Car model: Chevy Volt
Symptom: The connectors were not glued into the ECM, the levers were just glued down.
I disassemble it to see what I could possibly do by myself.
- Tools to prepare:
a used wire harness from a scrap yard
a replacement ECM
$40 SPS subscription
*** By Thursday the scrap yard called to tell me they only have the high voltage harness, not the one I need. He did a national parts search and couldn’t find a used one either. Now I was getting really worried.
- What I did by myself:
I read the codes using the vcx nano, saved them, cleared them, and they stayed cleared.
My only guess is something got wet, and after sitting for 12 weeks it must have dried out? That means I’d better replace the connectors, but maybe the ECM is ok. Good.
The bad thing that happened was I found out that A n A Towing that flat bedded my car ran a hook through my rim, literally. About a 2×2 hole. I’ve been back and forth with them for a week now, they swear that they didn’t do it. The dealership says it had air when it left. I ordered a new rim.
The next step was removing the bumper to get to the ECM. The connectors were not glued into the ECM, the levers were just glued down. 10 minutes later the connectors were out. I inspected everything really well, 5 wires had nicked insulation, the rest looked good. Also the X1 ECM socket had damage, 2 retaining posts were broken off, I’d have to replace it after all if I wanted a good seal. I ordered parts and headed home.
This weekend I drove back here, replaced the computer, rewired the connectors, patched the nicked wires, programmed the ECM, reprogrammed the immobilizer and body modules. IT’S ALIVE!!! I put the bumper back on, had my tire mounted on the rim, and everything is good so far
Conclusion:
I thankfully managed this one on my own.
The dealership wanted $2700 for what amounted to $160 worth of parts, a $100 programmer I’m glad I have now, and a $40 SPS subscription. The fact I’m back on the road in my Volt again…priceless.
Read also:
Chevy Volt HPCM 2 Reprogramming with VXDIAG VCX NANO SPS