MAJOR Problems - Need Help Desperately

[Brazi]

Hello,


This is an emergency!!

I have imported a Hummer H3 2006 to Brazil, South America. The VIN is 5GTDN136968173835. It has only 2500 miles now.
There are no dealerships or authorized assistance here and, unfortunately, I am experiencing MAJOR problems with my automobile. The car worked fine for about 6 months but now it is stalling after driving for 5-10 minutes. After that it takes about 3 minutes to start again. It is virtually unusable.

The messages in the display are:
Stab Sys Traction Failed Reduced Power

I have found a shop that has a scanner and the engineer there tells me got the following error messages with it:

ECM P0601 - Control Module ROM
EBCM Malfunction ? C0240 - ABS Traction Control

I don?t even know how to start going about this and I will REALLY appreciate any help or input. I love the car and I don?t know what to do.

Sincerely

Marlus Pasinato
mp@dantai.com.br
msn marlus_pasinato@hotmail.com
+55 41 99739207
+55 41 3023.9207
+55 42 3014.4200
5GTDN136968173835

[f5fstop]

P0601 is not a good code. If the vehicle is still running, it means the internal ROM chip is losing its integrity. The fix is to reprogram and see if that fixes the problem, if not, the PCM has to be replaced and the new on programmed. The only way to program the PCM is via a Tech 2 and the GM service programming system. You might be able to purchase an aftermarket PCM; not sure on this so someone else may chime in.

C0240 means the EBCM will not allow traction control/stability control since it cannot receive a confirmation from the PCM, via the class 2 serial data link, that the PCM is actively reducing (controlling) engine torque. This code may be a by-product of the P0601, due to the integrity of the ROM, and the PCM's calibration.

If there are any GM dealers in the area, they might have the equipment to program the module to see if it requires replacement. I believe SPS is used down there, and if so, the dealer might have access to all GM programs/calibrations via GM's TIS2WEB website. Again, not sure.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

Well Marlus, you got the best help thats available...

GOOD LUCK

RYD

[K9sH3]

Well Marlus, you got the best help thats available...

GOOD LUCK

RYD


:iagree: x2

Now print out all he said and take it to a GM service provider.

Good luck!

[marin8703]

I beleive you can get a new pcm from pcmforless.com. http://www.pcmforless.com/index.php?option=content&task=view&id=55&Itemid=40
good luck with the problem, hope you take care of it fast.

[whaaaaT]

just go to any gm dealer. I know theres cadillac dealers in brazil.

[Brazi]

Thanks for the help!!! I really appreciate it.

f5fstop iformation was great.

I will try the GM dealers here. One of the problems I have is that I don't know the first thing about car mechanics/electronics. Another problem is that the motor used in the H3 is not used in any car in Brazil! Does that make a difference?

I will keep you guys posted and if you have any other ideas, please let me know.

Marlus

[lennyrebel]

For a quick fix for stab sys failure go under hood to fuse block and remove fuse labeled for that system, I know when My ABS failed on Bronco I removed fuse and it reverted to normal system. I think most vehicles are programmed that way. Your fuel contains 50% ethanol, I wonder if thats a problem? Regards The Rebel

[blindzebra]

if your fuel in brazil does contain 50% ethanol that will affect your engine. It's not made to nadle that.

[Brazi]

Our gasoline has 20% ethanol. We have a number of imported cars that do not seem to be affected by it.

[BlueHUMMERH2]

10% is the upward limit of Ethanol in the US I think as normal fuel. Maaaaybe 15%. But I'm assuming the engine would run ok for a while on a blend like that. It really would only (maybe) at some point start to eat up the fuel lines and things like that. But not this soon.

