PCM for Less

I started visiting this forum after I purchased my new H3 in Sept. It has been informative and entertaining to read the posts and responses. Just wanted to pass on my positive experience with PCM for Less. I purchased a tune and I have to say it has changed the driving experience for my H3 significantly! There were times that my H3 just wasn't as peppy as I would like. After the tune, the shifts were quicker and cleaner. Alvin was really good to work with. I still would like to see a larger engine in the H3s, but this tune has me satisfied for now. I love the look and the feel of the H3. I have had many (try 20+ vehicles in the last 15 years) vehicles and this is one that I will hold on to, unless of course GM comes out with an H3 with a V-8. Then all bets are off.

Welcome and thanks for that first posting...Yes, your testimony along with many others about Alvin's PCM tune is terrific...I've heard nothing but positive from many satisfied customers about their tunes...

I'm with you on the V8 option

Welcome H3SC.

How does this "PCM for Less" work? How do you load into the H3? Can you save off your original H3 computer load? Do you have to send them your computer load first for modification?

quote:

ORIGINAL: mountainbiker

Welcome H3SC.

How does this "PCM for Less" work? How do you load into the H3? Can you save off your original H3 computer load? Do you have to send them your computer load first for modification?

Mountainbiker,

I don't know how to post a link to a previous thread, but do a search on 'PCMforless'. There is a lengthy thread on procedures and results. I too have reprogrammed the PCM in my H3 with very positive results. Your PCM is your vehicle's computer that is located under the hood on the passenger side firewall. It's about 6" x 5" and has a ribbed heatsink. You cant miss it. I chose to have Kelly and Alvin send me a loaner, which I installed while mine was being reprogrammed. They mail a loaner... you mail in yours... you get yours back and send the loaner back. From start to finish, about 10 days for me. I'm very pleased with the results. Best money you could spend in a mod IMO.

Thanks finskeeper.

I assume the "core" that they talk about is the "computer chip" within the PCM. If you want to retain your original programming, I assume you would just buy the "core" or the PCM.

I did something similar with my Ford Explorer. I bought and replace th computer chip in its PCM. I had to send the company the engine code on my Explorer's PCM. It stalls sometimes which I attribute to the new chip. I may switch back one day to verify if this is the case. If a do for the H3, I would like to go back to stock if ever needed.

What kind of changes have you noticed? (Or should I be looking at your other post?)

Thanks again finskeeper for the info.

For me, more torque on the low and high ends. They asked me if I tow anything. (Occasionally, I tow a boat that weighs approx 3500#.) Whatever they did, I've got more standing and cruising acceleration towing that thing behind me. I also installed a K&N CAI. Because additional air flow gets to the mass air sensor, they somehow took that into consideration. They also removed the speed limiter, which is set to restrict speeds over approx 100mph.

Oh, and in answer to wanting to retain your original settings...

The loaner is programmed to 'factory defaults'. They will let you keep the loaner for $125.00.

finskeeper - great info. thank you.

Mountainbiker,
Looks like finskeeper took care of you. What I like about PCM for less was their money back guarantee, not to mention I really saw an improvement in the way the H3 drove. For the money, you can't beat it. I do have a K&N FIPK and saw some improvement when I added, but the "tune" from PCM was the ticket.

quote:

ORIGINAL: finskeeper

Oh, and in answer to wanting to retain your original settings...

The loaner is programmed to 'factory defaults'. They will let you keep the loaner for $125.00.

I would like to make a little correction to your reply.

You don't keep the loaner core as it only has default (Factory settings in in with the check engine light removed).

I took option #1 which they send you a programed PCM and you have the choice of sending your original PCM back or keeping both and they keep the $125.00 deposit on the core. I kept my original PCM just in case I may need it.

If you send in for the option that they send you a loaner, you receive the loaner and then send in your original PCM and they program it to your settings and then send it back and then you have 7 days to send back the loaner.

Another option is to just send in your original PCM and then they program it and send it back and don;t have any core charge but you will have to let your H3 sit until you receive your PCM back.

quote:

ORIGINAL: mountainbiker

Thanks finskeeper.

I assume the "core" that they talk about is the "computer chip" within the PCM. If you want to retain your original programming, I assume you would just buy the "core" or the PCM.

I did something similar with my Ford Explorer. I bought and replace th computer chip in its PCM. I had to send the company the engine code on my Explorer's PCM. It stalls sometimes which I attribute to the new chip. I may switch back one day to verify if this is the case. If a do for the H3, I would like to go back to stock if ever needed.

What kind of changes have you noticed? (Or should I be looking at your other post?)

Thanks again finskeeper for the info.

mountainbiker, here is a pic of the core that you will be sending to them to program. Just remove the 3 cables and then the core off the firewall.


You can have them program one of theirs and then when it comes in just send your core back to them and get a $125.00 refund (if sent in within 7 days) or keep your original as I did for a total of $289.00. There are other options, just contact Alvin and he will walk you through it!

If you are thinking about doing PCMforLess be aware that if you do the core program, you will need to take your HUMMER to someone with a TECH II to have the Crankshaft Angle Sensor Error (CASE) relearned.

Also, I didn't see anything in the FAQs about the CASE relearn.

