How to Unlock, Clone or VIN edit a used or salvage vehicle module. Part 1-Explaining the problem

This presentation discusses reusing locked, used or a salvage vehicle module. Here's what we cover:
1. How vehicle modules work
2. How a module communicates with other modules on the cars network
3. What is inside the module which controls the functions
4. Why automotive engineers like modules
5. What is it that causes a module to be locked
6. How to unlock a locked module using the Automotive kit
7. How to locate the EEPROM memory part which contains the vehicle specific data
8. What is EEPROM WORK - EEPROM WORK explained
9. Where the eeprom is located in a Chrysler/Jeep PCM
Summary: In this presentation (part 1) we first explain why you, in many cases, cannot install a used vehicle module in place of a failed unit. The explanation covers a basic description of how modules work and why a used module is not accepted when installed in a vehicle other than the original. We then explain where the data is stored and what you need to do change the used module data so that it can be installed in a different vehicle. The demonstration uses two Chrysler PCM modules to show the procedure. The Andromeda Research Automotive Kit is the tool used to to perform the work.
Part 2 shows the actual step-by-step procedure using the Automotive Kit to perform the different procedures.
Automotive Kit information is here: www.arlabs.com/automotive_kit...

[@Data_CPA]

Best explanation I've come across

[@bestwreckauto1158]

Thank you John for this very informative video. Wish you best of luck. The kits you sell are awesome and the tech support is outstanding.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Thanks. We so our best.

[@gmtahoe]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge and your time.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Glad you found the information helpful. Please tell others which helps promote our content and products.

[@alexanderorozco661]

True knowledge. Thank you

[@tonycstech]

For those who don't understand what this guy is talking about, put it simply. Just like on desktop or laptop or even a video card, you can flash bios chip either using factory software or you can flash it using a USB version flasher that that will let you flash directly to the chip. Chip will have to be directly connected to the flasher obviously. Basic stuff. Flasher is like 20 bucks with endless choices of adapters for any chip in the world.

[@jamessmith-on3jf]

I remember a friend in the late 70s had a Reliant Scimitar and I was highly impressed due to fact it had electric windows back then it felt special. Given the choice now a standard car would have manual steering/windows no central locking/AC/Alloys and non painted bumpers.

[@NaturalBornRebel]

Amen.... I want AC, Power steering, carburetor. None of the systems that make a car operate safe should NEVER depend on a computer - Steering, fuel, brakes and engine running.

[@Marc_Wolfe]

I'm messing with a 2012 Patriot ECU. Built like what's shown. Getting that cover off, quite the ordeal; hammered a knife into the glued seem.

[@gypsysharky]

Excellent video

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Thanks.

[@stefanbujdei805]

Thanks to posting videos like this very helpful for me I have a question after I read the eprom that file can be saved and transfer to Documents of different folder and using for next ecm

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Yes, you can read the eeprom data, then save it to a file for use in the future. I think we show this in our cluster video.

[@magarize]

thanks for the video, very informative and really enjoyed watching the full video. I'm trying to ready the EEPROM chip but couldn't find details about the chip, on the chip printed '4263-2 20p G1539'. is it a different chip, not EEPROM or something else. Could you pls help me out?

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

The part number does not align with any eeprom part number. You can google the number followed with "eeprom" and check the results. If information is not in a separate eeprom part then information is stored in the module microcontroller which is likely only alterable via the module bus interface. Just because a part is in an 8 pin package does not mean it's an eeprom.

[@magarize]

@@andromedaresearchlabs7826 thanks 👍

[@RichardoSpence1212]

Hey I just want to say thank you first of all for your great videos. I have a question about Chrysler products and when they were missing Mitsubishi, Chrysler, and Mercedes. Cross brands programming compatibility. I've experienced anomalies where the vehicle then we'll show up as it's former self. For instance a RAM showing up as a Mercedes however all the rest of the information is unaltered. Have you experienced this? Thank you again.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Thank you for your kind comment regarding our videos. Sorry but I've never encountered or heard of a module reverting to a different manufacturer.

[@mrdman094081]

👏👏👏

[@bradphillips6081]

I'm working on a 01 Dodge 1500 and I had a 73 three-quarter ton in this Dodge 1500 01 has way more wires

[@Marc_Wolfe]

A CH341A for about $15 will let you program plenty of shit too. Found the VIN in a 2013 Dodge Durango gauges cluster. Turned out it matched and the "CAN IHS" lines were broken somewhere between the gauges and the fuse box (TIPM).

