HEY guys and gals
I did a motor swap on my moms 2004 monte carlo with the 3.4. It wont even turn over and the radio says cal err. will that prevent it from starting I have check fuses there good. tryed jumping the starter it will click but wont rotate the motor. I thought it was the passlock system did the ten min thing not luck, tryed to go into the settings thought the stereo to shut it off but doesnt have the alarm listed. took the starter out to test it. It will spin but slow seems like it should be moving faster kinda lost does the cal err stop it from starting? I would be greatful for any advise. Can i get a normal scan tool and reprogram or do I need the fancy one at the dealer.

 

If the new motor is not identical (Same year, size, etc...)to the one that it replaced, the PCM will need to be flashed to make it compatible. Each PCM is assigned a "Calibration ID" with coded numbers that have to match between the engine, PCM and BCM. One of our members "The Maniac" offers a "quick turn" mail order service to do the flash if needed.

Here's a link to that thread and his service: https://montecarloforum.com/forum/pr...-3100-a-42773/

Not sure if the "10 minute thing" you're referring to is the "Security Re-learn Procedure", but you will also need to do that, and it takes about 30 minutes because the steps need to be repeated 3 times. You probably have a flashing "Security" light in your dash display when you turn the key on.

Here's a link to a thread on the Security Re-learn Procedure: https://montecarloforum.com/forum/fw...rocedure-8598/

You should also do a CKP system variation learn procedure (Crankshaft Position system variation learn procedure) after an engine swap.

 

it is the same size motor but it is out of a equinox not sure of the year. what if i get pcm out of the equinox would it work or not

 

Definitely gonna' have some compatibility issues. The 3400 used in the Equinox is a GM Chinese modified version of the old 3400, which isn't really a bad thing as they actually made a lot of improvements. The first gen. (2005-2009) Equinox's had the 3.4L LNJ engine as opposed to the 3.4L LAI in a 2004 Monte. Definitely incompatible PCM programs. You might be able to use the PCM from the donor Equinox, but I don't know how the transmission electronics compare. You may have to change the engine wiring harness and make some modifications to it.

 

what a mess thank for your help im going into the dealership in the morning and I mite see about getting the PCM out of the equinox one more question where is the ID code located on the motor i have the old motor is there a way that I can just move a part from the old motor to the new one to trick the PCM

 

As far as I know, the calibration ID can only be read electronically with a Tech 2 or similar scan or programming tool.