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 MANUALSCHEVROLET2003MALIBU V6-3.1L VIN JREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISPOWERTRAIN MANAGEMENTCOMPUTERS AND CONTROL SYSTEMSENGINE CONTROL MODULESERVICE AND REPAIR
2003 Chevrolet Malibu V6-3.1L VIN J
Engine Control Module: Service and Repair
2003 Chevrolet Malibu V6-3.1L VIN JSECTION Service and Repair
POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) REPLACEMENT
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
NOTE: In order to prevent internal damage to the PCM, the ignition must be OFF when disconnecting or reconnecting the PCM connector.
Service should normally consist of either replacement of the powertrain control module (PCM) or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) re-programming.
If the diagnostic procedures call for the PCM to be replaced, the PCM should be inspected first in order to verify the PCM is the correct part. DTC P0602 indicates the EEPROM programming has malfunctioned. When DTC P0602 is set, re-program the EEPROM.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.
2. Remove the left hush panel.

3. Loosen the PCM connector screws (1).

4. Disconnect the PCM electrical connectors.
NOTE: Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Do not remove the integrated circuit boards from the carrier.
5. Depress the PCM retaining tabs.
6. Slide the PCM from the PCM bracket.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Remove the new PCM from the packaging and inspect the service number to verify the number is the same number, or an updated number, as the faulty PCM.
1. Slide the PCM into the PCM bracket.

2. Install the PCM electrical connectors.
NOTE: Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Do not remove the integrated circuit boards from the carrier.

3. Tighten the PCM connector screws (1).
4. Install the left hush panel.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
6. Program the PCM. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) (Remote Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Pass-Thru Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Pass-Thru Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Remote Procedure) in Programming. Programming and Relearning
IMPORTANT: The replacement PCM must be reprogrammed and the crankshaft position (CKP) system variation learn procedure must be performed.
7. The replacement PCM will NOT allow secondary air injection (AIR) pump operation until a total of 16 km (10 mi) have accumulated.
REMOVAL PROCEDURE
NOTE: In order to prevent internal damage to the PCM, the ignition must be OFF when disconnecting or reconnecting the PCM connector.
Service should normally consist of either replacement of the powertrain control module (PCM) or electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) re-programming.
If the diagnostic procedures call for the PCM to be replaced, the PCM should be inspected first in order to verify the PCM is the correct part. DTC P0602 indicates the EEPROM programming has malfunctioned. When DTC P0602 is set, re-program the EEPROM.
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.
2. Remove the left hush panel.
3. Loosen the PCM connector screws (1).
4. Disconnect the PCM electrical connectors.
NOTE: Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Do not remove the integrated circuit boards from the carrier.
5. Depress the PCM retaining tabs.
6. Slide the PCM from the PCM bracket.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Remove the new PCM from the packaging and inspect the service number to verify the number is the same number, or an updated number, as the faulty PCM.
1. Slide the PCM into the PCM bracket.
2. Install the PCM electrical connectors.
NOTE: Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Do not remove the integrated circuit boards from the carrier.
3. Tighten the PCM connector screws (1).
4. Install the left hush panel.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
6. Program the PCM. Refer to Service Programming System (SPS) (Remote Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Pass-Thru Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Pass-Thru Procedure)Service Programming System (SPS) (Off Board Remote Procedure) in Programming. Programming and Relearning
IMPORTANT: The replacement PCM must be reprogrammed and the crankshaft position (CKP) system variation learn procedure must be performed.
7. The replacement PCM will NOT allow secondary air injection (AIR) pump operation until a total of 16 km (10 mi) have accumulated.
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.