Best of luck Brazi. As others have said, Fstop is the guy to go to for H3 related questions. I hope you can find a dealer nearby. This site might help:

http://www.chevrolet.com.br/

[lennyrebel]

Our gasoline has 20% ethanol. We have a number of imported cars that do not seem to be affected by it.
Your right "almost"---by law in Brazil never less than 20% never more than 25% alcohol from sugarcane . In Canada when they started putting about 5% ethanol we had all kinds of problems with anything neoprene, must have been more like rubber especially Chrysler but GM as well and I remember they protested to government. It would happen within a month of vehicle in service,more a function of Time than mileage. If that is case it will be a problem to sort it out. The Rebel

[f5fstop]

Ethanol will affect the seals and the hard parts (cylilnder head valve guides), but the codes you outputted had nothing to do with ethanol.
Even though a dealer does not have the same engine, for this problem, which requires a reprogram and a replacement, they should have the information on their calibration website TIS2WEB. If they have this, they should have access to all GM information, since I believe it is sent as one package to all the world.
marin8703 mentioned pcmforless, that might be the lease expensive way to go, unless you can get a dealer to cover it under the warranty.

[lennyrebel]

Ethanol will affect the seals and the hard parts (cylilnder head valve guides), but the codes you outputted had nothing to do with ethanol.
Even though a dealer does not have the same engine, for this problem, which requires a reprogram and a replacement, they should have the information on their calibration website TIS2WEB. If they have this, they should have access to all GM information, since I believe it is sent as one package to all the world.
marin8703 mentioned pcmforless, that might be the lease expensive way to go, unless you can get a dealer to cover it under the warranty.
I don't know if I mentioned I work for G M but anyways it's been my experience that the last code fault shown is not always what originated problem. Sometimes its a couple things back which finally resulted in error code. Regards The Rebel:(

[f5fstop]

I don't know if I mentioned I work for G M but anyways it's been my experience that the last code fault shown is not always what originated problem. Sometimes its a couple things back which finally resulted in error code. Regards The Rebel:(

As for which codes to diagnose, technically, you start with verifying the concern, then performing diagnostic system checks. Then, you run the computer for codes. However, since this person is quite a distance away, and he has already run the codes, and in all regard, verified the concern, the steps prior to checking codes has been performed.

When diagnosing using codes, you are correct it is not always the first code, but knowledge of how the systems interact helps. On the H3, the BCM is the main controller, after that it falls to the PCM, the EBCM, which would be the cause of the C0240 code is very low on the pecking order of the controller to diagnose first. (In the case of some codes, the code diagnosing chart will usually list other codes that could be possible, and from there which code to diagnose.)

Therefore, looking at the codes, since the PCM is outputting a code that states it is having problems with the memory, thus losing its program, does it not make logical sense to think that the EBCM has NOT received a torque control signal from the PCM?
To be honest, to diagnose a problem such as this via the internet is next to impossible; can't verify pinouts, connector stability, etc. However, to help someone where the nearest Hummer dealer is a few thousand miles away, is all we can hope to do.
Maybe I'm wrong to assume that anything stated on this is board is not scripture, but an educated guess from someone who has worked in engineering for GM, the past 16 years.
Since you are a GM employee, then here is a trivia for you. Why is P0601 in the PCM controller? Why was it required?

[whaaaaT]

Thanks for the help!!! I really appreciate it.

f5fstop iformation was great.

I will try the GM dealers here. One of the problems I have is that I don't know the first thing about car mechanics/electronics. Another problem is that the motor used in the H3 is not used in any car in Brazil! Does that make a difference?

I will keep you guys posted and if you have any other ideas, please let me know.

Marlus


They sell chevy colorado's in brazil. Its the same engine. Go to them if anything. I've seen em there.

[Brazi]

Status This Monday

So ?


I have to talked to GM in Brazil. They will not support/give any assistance to this car in Brazil. They don?t have anyone trained and their dealers do not have access to GM?s international support area.

I have sent emails message to the original dealer (Landers). No replies, so far.

I have contacted (email) pcmforless.com and asked them about sending a PCM here.

The motor used in the H3 is not used in any Brazilian or commonly imported car here.

I have a few questions, if you can help me:

1. How large is the PCM and approximately how much does it weigh?
2. Would you reprogram this PCM differently or would you keep the original standard data?
3. Can an experienced mechanic/engineer can switch the PCM without many problems?
4. Is there anything else I should do?

Finally the big question:

Why did this happen to me? I know it sounds depressing but I got the impression, form surfing the net and in this forum, that this is not a common problem. I don?t want it to happen again!

