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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.
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RE: PCM for Less
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:) |
RE: PCM for Less
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? |
RE: PCM for Less
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? 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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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.
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RE: PCM for Less
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. |
RE: PCM for Less
finskeeper - great info. thank you.
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RE: PCM for Less
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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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. 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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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. http://photos.imageevent.com/judeinp...e/pcm4less.jpg 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!:D |
RE: PCM for Less
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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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..
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RE: PCM for Less
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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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.. |
RE: PCM for Less
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 |
RE: PCM for Less
Just paid for and ordered my PCM tune up from Alvintoday...Now the wait[:@]
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RE: PCM for Less
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? |
RE: PCM for Less
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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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 thatthe Loaner runs rough and not as tuned up as your reprogrammed original one will be.
Or did youget a new PCM form Alvin and keptthe old one? The reason I ask, is because your original one should not have had to go through the security re-learn. |
RE: PCM for Less
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: http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif $199.99 USD Total Shipping: http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif $15.00 USD Total Handling: http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif $99.00 USD Total: http://images.paypal.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif $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. |
RE: PCM for Less
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..
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RE: PCM for Less
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? |
RE: PCM for Less
Call em..that's what I do..
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RE: PCM for Less
ORIGINAL: mountainbiker How long does it normally take Alvin/Kelly to answer an email? 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 |
RE: PCM for Less
Thanks Alvin for your response. I am in Germany, so calling is a bit less easier than email. My two questions are
Questions: 1. I now have 1053 miles, but now the "check oil" is being displayed. Can this occur after swapping the original PCM for the PCMforLess PCM core, or does my vehicle really think it needs an oil change? 2. I didn't get any other errors or faults such as "check engine". It might be running just a hair rough (but smooth as butter compared to my older car). I assume the CASE relearn should and still needs to be done even without an engine fault light being displayed on the DIC. Is this correct? |
RE: PCM for Less
Got my loaner PCM today from Alvin n-company(man that was fast)..And installed it in about 7 minutes with removing coolant reservoir...Started right up on first try (didn't need to do a Security Relearn)..All I had to do was, change it from FRENCH to ENGLISH and reset the OILCHANGE reminder...Idles at about 650 RPM and is smooth as silk..Didn't go drive it around as It's too late and the roads are sheer ice...But I'm confident it will run fine..And this is just the loaner..Can't wait till I get mine back all tweeked up to my specs....Thanks Alvin!..I'll be sending you Mine to Program Tuesday, as Monday is MLK's holiday.
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RE: PCM for Less
Can anyone help with these questions regarding my PCM core swap?
1. I have 1053 miles, but after the swap the "check oil" is being displayed. Is this common? Can I just reset? 2. I didn't get any other errors or faults such as "check engine". Does the CASE relearn still need to be done? * I am in Germany so no OnStar checks for me. ** I have already sent an email to PCMforLess on 1/10 and 1/14. |
RE: PCM for Less
OIL CHANGE REMINDER reset...Page 5-17 in the Owner's Manual.
Close all the doors while sitting in the seat, turn your key all the way to the ON/Run position (do not start the car)...depress several times the DIC button, until the OIL-RESET is flashing on your DIC display..While that OIL-RESETis on the DIC display,press and hold the DIC button in,until you hear a Beep-Beep-Beep..the timer is now reset. This happens with new PCM's.. A security relearn in not needed since the car starts up...If it wouldn't of started, then you would have had to do aSecurity Relearn....so, in your case NO! If you had a "check engine light" on....then you would have to go to the dealer for them to do a CASE RE-LEARN..So once again, In your case NO! You should be good to go now.:) |
RE: PCM for Less (core program)
In my case, I had to do a security relearn as the vehicle would not start after the PCM core installation. Once performed, it immediately started without issue. The security relearn actually took me longer to do than the installation due to various wait times. However, all procedures were very easy to perform.