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

The CH341A is a Chinese device designed for out of circuit work. We did a video which addresses the reasons: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hGqopp-Ko8yXotU&ab_channel=AndromedaResearchLabs

[@Marc_Wolfe]

@@andromedaresearchlabs7826 "designed for out of circuit" No, inadequate for SOME in-circuit programming. Didn't de-solder my MI25 when flashing it to be a WX9100 or Vega Frontier edition. Video on channel.

[@meblake7359]

You can just hotswap the modules. Keep the old one in and turn the ignition to on and swap modules because the eeprom of the old one is already on the network the microcontroller will overwrite the eeprom with the old modules vin.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Interesting. I'm not a fan of "hot swapping" electronic assemblies which were not designed for the unsequenced attachment of power and control signals. Code in a module is designed to perform a sequential power up procedure to properly integrate with the vehicle network. Although I cannot recommend it, if you have been successful in inserting a "hot" connector into a module with the resultant VIN transfer to the eeprom, anyone wishing to try the procedure can consider it as an option but at their own risk.

[@meblake7359]

@@andromedaresearchlabs7826 The cost to reprogram a module is insane. Why would anyone spend all the money on equipment? Here is a video of Aaron Harris hotswapping without an issue. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmrVXmxnaa9pmKs

[@tonycstech]

Yep you can. No need for any kits or programming software or equipment. Just hot air soldering tool to remove and to replace. Flux will also help a lot.

[@elfillari]

Could you pls. explain the process how to done in practice? Is it swapping the whole ECM out from the vehicle while the key is ON? Or what? Maybe loading a klip on here KZbin?

[@meblake7359]

@@elfillari you cannot hotswap an ecm. It is the main brain that rewrites the vin to sub modules, such as the pcm.

[@Just0ke]

Is it possible to just un solder the the eeprom and put it into the one used one that your installing? Seems like that wouod be the easiest

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Yes, if you know how to solder and have the equipment and experience. Most folks don't. If you damage the part (broken pin) or target assembly (lifted track) with two unsoldering (removing two parts) and one soldering (moving the original part to the target) then you're good to go. If, however, you screw up and damage the original part you have no path back. If you work in-circuit it takes less time and has a much lower risk plus you can save the contents of the part.

[@abelpolanco5976]

You need to program the module with the new vehicle,and that s possible with a scanner that allow you to program the key ,without doing this process if u just conect the module you won’t be able to start the car ,because the module is programmed with the key or ignition switch

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

If you just edit the VIN in an immobilizer based vehicle it will not start. If you clone the entire eeprom data the immobilizer information and VIN move into the salvage module and the car will start.

[@jhook2050]

very informative .. I working on a 2013 hyundai veloster turbo need to edit vin or eeprom clone to salvage pcm which kit do you suggest

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Automotive Kit#1 will allow you to work with all eeprom based modules. Here's the link. www.arlabs.com/automotive_kits.html#kbc1

[@cuiivy]

what setup do I need to change the vin of a 07 cadillac cts ecm?

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

If the ECM stores the data in an 8 pin eeprom you will require Automotive Kit#1. Sorry but there are thousands of modules and it's not possible for us to know which part is used in a module.

[@costellogamingus]

so this wouldn’t let me use the vin from the used module i’m putting into a vehicle ? im looking to change my ecu and get the immobilizer

[@costellogamingus]

it’s a 2020 bmw x6 water damaged badly

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

You could edit the vin in your used module to match the current vehicle vin but it's easier just to copy the data from the current vehicle module into the used module. If you do this you should not have to change the immobilizer.

[@rae_ray8944]

One of my friends needed to replace the ECM in his vehicle and none were available. If there would have been, the cost was $1800.00. Using Your equipment just one time; it has already paid for itself.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Thanks for the comment. Glad you were able to help your friend.

[@Aman20048]

Can u also teach immobilizer program work

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

We have examples of how key information is stored in an immobilizer but it's not intended to provide training' just examples. Immobilizers are all different. There is no standard to train where information is stored.

[@officialWWM]

You can!