Thanks,

Marlus / Brazi

[whaaaaT]

Send it back to the us. Your probly gonna have more problems down the road and your not gonna be able to get them fixed. I've had a few. Front differential, overheating, windnoise from piller, cracked wheel well, radio buttons turning white, sunroof would pop back open, loud noise from the back brakes that they refuse to do anything about, battery died, rust on my brush guards the second day i had it, I think the only thing i havent had was the heads being replaced. But hey it can happen in a few miles. I would never have bought this car if i couldnt get it serviced. Sell it, bring it back, get rid of it. Cause you'll be going threw the same thing some other time down the road in its lifetime. Someday your gonna have another problem. My truck only has 13,000 miles on it. These definatley dont have the reliability of a nissan. I supose its the price you pay for a super bad ass cool biotch magnet truck that runs **** over.

[whaaaaT]

oh and i havent had the PCM problems.

[Planohummer]

Check your battery before you do anything. Battery on it's way out will cause all our problems. Past that ignition switch is your most likely culprit. If the P0601 is actually a P0101, make sure vehicle does not have cold air intake or oiled air filter. If either are present, replace with stock intake parts. you're chasing your tail on the PCM until you check the battery and ignition switch first.

[whaaaaT]

why cant you just take it to a normal place like firestone or something. Go to a mechanic.

[HummBebe]

Finally the big question:

Why did this happen to me? I know it sounds depressing but I got the impression, form surfing the net and in this forum, that this is not a common problem. I don?t want it to happen again!

Thanks,

Marlus / Brazi


AHA!!!!!

I knew you were a troll!!!!

You are not the victim here. You spent, several thousand dollars on a vehicle importing it to your country, yet the conversation of "who is going to service my truck in Brasil?" never came up before you went through all the trouble of planning and executing a task the size of importing a HUMMER???

Who sold it to you? Call them before you come onto a worldwide public forum and announce you are having "MAJOR PROBLEMS" with your H3.

I call bullcrap

F5 et al. Thanks for helping this turd.....but I have a hard time believing this.

:fdance: :fdance: :fdance: :fdance:

[Brazi]

HummBebe,

I am not sure I get your last posting. Are you suggesting that I am not having all these problems? That I am making this up? That makes no sense. Why would anyone do that?

If you wish I will send you pictures of the car, of the VIN. I have written in my first posting ALL my phone numbers. Call me and I will gladly give more details on this. Call me collect but I want you to post our conversation here later. I will do more, if you wish. I will pay your ticket to come to Brazil and if there is no problem with my car, you don?t have to pay me back. Of course, you will have to help us solving this problem and pay for the ticket as soon as you test the car.

I knew when I bought the car that the warranty would not be covered in Brazil. I just did not expect to have these kinds of problems so soon.

I had a very good deal with the import services company and I bought because I think H3s are great. I want it to work ASAP.

All I asked in my last posting is what could have caused this failure since I get the feeling it is not common.

Answering whaaaat:

The car is in a mechanic now. The H3 is probably the only on in my city (population 1.5 million). This company specializes in imported cars but they have never seen and H3. Only H2s. When I took it there, there were a number of Ferraris and BMWs. The equipment (and people) needed to reprogram an H3 PCM don not exist in Brazil. I would guess, in the whole country there are no more than 20-30 of these cars. I do not blame GM for this. They do not sell Hummers here. You have to import them directly.

One more thing:
A few months ago I had a tracker/locater installed in the car. The tech people that did it, tell me that it is very simple and guaranteed it has nothing to do with this problem. I had it taken off as soon as the problems started.




Marlus Pasinato
mp@dantai.com.br
msn marlus_pasinato@hotmail.com
+55 41 99739207
+55 41 3023.9207
+55 42 3014.4200
5GTDN136968173835

[HummBebe]

The title of your post is offensive.

Imagine how if you were someone looking to purchase a HUMMER and you came across a post like this. Would it not make you take a second thought about purchasing one?

Now you are telling us that you had an aftermarket device installed on your vehicle (a few months ago), and you are running it with fuel that the vehicle is not designed for.

I would have done a hell of alot more research before I brought an expensive vehicle into my country.

A troll is someone who comes on to a forum like this and makes inflamatory statements in order to discredit a product.