While easy to reset the "check oil" light, it would be nice if the install instructions mentioned that it could be a possibilty. Per the PCMforLess instructions, "When a computer is completely rewritten with the latest GM calibration, the CASE information is lost. To relearn the information, a dealership or shop with a Tech II scan tool must perform the procedure, which takes around 5-10 minutes. The only time you need a CASE relearn is when using our core program." If the CASE relearn is not needed in some cases it would be nice if this was stated in the instructions too. I haven't gotten an answer yet to my emails to PCMforLess. I would like to get confirmation from PCMforLess stating the CASE relearn is oris not needed. If not needed as stated in the previous post, I could avoid taking a day of leave on Friday, the 2-hour roundtrip drive, the wait at the garage, and the cost to have the CASE relearn procedure done. I really like the operating differences in my vehicle after the install. I would just like to not have these couple of uncertainties. Hooah from Germany |
RE: PCM for Less (core program)
For those that do the core PCM, I got a response back from both Kelly and Alvin at PCMforLess. Their response was
1. You are good to go to reset the oil light. Sometimes it gets reset when we reflash them. 2 The rough idle is normal for the first 100 miles of operation. After that it should clear up and go away. If you used a CORE exchange that you still must get a CASE relearn done even if the light is not on. So, I will reset my change oil and go off to the garage on Friday for the CASE relearn. |
RE: PCM for Less (core program)
Good..I'm glad you got that cleared up....Happy Trails:)
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RE: PCM for Less (core program)
T[h]anks Dennis
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RE: PCM for Less (core program)
ORIGINAL: Dennis Good..I'm glad you got that cleared up....Happy Trails:) |
RE: PCM for Less (core program)
Good evening Robin...Glad to see you again..Look at your Inbox..
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RE: PCM for Less (core program)
Just popped in hto say hi Dennis. Wasn't sure if you would ignore a PM. I would like to pop in now and again if that is okay with you guys.
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RE: PCM for Less (core program)
Welcome Robin...Come on in and visit anytime..Like I said..Glad to see you again..:)
PS; Post some pictures of your African adventure last year..The folks here do appreciate difficult off road driving. |
PCM for Less.. LATEST!
HIGHLY recommend you take full advantage of the great deal and professional, expert PCM tune from PCMforless...The best money you can spend on any MODIFICATIONfor your H3...I swear!
Got my PCM back from Alvin/Kelly yesterday...I installed it in about 10 minutes (and I took my time too, Isprayed contact cleaner (Deoxit)and lubricant on the three connectors before hooking them up) and it started right up without a hitch...Idled down smoothly as compared to the original programming which was rough on idle down on a cold start....Settled out at approx 600 rpms as that is what I wanted the idle to be set at...Very smooth and no vibrations to speak of in the steering wheel at idle,while in D with foot on brake...I have driven it a whole 30 minutes total since the install.. (Remember, I had mine tuned once before by a flyby nighter and it was only tuned for the 4000 to 5500 rpm range and never affected the city street drivability) So, what I've noticed so far, is a marked improvement on initial take off pep and shifting..the shift points are a little firmer and smoother and shifts points are better spaced to get more revs before it shifts to the next higher gear...coming to a stop I can sense the tranny down shifting is more pronouncedand seems to make the exhaust note sound pretty cool too (Gibson Cat-back)..I know, as I've been reading the posts from Alvin and the comprehensive reports from mybuddy Hummerguy (Mike)...that as you drive more, the PCM learns an operational pattern for optimal performace... So, all in all, I'm very impressed with the results of this TUNE from PCMforless so far(definitely more power, that's for sure, as the engine doesn't sound like it's working as hard)Even at this early stage ofthe relearn process of the PCM...If it gets better as it should as I'm told, then it should really be fun driving around.... Look out Z06's..you're gonna have aHUMMER on your ass now:D[sm=gears.gif] I'll update this initial report of mine herein a few hundred miles, as things getbetter. |
RE: PCM for Less.. LATEST!
Waiting for my loaner which should be here any day now. Having my PCM tuned for 93 octane (why, I don't know, just being silly I guess) so am looking forward to giving it a try. Might give my Esprit a run for its money.
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