2003 Silverado - ECM updates - Should I get them?

[ledslinger]

A fellow member alerted me to a site where you can enter the VIN number of your GM vehicle and it will tell you of updated calibrations for various systems on the vehicle.

My 2003 Silverado with 28K miles, came up with 8 part numbers for updates for things such as idle surging (don't have any) transmission 1-2 shift changes (It is firm at times) fuel system calibration, and speedometer calibration.

I'm in the process of seeing what it will cost to have my ECU updated at a Chevrolet dealer.

Any reason other than cost to not get these updates? Is it all good, or could I lose performance or increase fuel consumption? Can well equipped independent shops do these upgrades for less if they subscribe to GM for programs? Is an aftermarket chip better than a factory updated reflash? Is a custom reprogram a better option such as BlackBear?

I did a google search for "Silverado ECM update" and found only one post on a GM truck forum saying if your truck runs well not to do it.

Here is the site: calid.gm.com or this: https://tis2web.service.gm.com/tis2web

 

[dparm]

Some dealers will not even do the updates unless you have a clear need, i.e. one of the problems resolved in the new update is happening in your car. Sometimes the updates can solve one problem but create a new one.

Unless your car has a serious issue that can absolutely be remedied by the ECU update, save your money and don't do it.



I had it done on my car within a week of buying it, but that's because there was actual evidence of some very big changes in the newest software: more horsepower. Guys actually dynoed their cars and saw a measurable increase in power. The new software also improved cold start performance and revised the transmission shift mapping to make it a bit less jerky at low speeds.

 

[donnyj08]

Ledslinger, I see you looked your vehicle up! I would recommend the latest updates. Generally reflashes are created to work out bugs and are and improvement. If your truck has none of the issues the reflashes address than it's not really critical to have it done. I would price the updates at a couple dealers and decide whether you think it's worth the price they are asking! Mine gets flashed today, I'll let you know my thoughts on it after it's done to the vette

 

[hattaresguy]

Your truck has run well for 10 years, so why?

 

[ledslinger]

Thanks donnyj08 for leading me to the site to check for updates. Look forward to hearing your results.

My truck runs very well, actually I would say perfect except for a firm 1-2 shift every now and then. It would be nice to potentially have improved transmission function, more power, and better fuel economy. If there are risks, I may forego them, or talk to custom tuners for their opinion.

 

[danthaman1980]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Update: NO
Recall: YES

 

[donnyj08]

Originally Posted By: ledslinger
Thanks donnyj08 for leading me to the site to check for updates. Look forward to hearing your results.

My truck runs very well, actually I would say perfect except for a firm 1-2 shift every now and then. It would be nice to potentially have improved transmission function, more power, and better fuel economy. If there are risks, I may forego them, or talk to custom tuners for their opinion.



Don't do it. I went today and they hooked it up and said there were no reflashes. I called GM and they said the Calid.GM.Com was and official site, but had no idea what i was talking about. basically the site says there are flashes to be had, but the dealer claims their TIS system didnt find anything when they hooked it up to my car. long story short they charged me 95$ and i got nothing. i was pretty discusted with the whole ordeal. It may be a corvette, but its still a GM. A company where no one knows anything and my local dealer is useless. typical GM.

 

[ledslinger]

Sorry to hear the dealer wasted your time and money on nothing. Sounds like one way of doing this is to buy a programmed ECM to swap with your original that you can put back in whenever you want.

There is a crank relearn procedure that must be done to turn off check engine light when a non stock ECM is installed. Is it as simple as connecting a normal scanner and clearing the codes?

 

[George7941]

The Crank Variation Relearn procedure is much more than clearing codes. The inexpensive scan tools are not capable of carrying out this procedure.