I just received my core from PCMforLess.  I, unfortunately, didn't know about the CASE relearn and have no GM dealer nearby willing to assist.  I am trying to see if Alvin at PCMforLess can help me out.  I hope he can help.

Don't worry about it..when you get your original back from Alvin your idot light will go away..Nothing is being harmed with the way it is now,,just hang on, or put a piece of tape over the SES light and wait till you get yours is back....Let us know how you like the tune once you get it back..

I just got the core (like pictured in H3_Hummer post).  It is sitting in the USPS box in front of me as I type this post.  I am waiting to see if Alvin will be willing to do the loaner or program my stock core...without too much additional $$$.

If I run with this one without the CASE relearn, does the DIC / dash indicate an error?  Or will the DIC / dash just not show an error even if there really is one in the future.

Has anyone had to do the CASE relearn?  Can you describe the process?  Is it an involved process?  Or is it connect up the vehicle to the TECH II, press a few buttons, and away I go?  How many labor hours will the dealership charge?  Our dealerships in this area are $160 per hour...oh the joys of supporting freedom overseas.

I look forward to posting about how the H3 runs after installation.

When I had mine done be cause of a brand new core..My dealer charged me  $79.88
 
Work order code: C100 has PO315 Crankshaft variation not learned...Performed relearn procedure and cleared codes..
 
I understand now you bought one of his programmed cores and it needs to learn you truck...I thought you just had one of his loaners, waiting on yours to be programmed..

I just yesterday finished the process with the final pcm. I followed the loaner program, instead of trying to get someone to do the CASE process.  With the loaner PCM, I did experience more power and quicker shifts, but the engine did idle a bit rough (which is now gone now that the final PCM is installed).
 
I have also installed the k&N CAI and am really pleased with the responsiveness of the engine/shifting. The only downer is the noise the intake makes when I step on it.
 
Its well worth it, and very easy to do.
 
Rich

Just paid for and ordered my PCM tune up from Alvin today...Now the wait

Okay, I got it in tonight.  I only drove about 10 miles from one base to the other, and didn't get it up over 50 m.p.h.  It was an easy install, the ignition on, ignition off, the spin around on your toes seemed like it took the most time.  Tomorrow I will have a chance to check it out more and check if the limiter is gone.  The thing definitely gave it more zip going from a standstill.

Questions:
1.  I now have 1053 miles, but now the "check oil" is being displayed.  Did you get this after swapping the PCM?
2.  I didn't get any other errors or faults such as "check engine".  It might run just a hair rough (but smooth as butter compared to my older car).  I assume the CASE relearn should and needs to be done.  Did you get a "check engine" light?

Do you have the LOANER PCM or yours reprogrammed and ready to go?  My loaner had the Check Engine light on, but they said they take that off on the loaners.  It could have just been a mistake.
 
Mine also had the Oil Change notification, but then again, that is specific to the PCM, so you probably just have a loaner PCM that has alot of miles on it.

I'm confused...Are you driving with the LOANER right now??? and waiting on your's to be sent back from Alvin all reprogrammed???..Otherwise It has been reported here that the Loaner runs rough and not as tuned up as your reprogrammed original one will be.

Or did you get a new PCM form Alvin and kept the old one?

The reason I ask, is because your original one should not have had to go through the security re-learn.

Hi PCM Gang,

The PCM I installed was/is supposed to be the core exchange.  Therefore, it should be the one programmed for me and is installed to stay.  Here is the PayPal invoice:
Item Price: $199.99 USD Total Shipping: $15.00 USD Total Handling: $99.00 USD Total: $313.99 USD
The H3 would start without going through the security relearn.  My directions said "most of the time you will need to perform a Security Relearn".  It was kind of scary because after install you have a dead truck, but then after the 35 minutes of relearn then you get to see it work.

I sent an email off to Alvin at the same time I posted the questions to you guys, but I haven't got an answer back yet.  I let you know when I have something.

Have a fine H3 day.

Oh Okay I see now..I'm doing the loaner bit with Alvin..($319.00)..So I'll be getting back my original PCM all tweeked up. Then when I send back his loaner, Kelly will refund the $99.00 for the returned loaner, they keep like $55.00 for programming the loaner for me to get me by while mine is being programmed..

quote:

ORIGINAL: mountainbiker

Okay, I got it in tonight.  I only drove about 10 miles from one base to the other, and didn't get it up over 50 m.p.h.  It was an easy install, the ignition on, ignition off, the spin around on your toes seemed like it took the most time.  Tomorrow I will have a chance to check it out more and check if the limiter is gone.  The thing definitely gave it more zip going from a standstill.

Questions:
1.  I now have 1053 miles, but now the "check oil" is being displayed.  Did you get this after swapping the PCM?
2.  I didn't get any other errors or faults such as "check engine".  It might run just a hair rough (but smooth as butter compared to my older car).  I awesome the CASE relearn should and needs to be done.  Did you get a "check engine" light?

How long does it normally take Alvin/Kelly to answer an email?

Call em..that's what I do..

quote:

ORIGINAL: mountainbiker



How long does it normally take Alvin/Kelly to answer an email?

Hi,

We are caught up on emails as of this morning.  Prehaps spamware is shooting down your emails.  feel free to give us a call during buisness hours M-F 9:30-6:30pm