ECU Swap

[beginnertech]

Hey, new to forum.

I have an 07 chevy aveo with a ECU that is going faulty.

Just bought a brand new ECU.

Will it be able to be installed and operate the vehicle without going to the dealership? or are there only a limited number of startups?

also, is it absolutely necessary program to the vin number? will it still drive? if not, what is a good affordable scan tool that i can read/write the number with?

Thanks for your help

[avguy]

... I have an 07 chevy aveo with a ECU that is going faulty.....

Care to share how you diagnosed a bad ECU?

[beginnertech]

Care to share how you diagnosed a bad ECU?

Sure, installed brand new spark plugs, brand new ignition coil pack, brand new alternator brand new battery, brand new fuel injectors.

First saw a code for misfire cylinder 4 which went away after nee ignition coil module installed.

Then put new fuses in, replacing burned ones and check engine light went off temporarily but upon next startup check engine light came back on.

Im guessing it will need a brand new ecm because the current one is giving either "no codes" or "1 code found" and the code seems to be switching in between differing codes.

After i install the new ecm, we will see what happens. But, can i drive it to the dealership after install?
Is the vin number absolutely necessary? Will it breakdown halfway across the interstate?

[avguy]

... Then put new fuses in, replacing burned ones ....

IMO burned fuses are a symptom of what the actual problem is, and it has nothing to do with the ECU. Sorry, but I have no idea what's going to happen when you swap it.

[Eg.h2o]

Most vehicles require the ECU to be programmed (flashed) before installing. The new ECU may not even start the car before programming.

[OG-Lou]

I have a 2008 Aveo 5 speed, no A/C, no Cruise Control and bought a used ECM. I swapped the ECMs and the car ran like it did before the swap. The junk yard ECM came from a vehicle similar to mine but a different serial number. I don't know anything about a new ECM.

I am going to go with Aveoguy, it is rarely the ECM.

Burned fuses to me sounds like a serious problem that I would want to fix before anything else.

Also check the error codes and post those codes. In my area O'riliey, AutoZone, Car Quest will do a free scan and tell you the error code numbers, but not necessarily what to repair.

The following scanners have some good reviews
BAFX Products 3127 to use with an Androiud tablet or phone is about $20 and probally uses free Torque from the App store or might use the $5 version of Torque.

Autel AutoLink AL519 OBDII CAN Code Reader about $60

I personally have a Harbor Freight Zurich ZR-13 $200 minus the 20% coupon.

[06T200]

Out of curiosity, what codes were you chasing? I'm with avguy, I have done a handful of ECU swaps, and if it starts at all, it will run like crap at best until you calibrate the crank position pickup, called a 'ckp relearn'. You might get it to limp to the dealer. But be ready for the pain that comes when you realize the ECU wasn't the problem. It's the grounds, and wire shorts that are common, yet difficult to troubleshoot.