Wester's help

jaslo · August 26, 2003

Just ordered a wester chip for my 2001 silverado. Need to know the installation procedure for installing it. Went to wester's website and cant find anything. And also do i need to disconnect the battery?

toddgotfish · August 26, 2003

all of that will come with your new pcm

directions and all

should take you all of 10 minutes to be completely finished

one tip would be to change it out on a cold engine (Shaners)

Thanks

Todd

jaslo · August 26, 2003

So who has gotten done the cranshaft relearn procedure done? Just need to know if it is necessary.

wcortesi · August 26, 2003

I don't think Westers sends detailed instructions on R&R'ing the PCM, but it's pretty simple: Disconnect the battery ground. The PCM is in a black plastic housing between the battery and the radiator. If you look at the housing you will see a tab close to the battery side on the top. You can use a screw driver or your hands to release the tab and the other tab you probably can't see below will release also. Now the PCM is wide open. There's a spring lock on the top of the PCM. It's best to leave this connected while you undo the two cables hooked to the PCM. You'll need a 7mm socket. They look like giant serial cables on a computer and work in a similar way. Use the socket (or a nut driver) to loosen the two cables from the PCM. It might take some effort to loosen the cables if they've been there for awhile. Loosen the bolt a bit and then try to rock the connector from the top to the bottom, then loosen the bolt some more, etc.

When you have them both off, release the spring clip from the PCM and it will lift right out. Reverse procedure blah blah blah.........

Pancho · August 26, 2003

Good description - I might add to be sure to get the little rubber gaskets seated back on the cable ends before replacing. Mine came off as they were partially stuck to the PCM when removing the cables.

If you have the 8.1/Allison you will want to remove the ECU before getting at the PCM as there isn't enough room to remove the PCM. It is mounted right up to the back of the radiator. It took me quite a bit longer than 10 minutes the first time around as the directions were pretty lame.

awdvkd · August 26, 2003

Westers does send instruction with the PCM. They aren't to techincal but good enough to get the job done. Thats why is having such sucess he realizes that he is dealing will individuals with limited knowledge.

jaslo · August 26, 2003

so when i disconnect the battery can i get by with just disconnecting the negative terminal? And has anybody done the relearn procedure?

Butch 02 Denali · August 26, 2003

The Crank learn is nothing to be concerned about. Check out this link to Fullsizechevy.com to learn all about it, 108 posts long! It has been discussed to death and is not anything you need to be concerned about unless you are in the 2% of owners that get the ses light, but even then, its only a light and won't affect running. While your there, put in a vote for Wester's in the poll!

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/showthr...67&pagenumber=1

Here's another link to a post I made of the PCM install with pictures.

http://groups.msn.com/GMCC3Owners/general....428321661258482

Butch 02 Sierra Denali

Shaners · August 26, 2003

so when i disconnect the battery can i get by with just disconnecting the negative terminal? And has anybody done the relearn procedure?

That's what I did... I just disconnected the Negative terminal and it requires a 5/16" socket... So the only tools you'll need are the 5/16" and the 7mm socket. I didn't need the screwdriver to get the plastic case open, but Lyndon did say over the phone that I may need it.

Installation on a cold engine is recommended, because I think that is why I had the pinging because my engine was at about 170*.

DeezBlueZ · August 26, 2003

Lyndon told me that you don't even need to disconnect the battery. This is the way I did mine, with no ill effects. As far as the crank relearn proceedure he says that is B.S. These are some of the things he told me about during our conversation.

350vortec · August 28, 2003

Just disconnect the ground terminal on the battery and install the westers pcm.The crank relearn is nothing to even be concerned about.

tmf6902 · August 28, 2003

I've got a question, when something tells me to disconnect to battery(like the negative terminal) what do I do if I the dual batteries, which I do...do I disconnect them both, or just one?

jaslo · August 29, 2003

Just got it installed, was kind of easy, considering I am not a mechanic, hardest part was getting the connectors off. I did do it when the engine was still warm, hope that doesnt hurt anything. I do notice a little pinging and a lot better shifting. Hopefully it will improve more after I drive it more.