Computer Issues

[epic_smedley]

new to forum, sorry if I posted in the wrong area....

 

vechicle

2005 chevy tahoe, 2wd, 5.3

 

So I bought this truck from what I "think now"is a shady dealer in chicago. I bought this truck one cause I needed a car fast and cheap. I figured with the few things wrong with it, i could still come out ahead. heres what I have wrong.

 

my buddy took it to a chevy dealer yesterday cause he works right next to one and knows the service guys. They told him that the computer vin and actual vin dont match so they didnt do more cause they wanted too much per hour to complete the diags.

 

Most of my dash service lights are on. airbag, brake, abs, traction control...

I was told that this could be a variety of sensor, airbag sensors under the hood, seat belt sensor, braking and body modules and maybe even needing a new computer.

 

I want to start somewhere, and i was thinking on trying to get a new ECU or ECM programmed with the right VIN, and then going for the rest later.

 

I would gladly appriciate any advice, previous same issues, anything would help at this point.

 

one thing to mention that is very odd.... all the lights went away on 2 occasions for about a day or 2 each.... once it was after driving through a terrential downpour, a serious rainstorm. the other was after a couple inches of snow.

 

anyway thanks for any help.

smed

[Stevens03]

So... Your saying you just bought this truck... and it had all the lights on

 

I'd take it back. You could be getting into alot more cost than you realize. If the PCM doesn't match the trucks vin, what else could be missing or wrong.

[epic_smedley]

So... Your saying you just bought this truck... and it had all the lights on

 

I'd take it back. You could be getting into alot more cost than you realize. If the PCM doesn't match the trucks vin, what else could be missing or wrong.

 

 

Thanks for the reply. I've had the truck for about 9 months now. I've already invested some $ fixing a few things. I know the whole taking back is a first response for most, but I pretty I beyond that at this point. I also signed some "as is" papers, which i knew was a red flag, but like I said I cant afford to mis work and needed a car fast, nw i have to deal with my haste. I might have to report that to the BBB regarding the vin mismatch.

 

so is the PCM the main computer, or ECM or ECU....I just got a pretty good quote on a new computer so I might start there.

[epic_smedley]

one more thing to add....the truck runs as expected for used car, it actually runs great, but I just need to get all of these service lights straighten out.

[redvett]

Never buy a vehicle that the SES light and other dash lights do not go on in check mode and go off when engine is running, the repair can cost thousands.

[epic_smedley]

I appriciate the post, and have pretty much learned my lesson, but I'm truly looking for solutions or suggestions on what I have going on with my trucks modules and sensors.

[redvett]

You are going to need a PCM programmed to the VIN to start with.

 

I appriciate the post, and have pretty much learned my lesson, but I'm truly looking for solutions or suggestions on what I have going on with my trucks modules and sensors.

[Stevens03]

Ok, since your past the point of no return, I'd stick with your original plan. Look into Blackbearperformance.com for a custom tune. It will help you with a few things. You can send him your PCM and he can program the truck based on the vin number you provide. Thats one option. The next would be to pay a little more and he can provide you with a new pcm, and you send him back your old one. That way you have no down time.

 

Keeping your fingers crossed, with the correct PCM programming for your Vin, most of your lights may go away. Either way, you'll be one step closer in fixing your problems.

[epic_smedley]

You are going to need a PCM programmed to the VIN to start with.

 

I appriciate the post, and have pretty much learned my lesson, but I'm truly looking for solutions or suggestions on what I have going on with my trucks modules and sensors.

 

 

 

 

Yep, I think thats where i'm going to begin.... a bunch of competion online that are doing them for a reasonable price.

 

any next steps after I get the matching pcm/ecm? one thing to mention a couple of hand held programmer including one from the dealer were able to clear everything but they all came back almost instantly.

[epic_smedley]

thanks steven

 

yep pretty much past the point of no return. I had the carfax from dealer too, but i never registerd the buyback gaurantee so i lost there too... lucky me.....

its funny how as we get older we gain so much knowledge about things that dont matter and become naive on the things that matter the most....at least thats my 2 cents

[redvett]

Didnt the IP lights tell you something when you test drove the vehicle?

 

thanks steven

 

yep pretty much past the point of no return. I had the carfax from dealer too, but i never registerd the buyback gaurantee so i lost there too... lucky me.....

its funny how as we get older we gain so much knowledge about things that dont matter and become naive on the things that matter the most....at least thats my 2 cents

[epic_smedley]

actully they didnt light up..... I hate to admit, but I know I got scammed from a shady dealer....

 

the speedo in the cluster was having issues and those lights diddnt come on. the dealer took off a couple hundered for to cover the cost of a new instrument cluster. so once i put in the new cluster they all lit up.... Like I said it was a used car crapshoot. i easily could have gone with something with less or no probs, but it was in my price range, so now i have to deal with my decision.... i normally buy used cars from private owners, but the dealers make the financing so frigin easy..... oh well....just trying to get past this as quick as i can a forget about it....

[Jsdirt]

At the very least I would let the proper channels know about this guys business practices ...

[epic_smedley]

i really wish i could do more then that.... but yes, i havent yet but will be filing something with the BBB

[epic_smedley]

dup