PCM Removal & Chip Installation

by liquid@superford.org
http://welcome.to/cmu

Tools required:
• 1/4" ratchet with 10mm socket (may be able to use an end wrench)
• Needlenose pliers
• Duct or electrical tape
• Sandpaper or abrasive pad (supplied with some chips)
• Rubbing alcohol (supplied with some chips)

Time required (estimated):
• 30-45min for complete removal & cleaning

The following is a suggested guide. The author claims no responsibility for damage blah blah blah blah. All pics on this page will open in a new window.

Step 1. Park where you can open your driver's door (you need to get under the steering column). Set the parking brake as you would with any other maintenance task.

Step 2. IMPORTANT: Unhook your battery. Failure to do so may cause damage to the PCM and/or the aftermarket chip.

Step 3. Locate the wiring harness plug, on the driver's side of the brake booster in the engine compartment. Fully loosen the 10mm bolt and carefully pull the plug straight out from the PCM.
Pic: Locating the PCM
Pic: Removing the plug

Step 4. Use the pliers to remove the clips holding in the "hush panel" located underneath the steering column. Set the hush panel aside.
Pic: Clip locations
Pic: Removing the hush panel

Step 5. Locate the PCM and remove one or two of the black clips (see note on pic) that hold the actual PCM into its bracket (the bracket is permanently mounted to the firewall and should not be removed). The PCM is now free to be removed.
Pic: Clip locations
Pic: Removal in progress
Pic: Bracket without PCM
Pic: PCM reference pic 1
Pic: PCM reference pic 2

Step 6. With the PCM out of the car, remove the black dust cover to expose the PCM board. You will see some terminals covered in hard, clear goo. For first-time chip installation, the goo must be removed COMPLETELY for proper chip operation (you can take apart the PCM box to get better access to the circuit board). The good chip burners will send along with their chip, an abrasive pad and an alcohol wipe for your cleaning convenience.

Step 7. When you are sure all the goo is cleaned off, wipe the terminals with alcohol, (reassemble the PCM), and plug the chip in. Use some duct tape to hold the chip in and seal up the hole where the black dust cover used to be.

Step 8. Reverse the installation procedure to get the PCM re-installed. Re-attach the battery terminal and start 'er up!
Once you have cleaned the contacts, you do not need to remove the PCM again. Removing or replacing the chip can be done in 5 minutes or less while the PCM is still mounted to the bracket in-car.


June 21, 2002