My point is...the HUMMER is not the issue. If you are not a troll, I apologize sincerely.....if you are, well....you know what to do.

Vin numbers mean nothing to me, I have no way of checking to see if you are real.

You need to find someone who is willing to work with you and GM in getting your vehicle working again.

You could change the title of your thread....makes you sound like a mama's boi.

[marin8703]

Status This Monday

So ?


I have to talked to GM in Brazil. They will not support/give any assistance to this car in Brazil. They don?t have anyone trained and their dealers do not have access to GM?s international support area.

I have sent emails message to the original dealer (Landers). No replies, so far.

I have contacted (email) pcmforless.com and asked them about sending a PCM here.

The motor used in the H3 is not used in any Brazilian or commonly imported car here.

I have a few questions, if you can help me:

1. How large is the PCM and approximately how much does it weigh? Don't know but it cant be more than 10lbs or 5 kilos, no way. But i think its around 2-4 pounds, a kilo or so. I assume your asking because of shipping.
2. Would you reprogram this PCM differently or would you keep the original standard data?I assume you ask this because pcmforless asked if you wanted to change it, they can mod it for you. There are several things that they can do to make the pcm more customized to the way you drive, and from what i hear it can help with milage and hp. so yeah i woul ddo the reprogram from pcmforless.
3. Can an experienced mechanic/engineer can switch the PCM without many problems? I think even you can switch it out. it is most likely held by some screws or clips. The only connections that go to it must be connectors so its just snap off, snap on.
4. Is there anything else I should do? Prey?:confused:

Finally the big question:

Why did this happen to me? I know it sounds depressing but I got the impression, form surfing the net and in this forum, that this is not a common problem. I don?t want it to happen again! Dont worry about it, it could happen to anyone, just bad luck i guess. I havent been trouble free but nothing even close to what i would call a problem, just creaks and rattles.

Thanks,

Marlus / Brazi

Good luck!

[Brazi]

Ok HummBebe, here we go ...

1. I agree that the title of this thread is a bit too much. I did it purposely so that I could get attention. How would you feel if the help you need for something was 6 thousand miles away? I could not find it but If someone can tell me how, I will change the title to - Major Problem Overseas, Need Help - or something like that.

I am also willing to bet that some people read the posts and are thinking: ?Man, this guy is F&?%(&? .

2. I have the problem with the car for about 3 weeks and here, at this forum, was by far the best help I got. I took it to 3 mechanics and called another couple in Sao Paulo. I contemplated bringing someone from the US to work in the car. This will get very expensive. By the way, after import duties, this car is over US$ 60.000 here. I am also afraid of loosing a lot of money.

3. As far as why importing a car (any car) ? that is a personal decision. I love my H3. No intention to discredit at all. Actually, we can all live well and drive ford pintos ? we can all survive with that. Why do spend money in Hummers, or any other car? Because we like them and they make us feel good, somehow. At least that?s my opinion.

4. I don?t believe that anybody will give up on buying an H3 because some guy in Brazil had problems. If they do, I would say that is a very stupid reason for not purchasing it.

5. Mama?s boy is offensive. You don?t need that to make a point.

[HummBebe]

5. Mama?s boy is offensive. You don?t need that to make a point.

:rant: for an :rant:

We started off on the right foot!

Now tell us how we can help. You are screwed it sounds like....what can we who are 6000+ miles away do for you?

F5 gave you great info....he is the best we have to offer.

Did you try calling HUMMER? (not GM)

[Brazi]

What can you do? The help I got here was GREAT. I am just waiting for a reply from pcmforless and from the dealer where the car was originally purchased.

I will also try to cover everything before I start bringing parts from the US. It takes time and money.

I called Hummer in the US. There is no Hummer office in Brazil. They gave me GM’s phone number here. I called both commercial and the tech depts. At GM and they just told me that Hummers are neither represented nor supported here.

I want to make one thing clear: I don’t blame GM for not having service for this car here. It make no sense for them and I knew that when I bought the H3. I took my chances ...

