I seem to have had my computer go out. It was not performing the emissions tests I needed to get my tag. We located a used computer, got it programmed but then the van won't crank. The tech that did the programming claims the computer has to stay connected to it's original immobilizer unit. That just doesn't seem right. That means that if any computer ever goes out that the car is done. I am thinking there has to be a way to reintroduce the old Immobilizer to the new ECU (computer).
Has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks!

 

He is correct. Once the immobilizer is married to the PCM, they mate for life and I don't believe there are any virgin immobilizers still available. I haven't used one personally as of yet, but if you search pcm repair, some of them will take the immobilizer out of the programming.

 

So if your computer or the immobilizer goes out the vehicle is done? Or I guess you have to find a matched pair? Wonder if that's even possible any more?
I did find a used computer and it was programmed but then the immobilizer didn't work. That all sounds like what you are talking about.
The only problem my vehicle has is that it is not running the emissions tests. It is killing me that I have to junk a perfectly good vehicle because the computer module will not supply power to sensors for a couple tests. Any guidance or ideas are more than welcomed.

 

You can replace the PCM & Immobilizer as a set from a 2nd hand wreak.

 

Thanks. My repair shop has walked away from the job. I think I'll give this a shot on my own.

 

Not surprised. Usually they run and offer to pay for the tow.

 

I have found what is suppose to be a new immobilizer. So my question now is, do we know if we can use a new immobilizer and a used computer? Is the handshake 1 direction or both directions?

 

Solved: I gave the car away to a friend that lives in an area that doesn't do emissions testing. Not happy but no other choice.