be programmed to your specific vehicle because you’ll provide us with your vehicle’s VIN at checkout.
However, for 2015+ Dodge vehicles, we’ll need you to provide a stock read file instead which will be programmed to your new, ready-to-tune PCM. Regardless, this purchase option will provide you with a brand new, unlocked, programmed ECM/PCM for your specific vehicle.
Exchange
If you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, you can opt to exchange your original ECM/PCM for an already modified/upgraded ECM from HP Tuners. This option does require that you send us your original ECM, and we will ship you back a different, unlocked ECM that’s programmed to your specific vehicle.
This option is available for:
- L5P E41 ECM (2017+ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 6.6L Duramax)
- ZR1 E99 ECM (2019+ Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 6.2L V8 LT5)
- L84 or L87 E90 ECM (2019-2021 Silverado or GMC Sierra)
Since you’d be sending us your ECM, it must also meet our criteria—physically intact and functional from a communication perspective. You’ll also need to provide us with your VIN so we can program the different, unlocked ECM to your specific vehicle. However, before you uninstall your original ECM, you’ll need to perform the “Replace ECM” function in VCM Scanner located under System > General.
This option is more cost-effective compared to purchasing a new ECM. It also has a quick 3–4-day turnaround time (not including shipping time). So, if you have another daily driver to bum around in for a few days, this would be a good option. Once you receive and install your unlocked ECM from our team, you will have to perform the vehicle Anti-Theft System relearn (by a dealer tool).
Upgrade
The last service option available for select ECM/PCMs is the upgrade service. This option upgrades your original ECM/PCM to accept tunes from HP Tuners’ VCM Suite software. This means you’ll need to send HP Tuners your original ECM so we can work our magic and unlock it.
This option is available for:
- L5P E41 ECM (2017+ Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra 2500/3500 6.6L Duramax)
- 2015+ Dodge PCM (All FCA models, except the 2015+ Dodge Viper)
- GM T87A TCM (2017+ GM 10-Speed and 8-Speed transmissions)
- Polaris MG1CA007 ECM (2022 Polaris RXR Pro R)
A lot of enthusiasts prefer this option because they prefer to still use their original ECM. And again, before we can upgrade your original ECM, it must meet our criteria—no fire or water damage, no internal damage, no broken tabs, and so on.
The biggest thing to note with this service option is that we do not reprogram your original ECM for a different vehicle (only applies only to GM vehicles). For example, if you send us a spare or junkyard ECM that isn’t from your original GM vehicle, we will only upgrade it to accept tunes, we won’t reprogram it to a different VIN/vehicle. If you intend to send HP Tuners a spare ECM that was removed from a different GM vehicle, this is NOT the right option for you. As long as your ECM isn’t damaged in any way, consider the exchange service instead.
However, this is not the case with Dodge vehicles. If you own a Dodge/Ram/Jeep/Chrysler vehicle and you want to send us a PCM that’s not from your original vehicle, you MUST send us a stock read (of your original vehicle PCM) during checkout so we can reprogram it. This is a requirement to complete the service at checkout.
Although this service option takes longer than the other two, you’ll have that peace of mind knowing you’ll still use your original ECM for tuning. This option also doesn’t require an IMMO relearn, crank relearn, or the “replace ECM” function in VCM Scanner which takes more work off your plate.
Like the exchange option, upgrading your ECM is more cost-effective, but your vehicle will be down for a few days while your ECM is being upgraded. The upgrade service typically takes between 3 to 6 business days to perform so having another daily to get around during that time may be necessary.
Options Tailored for You
Depending on your build situation and timeline, we have options tailored to different needs. And while the OEMs are adding an extra step to the tuning/diagnostic process, these ECM/PCM/TCM service options make it simple to get your ride up and running with a custom tune.
These service options are the first step to unlocking more performance, better fuel economy, or more diagnostic capabilities for your ride. You’ll still need your MPVI3 device (with credits) and the latest version of VCM Suite to get started tuning. If you own the 2022 Polaris RXR Pro R, you’ll also need our Polaris OBDII Adapter Cable (required for tuning).
Note: All the shipping and packaging information for these services can be found on their individual product pages.