[marin8703]

just a little edit towards my above post. If the pcm is comparable with the bcm i think it would weigh less that a pound or around there. I think the pcm has a heatsink or something so then it may weight a bit more.:)

[HummBebe]

This might be of some help as well.....

http://www.books4cars.com/viewcart.asp?updatecart=Yes&BookID=29104

2006 H3 shop service repair manual by Hummer (B06_GMT06NH3)
$169.95

[keliente]

I have a few questions, if you can help me:

1. How large is the PCM and approximately how much does it weigh?
2. Would you reprogram this PCM differently or would you keep the original standard data?
3. Can an experienced mechanic/engineer can switch the PCM without many problems?
4. Is there anything else I should do?


Hi, Kelly from PCMforless here.

The PCM is small, perhaps 7"x7"x1" and weighs about 3lbs. It is something that can be switched out without needing the expertise of a mechanic.

However I am not sure that replacing the PCM would be the right thing, as this sounds like a problem with another control module, or braking system. In the PCM we are able to change things like timing, air/fuel, speed limiters, transmission issues, fans, etc etc but there are no areas to change or turn off codes for the braking system. Furthermore I would have to send you a new computer, which would require a CASE relearn. And since there are no dealerships near you, you would not be able to have that done.

Sorry but I do not think there is anything we can do to help you.

[Brazi]

According to Kelly, from pcmforless, a new PCM will not fix the car.
Do you guys have any ideas/comments?

Thnx

[HummBebe]

Pull all three of your computers and send them to Mexico? They have Hummer dealers there.

[Brazi]

I can take all computers and send everything to a dealer in the US, bit what will they do to them and will the car work when I get the computers back?

[HummBebe]

It's a crapshoot I know, but better than not being able to do anything, yes?

I do not understand why any Chevy Dealer in your area cannot order the program for your HUMMER. (language/system maybe)

Can't is very different than won't. Looks to me like you only have the two options.

[HummBebe]

I can take all computers and send everything to a dealer in the US, bit what will they do to them and will the car work when I get the computers back?

I suppose they can check for codes and tell you what may be wrong. If it is a computer issue, PCM BCM or EBCM, they can flash and reset then ship them back?

[keliente]

I suppose they can check for codes and tell you what may be wrong. If it is a computer issue, PCM BCM or EBCM, they can flash and reset then ship them back?

That's where you run into issues though - when you reflash the computer you need to do a CASE relearn with a tech 2 scan tool, and judging by his location it seems the chances of that are slim.

[HummBebe]

Can the dealer do the case relearn and then send it back???

[Brazi]

Can the dealer do the case relearn and then send it back???

That is the BIG question:

Can a new PCM be programmed and a CASE relearn done without the whole vehicle, using the original data?

If not, I do not see another alternative than to bring a tech specialist with all the equipment needed to Brazil. That will make a US$ 100 problem turn into a very expensive ordeal.

I will also insist with GM(Brazil) and Hummer(US) to see if they can help me.

[JUGGERNAUT]

AHA!!!!!

I knew you were a troll!!!!

blah...blah...blah...blah...


I call bullcrap

F5 et al. Thanks for helping this turd.....but I have a hard time believing this.

:fdance: :fdance: :fdance: :fdance:


Gee, you're mean!! Stop calling everyone a troll or AE! :p :p

[HummBebe]

Back off you bazerkly boob......:fdance:

[lennyrebel]

I can't understand this you buy a vehicle that was never intended for export to your country you put fuel in it that it was never intended to burn --then you wonder why you have problems then you want someone else to fix it that has no obligation and made no money on sale. Are you reading any of these replies? No 10 dollar part in the mail is going to fix this. Easiest way out is to export truck back and buy something that likes sugar cane.

[HummBebe]

I already said that...:p

[stagger_lee]

I'll give you $5k for it and pay for export? :dancingbanana:

[Brazi]

I can't understand this you buy a vehicle that was never intended for export to your country you put fuel in it that it was never intended to burn --then you wonder why you have problems then you want someone else to fix it that has no obligation and made no money on sale. Are you reading any of these replies? No 10 dollar part in the mail is going to fix this. Easiest way out is to export truck back and buy something that likes sugar cane.


