First thing to note if its a Series 1 it stays series 1
if its a series 2 keep it a series 2,
do your other mods after the initial conversion – or plan ahead.
These are some of the things you may need and need to know
VE Series 1 modules are not security programmed and will not need to be unprogrammed or unlinked to reprogram (unlike Holden Cruze)
TIP and tricks I’ve learned along the way
******Check all Hardware will match first******
******Check all Software Calibrations – will match what you want to do****
****** Dont Buy a cluster or have it programmed by the EBAYers – only half a job going on here – if you knew enough you wouldn’t have to ask them to do it******
****** Pick a vin with the same stuff apart from engine and transmission – Body Ute, wagon, sedan easier to pick the same one******
There is no way yet to extract the Security PIN CODE from any module (there are bypasses available)
Starting the Process
- Flash PCM/ Engine ECU to manual (you have a guy to tune your ride) (code Manual Vin – easier) (you can have security turned off) (no need to Pin code unless programming remotes/keys) There is no way yet to extract PIN CODE
- Flash BCM to manual (use SPS)
- Flash EBCM/ABS to manual (use SPS with manual Vin
- Reconfigure instrument to manual (use Tech2)
- Bypass auto trans computer (connect green & White CAN Wires)
- Fit clutch start wiring (plugs in below cluster)
- Fit reverse switch wiring and reverse lockout wiring (wiring diagram below)
1. Flashing The Engine ECU /PCM
Get a tuner to do the programming and remove security so the engine will start and you can drive it to workshop to continue the rest.
2. Flash BCM to manual
Programming the BCM
Important: The vehicle will not start and many other functions may not operate correctly if a replacement BCM is not correctly
set up. The following procedures must be followed:
- The BCM reprogramming – refer to Service Programming System (SPS). making it a manual with a manual VIN
- Brake pedal position sensor (BPPS) learn.
- Program SDM primary key to BCM.
Important: After the procedure is completed, the personalization settings of the BCM are set to default settings. Inform the
customer that the personalization must be set again.
TIPS
The Bcm can be removed and VIN Number can be changed manually
3. Flash ABS/EBCM To Manual
If all your hardware is the same change the Vin and program to manual vin
4. Reconfigure instrument to manual (use Tech2)
Programming Features with Tech2
There a 4 basic types of VE cluster types A, B, C & D (‘D’ being the SS)
Instrument Cluster differences in Series 1 VE and Series 2 VE
– Cluster VE s1 White back on cluster (made by different manufacturer)
– Cluster VE s2, black on the back of cluster
Not interchangeable if you need to carry out programming SPS (can be modded later)
** Instrument configuration will not work if the EBCM and IPC do not have the Right coding to start with**
5. Bypass auto trans computer (connect green & White CAN Wires)
You have either cut the wires out or done a harness swap make sure the green and white wire goes to the obd2 port in series
VE s1 diagram
(cant be certain VE2 is exactly the same, no wiring diagram){so we will have to say that there is different versions/changes based on model level}
VF Diagram
7. Fit reverse switch wiring and reverse lockout wiring (wiring diagram below)
Little Extras for the VE
Engineering Mode,
Engineering Mode entered, by switching the ignition on while pressing the ENTER button.
- software version
- g Part number
- battery voltage
- remaining Fuel (Lts)
- Instantaneous Fuel (Lts)
- Coolant Temperature
- Speed (km/h)
- Tacho (rpm)
- Tyre Pressure
- Engine Oil Life (%)
- Park Lamps (on/off)
- Steering wheel switch Voltage
- Display of Gears (commanded)
- Throttle Position Requested (Pedal %)
- Transmission Sump Temperature (C)
- Self Test

Ford Falcon body control modules FG1 & FG2
A vehicle came in this week and BCM replaced with new unit supplied from ford, a local locksmith had carried out key programming and parameter reset, got the vehicle started (cool)
Post starting the vehicle, the vehicle locks did not work correctly and the BCM configuration thought it was a 4wd and a wagon ( no way)
1. the door ajar switch is open when door closed and closed when door open.
so the BCM is wired differently or opposite in the FG2 Compared with the FG1
Commodore as notorious for leaking every where in the A/C system, many times it can be found by green dry leaking oil and giving a witness mark where to find the leak
Read MoreVehicle came in stolen and recovered, and an engine assessment had to be done using E-scan we where able to conduct a relative compression test from one port after removing the fuel pump fuse in the boot fuse box

This is all well and good when the engine goes well and there is no issues we we decided to conduct a fuel trim test to make sure the engine was running good through the rpm range

After this an Astra engine came in on a tow truck after it just stopped on the road, the engine sounded funny when cranking so again a relative compression test was Carried out

Even though the pc told us this was ok I decided to not believe the pc relative compression test as the graph didnt look quite right, out with a spark plug and we found cyl1 – 0 Psi, Cyl2 – 50 Psi, Cyl3 – 0 Psi Cyl4 – 0 Psi
So it just goes to show you go with your guts and do things manually when your guts tells you something, but I learned the differences in the graphs this Astra direct injection engine, had a snapped chain….
And we will know faster next time. Faster at servicing and repairing vehicles in seven hills NSW
This is new vehicle to our workshop and it is always a hard to know what features a vehicle has since most of the time They always come in not working, So does the vehicle have Active Cruise control or Collision Protection or Collision Protection Plus.
There is nothing in the Vehicles Log Books that show the features of the vehicle equipment, it requires you to log online and find out through the manufactures portal.
This is the third Mazda bt50. 2016 model they either come in with tray back style combination rear lamps where the bayonet spring loaded center terminal melts and the bulb does not get any power to the bulb (replacement) tail lamp assembly needed
Read More