Engine Control Module: Testing and Inspection
VEHICLE CONTROL MODULE DIAGNOSISGeneral Description
The VCM is located on the right hand side fenderwell. The VCM is the control center for the fuel emissions automatic transmission control functions and the anti lock brakes systems.
The VCM constantly monitors the information from the various sensors. The VCM controls the component systems which affect the engine, the transmission, and the anti lock operation.
The VCM alerts the driver through the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) or the antilock indicator lamp. The VCM stores the DTCs which identify the problem areas for the technician making repairs.
The VCM in this vehicle is programmable. The only services allowed on the VCM is the control module replacement with the KS calibrator PROM transferred or the KS calibrator PROM only.
The KS calibrator contains the up integrated knock sensor calibration. The VCM stores the 4 calibrations in the Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM).
When replacing the VCM, programming the EEPROM and transferring the KS calibrator PROM to the new VCM is mandatory.
The 4 calibrations required for the VCM are the Powertrain, the ABS, the VSS buffer, and the A/C. Each calibration has its own part number. Determine the correct calibrations for a particular vehicle based on the VIN number of the vehicle.