Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1997ASTRO VAN 2WD V6-4.3L VIN WREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSRELAYS AND MODULES - COMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSENGINE CONTROL MODULESERVICE AND REPAIRVEHICLE CONTROL MODULE (VCM) REPLACEMENT
1997 Chevrolet Astro Van 2WD V6-4.3L VIN W
Vehicle Control Module (VCM) Replacement
1997 Chevrolet Astro Van 2WD V6-4.3L VIN WSECTION Vehicle Control Module (VCM) Replacement
VCM
The service of the VCM consists of replacing the VCM. If the diagnostics call for replacement of the VCM, transfer the KS Calibration PROM and program the EEPROM in the VCM. Refer to EEPROM Programming.
KS Calibration PROM
NOTICE: In order to prevent possible Electrostatic Discharge damage to the VCM, do not touch the connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board.
IMPORTANT: In order to prevent the internal VCM damage, the ignition must be OFF when disconnecting or reconnecting or reconnecting the power to the VCM (battery cable, ECM fuse, jumper cables, etc.).
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the connectors from the VCM.
3. Remove the mounting hardware. Remove the VCM from the engine compartment.
4. Remove the VCM access cover.
IMPORTANT: The replacement VCM is supplied without a KS Calibration PROM so for reuse in the new VCM carefully remove the PROM from the defective VCM.
5. Remove the Calibration PROM.
^ Using the thumb and first finger, remove the KS Calibration PROM by gently squeezing each end of the blue KS Calibration PROM. Pull upward.
^ Do not remove the cover of the KS Calibration PROM. Use of an unapproved KS Calibration PROM removal methods may cause damage to the KS Calibration PROM or the socket.
6. Inspect for the alignment notches of the KS Calibration PROM.
7. Carefully set it aside.
8. Do not open the KS Calibration PROM.
9. Remove the new VCM from the packaging. Check the service number in order to make sure it is the same as the defective VCM.
10. Remove the access cover.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: Press only on the ends of the KS Calibration PROM. The small notches in the KS Calibration PROM must align with the small notches in the KS Calibration PROM socket. Gently press on the KS Calibration PROM until it is firmly seated in the socket. Listen for the click.
1. Install the KS Calibration PROM in the KS Calibration PROM socket.
2. Install the access cover on the VCM.
3. Install the VCM in the engine compartment.
4. Install the connectors to the VCM.
5. The MIL, antilock and brake lamps will continue to be enabled until the VCM is programmed. Once the programming is complete, the lamps will turn off and normal operation will occur.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
NOTE: The ignition should always be OFF when installing or removing the VCM connectors.
7. Program the EEPROM. Refer to EEPROM Programming.
The service of the VCM consists of replacing the VCM. If the diagnostics call for replacement of the VCM, transfer the KS Calibration PROM and program the EEPROM in the VCM. Refer to EEPROM Programming.
KS Calibration PROM
NOTICE: In order to prevent possible Electrostatic Discharge damage to the VCM, do not touch the connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board.
IMPORTANT: In order to prevent the internal VCM damage, the ignition must be OFF when disconnecting or reconnecting or reconnecting the power to the VCM (battery cable, ECM fuse, jumper cables, etc.).
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the connectors from the VCM.
3. Remove the mounting hardware. Remove the VCM from the engine compartment.
4. Remove the VCM access cover.
IMPORTANT: The replacement VCM is supplied without a KS Calibration PROM so for reuse in the new VCM carefully remove the PROM from the defective VCM.
5. Remove the Calibration PROM.
^ Using the thumb and first finger, remove the KS Calibration PROM by gently squeezing each end of the blue KS Calibration PROM. Pull upward.
^ Do not remove the cover of the KS Calibration PROM. Use of an unapproved KS Calibration PROM removal methods may cause damage to the KS Calibration PROM or the socket.
6. Inspect for the alignment notches of the KS Calibration PROM.
7. Carefully set it aside.
8. Do not open the KS Calibration PROM.
9. Remove the new VCM from the packaging. Check the service number in order to make sure it is the same as the defective VCM.
10. Remove the access cover.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
IMPORTANT: Press only on the ends of the KS Calibration PROM. The small notches in the KS Calibration PROM must align with the small notches in the KS Calibration PROM socket. Gently press on the KS Calibration PROM until it is firmly seated in the socket. Listen for the click.
1. Install the KS Calibration PROM in the KS Calibration PROM socket.
2. Install the access cover on the VCM.
3. Install the VCM in the engine compartment.
4. Install the connectors to the VCM.
5. The MIL, antilock and brake lamps will continue to be enabled until the VCM is programmed. Once the programming is complete, the lamps will turn off and normal operation will occur.
6. Connect the negative battery cable.
NOTE: The ignition should always be OFF when installing or removing the VCM connectors.
7. Program the EEPROM. Refer to EEPROM Programming.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.