I don?t want to take too long with this, after all this is a tech forum but, to make a long story short, this is why I bought it:

1. I love the car
2. It was a great business opportunity
3. Imported cars like these are very common here. The problem is that Hummers are very new. I estimate there are only 30 H3s in Brazil. H2s are much more common.

As far as what to do now: I will fix this car and sell it. I am pretty sure I can even make some money even after using the car for about 6 months.

[lennyrebel]

I already said that...:p
Sorry ,I know he wasn't listening so I thought I'd repeat it. Regards The Rebel:o

[lennyrebel]

I don?t want to take too long with this, after all this is a tech forum but, to make a long story short, this is why I bought it:

1. I love the car
2. It was a great business opportunity
3. Imported cars like these are very common here. The problem is that Hummers are very new. I estimate there are only 30 H3s in Brazil. H2s are much more common.

As far as what to do now: I will fix this car and sell it. I am pretty sure I can even make some money even after using the car for about 6 months.
Yeah I've done them things too, if nothing else its a learning experience and everyone has twenty twenty hindsight. Good luck The Rebel.

[Brazi]

So ...

My car is running fine. We found a company in Sao Paulo ? about 200 miles away ? that had all the gear, hardware and software, to reflash the PCM. They are the only ones in Brazil and that was all that it needed. It took them about 20 minutes to get the issue solved. Can you believe that?

The company that had installed the tracker in the car paid for everything. Apparently they were to blame.

Thanks for all the help many of you have offered. I appreciate it!!!

Brazi

[Stevenblanca]

C'mon...I live on an island in the caribbean..and my mechanic can do anything to my H3..he has some kind universal diagnostic system. And a friend in Miami to order parts from...Brazil is a million times bigger than this place.

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

C'mon...I live on an island in the caribbean..and my mechanic can do anything to my H3..he has some kind universal diagnostic system. And a friend in Miami to order parts from...Brazil is a million times bigger than this place.

what place is that....

[Crash ?]

C'mon...I live on an island in the caribbean..and my mechanic can do anything to my H3..he has some kind universal diagnostic system. And a friend in Miami to order parts from...Brazil is a million times bigger than this place.

Ummm,, Yeah.. And if you happen to be living in this place that's a million times bigger, it's easy to be 200 miles from a MAJOR city that has universal diagnostic stuff..

Of course you prolly wouldn't have internet access if you're 200 miles from a major city either huh.. Unless our bud Braziis one of those undercover black ops guys or drug king pin with a satelite dish in his back yard...

[Brazi]

Ok,

There are only about 20 H3s in the entire country. GM dos not support them. The company that did the work actually specializes in "different" automobiles, Lamborghinis, Ferraris, etc... cars that you don't see much here. Actually there are a LOT more ferraris her than Hummers.

They were the only ones that had a subscrition to the tech support SW for Hummers, from GM, that I found. No company in my town has it.

It is great to have a Hummer here. Just about every week stops me and asks about the car. However it is very risky!

[Stevenblanca]

For the poster that asked what place was a million times smaller then Brazil.
It is Curacao. Here you will find about 1 H1, 3H2's and 4 H3. Mine is the only red one. Nice rocky hilly place perfect for a 4X4.:excited:

[RubHer Yellow Ducky]

For the poster that asked what place was a million times smaller then Brazil.
It is Curacao. Here you will find about 1 H1, 3H2's and 4 H3. Mine is the only red one. Nice rocky hilly place perfect for a 4X4.:excited:

I have exported $$$$$$$USD from Miami for over 35 years and in my experience I have shipped and supplied more STUFF to all the Islands, Mexico and Central America then I have to South America. Yes I have shipped into South America including Brazil but far less then (as stated above)

[usetosellhummer]

i enjoyed reading this. bravo. When i got calls from dudes who wanted to export (dealer can get in hot sh*t for doing it) I would say..
i will sell it to you in this state with a local adress and you pay local taxes. what you do after that is your biz. 6 months later a dude sends me a pic from denmark of our H2 with the dealer sticker (Logo) on the back ( I forgot to remove) And i was scared Gm would find me and kill me.

[Brazi]

What is the big dela about exporting, as long as the buyer signs an agreemente or knows that there will not be any GM sevices available and that warranty is not covered overseas?