Instrument Cluster Changes '99-'04

[The_Maniac]

Originally Posted by ecortech

If you do purchase a clone, and plan on programming keys, key fobs flashing BCM etc..
you will need the security dongle. Ask them if it is included, it may not be.

To my knowledge, isn't the dongle only needed for flashing a PCM? I believe the TechII can do a BCM without anything additional.

[ecortech]

You need the dongle for anything that relates to the security of the vehicle.
Keys, key fobs, pcm, bcm, digital radio unlock etc...
That said: once the tech2 has been connected to the TISWEB and has security access for a vehicle by VIN. I think it retains the security access for that vehicle and does not need be connected again.
Many of the common functions do not need security access, really depends on the vehicle.
For what it costs, might just as well have it, then you know you will be able to do anything the tech2 is capable of. Murphy's Law if you don't have it you will need it, $10 to save $100's of aggravation.

Ed

[The_Maniac]

So, I had an off the wall thought (since I don't have a true publication on how the TIM system flows data to eventually trigger the light on the dash). What if the control for that dash light is not in the BCM or the EBCM, but the PCM?
I happened to have an 02 Grand Am PCM laying around and an '02 Alero BIN file for my DHP PowrTuner. So I hooked it all up on the bench, updated the VIN on the Alero PCM file for my 04 Grand Am, flashed it to the 02 PCM. I swapped the 02 PCM into my 04 Grand Am, did the security relearn started the car, did every check is could and STILL nothing

I have noted, the TechII in the Chassis section and BCM section shows that the TIM system is not enabled. Next time my step-brother is around with his '00 Grand Am, I want to see what that one says about this matter, if it has any different information about the TIM system (or even optional controls for it).

[ecortech]

If it says TIM is not enabled then you need to add the option or turn it on.
In Tech2 you have to go into the new BCM setup and enable the option if it exists.
When you program a new BCM replacement after it is flashed you then have to enable the correct options for the car.
ie. after I flashed my BCM the keyless entry would not work, so I had to enable the option, then it worked fine did not even need to reprogram the Fob.

Ed

[The_Maniac]

The Tech2 won't let me turn the option on or off, it simply states it's disabled. The only settings it will let me adjust is if the BCM is set for US or Canada, Manual Transmission and if the Remote FOB receiver exists.

I tried the PCM because I am not sure how the system truly detects if the TIM system is enabled (and I had the PCM laying around). For all I knew, this was dependent on something in the PCM programming. But it does not appear to be the case.

Since my step-brother has a 2000 Grand Am and I'm sure it uses the same EBCM (ABS module) as a 2000 Alero (which the Alero appears to still have the TIM system up to 2002), I want to see what the TechII says on his car. Does it report that TIM is enabled on the Chassis section and then is the information on the BCM section different (does it show enabled OR give me an option to enable it).

[The_Maniac]

OK, so here is what I can tell you from checking a TechII on a 2000 Grand Am:
- On the TechII, under Chassis (this is how you access the EBCM), the TIM system is alive and well in that computer module. It has a full TIM menu and tells you TIM is enabled on the EBCM.
- On the TechII, under the BCM, TIM is disabled and cannot be turned on.

So, with this fun knowledge, I am suspecting to make the TIM system work on my 2004 Grand Am:
- I would need an '02 Alero EBCM (or even '02 Grand Am, as they are the same EBCM units).
- Either a blank BCM and program it as an Alero or I might be able to use an '02 Alero BCM (I have a DHP PowerTuner, so I could flash the PCM to match the VIN of the donor Alero). Unless someone finds a way to turn on the TIM function on the BCM.

This is assuming the Alero and Grand Am features and controls in the BCM's are the same. I am probably shelving this until spring time.

Also, with an '02 EBCM, it also has the variable effort power steering programming. I have no interest in that system, but I believe there is not much to resurrect that one.

[datashifter]

Ok, according to post #125 in this thread...

Power Steering (Official Thread)

...it seems there is a steering position sensor involved in the variable effort power steering system. I bet we don't have that in our GA's.

[datashifter]

Post #254 in the same thread linked above states they stopped putting the variable effort power steering system in GA's for the 2003+ model years. Older GA's and should still have it...

[Madness10]

Originally Posted by datashifter

Post #254 in the same thread linked above states they stopped putting the variable effort power steering system in GA's for the 2003+ model years. Older GA's and should still have it...

My wife's 03 and my 04 have the variable assist power steering.

[datashifter]

Well damn, guess I need to check my 03.

[Madness10]

Originally Posted by datashifter

Well damn, guess I need to check my 03.

If there is a plug on the bottom of the steering pump, then you have the steering assist.

[The_Maniac]

I thought by '04 the variable effort steering was removed. But I am entitled to be wrong.

I have no interest in re-adding this option (I've driven with and without it, and can take it or leave it, no biggie for me). On paper, it looked simple to re-add. I believe it's a steering pump with the solenoid and a steering wheel position sensor, the wires go back to (of all things) the EBCM (aka, ABS module).

As for restoring the tire pressure system, I am a loss. The BCM is a one time write, I would have to spend $150+ for a new BCM. I have access to a TechII to flash it with the Alero programming. But this feature is NOT worth me blowing that much just to see if my theories are correct.
I've tried finding out if it's possible to erase a BCM or restore it to a factory condition and so far I am coming up empty on that too.

I am still confident this can be done, but it requires more money then I am willing to spend figuring it out