[@noelngc8843]

Hi, thanks for the video. I have an Alfa Romeo Giulia with the Harmon Kardon upgrade. The amplifier has completely burned out (not covered by warranty), and I am looking to replace with a VIN locked used part. Is it possible to overwrite the NIN number stored in the replacement unit?

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

If the VIN is stored in a standard eeprom (very likely) you will be able to read and edit the VIN. However, even though the original assembly has failed the data in the eeprom is most likely OK. Since that is the case, simply copy the data from the original into the replacement. It takes just a few minutes. Also if the station presets are also stored in the eeprom they too will move.

[@noelngc8843]

@@andromedaresearchlabs7826 Thank you for your reply.

[@LEFT4eV3r]

Hello I have a Honda Accord Ex 2000 and the odb code reader is giving me a different Vin number than on my title and the vin number on my dash board 🛹 can I edit out the old Vin number and put the one on my title in from a code reader thing

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Using our Automotive Kit#1 you should be able to read the information from the module eeprom, edit the VIN then program the updated information back into the module. Automotive Kit information is here: www.arlabs.com/automotive_kits.html

[@LEFT4eV3r]

@@andromedaresearchlabs7826 thank you

[@capricorn8742]

I just want to add the 360 view camera factory option to my vehicle. 2023 GM vehicle. Why can’t this be done?

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Perhaps it can however it's not something our products do. I would check with a dealer.

[@theNfl_Esq]

My Raptor was stolen and I found it on a dealership lot. They are selling it under a new vin number. How do I prove it’s mine ?

[@sollykhan2385]

err, an AK47 with a full face balaclava may do the job 🙂

[@danielalvarez6189]

How can I unlock the vin on a genesis g70 ecu to install it in my g70/kia stinger? I'm finding people are selling their reflashed ECU's from LAP3 and LOZIC who want $1000 to unlock the vin to fit the new vin. I want to bypass having to pay $500 for the used reflashed ecu and then another $1000 to have the vin unlocked which only saves me $500 from buying one from any of these tuners. I'm just trying to save a little money while upgrading my ecu for more horsepower.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Genesis ECUs do not use an external eeprom. The VIN is located on the processor chip. Sorry we can't help with that.

[@danielalvarez9720]

@@andromedaresearchlabs7826 can you tell me how it’s done? Can I do it via vci?

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

@@danielalvarez9720The videos show how its done via direct connection to the eeprom part. VCI uses the cars network which limits what you can do.

[@meblake7359]

@@andromedaresearchlabs7826 Are there any plans for upgrades to your software to program internally mounted eeproms in processor chips?

[@denisekeary8229]

A couple months ago, I purchased a 2015 vehicle from a used car dealership. All was good, until I took it to a local dearlership for the vehicle's 52K mile servicing. Then I was informed the vehicle I purchased had a salvaged car computer installed into it, which of course, had a VIN that didn't match the VIN of my car. I was sick, but advised to file a report wtih DMV Investigations, which I did last week.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Actually you have nothing to worry about. A module which works with a different VIN does not affect the operation of the vehicle. I suppose the dealer cares because when they connect to the vehicle they enter or read the VIN. Their diagnostic software sees that the VIN of the ECU is different and complains. If they can't override this they may not be able to do updates or diagnostics. Your vehicle should continue to operate as it did when you bought it. If you are intent on having a dealer work on the car you can rewrite the salvage VIN to match the original.

[@danielalvarez9720]

Can I send you an ecu and you rewrite the vin for me? If so, how much. This ecu was tuned for another vehicle and the vehicle was sold. I can send it back but they want $650 to rewrite the vin.

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Sorry, we do not offer a VIN rewriting or cloning service.

[@NeoIsrafil]

You cant just take a working salvaged module from an identical car, Why is that? Because simply the stealership wants to force you to pay them one way or another. If possible, multiple times for the same part. All they needed to do was make the address of the module = part number, and if they needed multiple in one car, like door controls, just set up a program on the canbus that automatically assigns each one to an array with an identifier based on partnum(arrayposition) and youd immediately be able to plug a module in and itd just read. If you need to, have a hardware switch on the module for which position its in, like left doors, right doors, etc. It wouldn't be hard, but giving you power like that loses them money in being able to charge you 700 dollars for a part thats basically an arduino...

[@andromedaresearchlabs7826]

Yes.

[@user-oy9jn3mo7h]

HahahahahahH😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