Is This The Pcm?

Mazer18 · July 28, 2010

I'm ordering a BlackBear traditional tune soon and I'm trying to get a feel for the parts I'll be working with beforehand.

Is this here the PCM? (circled in yellow) This is a GMT-900 by the way.

Looking in from front.

Looking in from driver's side.

If I understand according to other threads, it is a simple swap. I've removed the black metal spare battery floor (8 bolts - 10mm) but haven't gone any further than that. What's next?

[email protected] · July 28, 2010

Yep, that be it!! Unsnap the PCM out of the cradle then disconnect the connectors. They can be a little hard and might have bolts holding the connectors on, just take your time and DO NOT pull on the wires, ONLY on the plug itself.

jfm1982 · July 28, 2010

And the part behind the PCM is your TCM it has a blue connector

Mazer18 · July 28, 2010

And the part behind the PCM is your TCM it has a blue connector

Ah yes, I meant to ask about that too. BlackBear refunds your deposit if you return your stock ECM and TCM I think.

Does it look similar to the PCM or have any markings so I know what I'm pulling out?

So how does it work? They mail you a tuned PCM, ECM, and TCM. Then you install them and mail your stock PCM, ECM, and TCM back to BlackBear?

pwall · July 28, 2010

When I had a tune in my '02 YukonXL, I kept my stock PCM. More costly that way, but anytime it went back to the dealer, I put the stock one back in. They can't 'accidently' wipe out your tune that way. ;)

coleman62 · July 28, 2010

I've heard a lot of the guys talk about the power/torque gains from this package and I am very interested in it. Just curious what you guys have seen the black bear do to the MPG as well. It's not really a factor IMO but I just ask out of curiosity

jrod332 · July 28, 2010

just do a search on blackbear. There are millions of topics on it.

Nick The Great · July 28, 2010

And the part behind the PCM is your TCM it has a blue connector

Ah yes, I meant to ask about that too. BlackBear refunds your deposit if you return your stock ECM and TCM I think.

Does it look similar to the PCM or have any markings so I know what I'm pulling out?

So how does it work? They mail you a tuned PCM, ECM, and TCM. Then you install them and mail your stock PCM, ECM, and TCM back to BlackBear?

More or less that's how it works. But my understanding is that GMT900 trucks have a ECM and a TCM. But not a PCM. Think that's a GMT800 thing.

C. Charles Hahn · July 28, 2010

More or less that's how it works. But my understanding is that GMT900 trucks have a ECM and a TCM. But not a PCM. Think that's a GMT800 thing.

Correct. "PCM" stands for Powertrain Control Module, meaning one computer that handles both the engine AND transmission. This system is outdated. There are now two separate computer modules -- an Engine Control Module (ECM) and Transmission Control Module (TCM).

There are not three modules; only two.

cerbomark · July 28, 2010

If you have a GMT 900(I cant remember what year, maybe 2009 up) then the TCM is in the trans and can only be tuned by an in person plug in tune. Many post on that topic. Not worth a tune IMO if the TCM isn t done also. I m having a senior momnet cause I had a gmt900 2007 and can t remember how I did that tune (sorry)

Jennabear · July 28, 2010

The TCM is located inside the transmissions on all 6spds. Other than those, the TCM is accessible.

mrOAPx2 · July 29, 2010

So Jenna, are you saying that 6 speeders can only tune tcm with an in person? Awwww crap, let me know when you guys make it out to Nebraska.

C. Charles Hahn · July 29, 2010

The TCM is located inside the transmissions on all 6spds. Other than those, the TCM is accessible.

Which brings us back to EFILive needing to get the AutoCal released finally so as to make you guys' job much easier.

Jennabear · July 29, 2010

So Jenna, are you saying that 6 speeders can only tune tcm with an in person? Awwww crap, let me know when you guys make it out to Nebraska.

Yes inperson or with the EFILive V2.

The TCM is located inside the transmissions on all 6spds. Other than those, the TCM is accessible.

Which brings us back to EFILive needing to get the AutoCal released finally so as to make you guys' job much easier.

Yes, they do need to release it already . The V2 is still capable of tuning all TCMs, it is just a pricey option for folks. We do have some customers who did not want to wait for the AutoCal, and went ahead and purchased the V2 for remote tuning.