Always use caution plugging in a used computer to a General Motors vehicle that employs Global A architecture, unless you have already cloned the original computer and written the data to the donor computer, or you have virgized the donor BEFORE you plug it into the vehicle. You can brick every module on the vehicle. When agreeing to work on these for the public, or even shops, it is a really good idea to.ask them if they have installed the used computer into the vehicle. If so, they need to be informed of this caveat, and agree to compensate you whether the desired result is reached or not. Also, you do not want to be left with the finger pointing at you for extensive damage to a vehicle. Here is some cut and paste from AI that explains it..   Plugging a used control module into a GM Global A architecture vehicle can cause severe issues, including permanently locking up or rendering both the swapped module and other connected modules inoperable.   Why It Happens   • Security Code Mismatch: Global A systems (introduced around 2010) use an environment identifier and a strict vehicle security code protocol managed by the Body Control Module (BCM). • Permanent Lockout: When you plug in a module from another vehicle, it compares the stored security ID to the BCM challenge. A mismatch causes the system to reject the module, set diagnostic trouble codes (such as B3902), and often permanently lock the modules to the wrong ID rather than just failing to start. • Data Corruption: The mismatched handshake can cause network or software corruption across multiple integrated controllers on the serial data bus.   Affected Modules   The restriction applies to controllers across the network, including: • ECM (Engine Control Module) • TCM (Transmission Control Module) • BCM (Body Control Module) • EBCM (Electronic Brake Control Module) • SDM (Sensing and Diagnostic Module / Airbag) • IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) • HVAC, EPS, HPCM, and Radio   Result   • No-Start Condition: Both the donor vehicle (if the module is returned) and the recipient vehicle will experience a no-start and security lockdown. • No "Plug-and-Play": You cannot simply swap used modules in a Global A vehicle. Modules typically require proper security relearns, reprogramming, or VIN-specific configuration via OEM diagnostic tools like the GM Service Programming System. Yaser might have information about virginizing ecu's. I am not sure if he does that over the air, unless you have Flex.

The way i figure it is we have the software and *most* of the knowledge to do it. Might as well make a new income stream when shops don't want to tow to dealer. It's a new facet of OEM programming other than keys I have enjoyed learning, for the most part    

Every tine I go on facebook now I am inundated with ads from idiots offering online training or CD packages for training. One guy talks about how much money he is gokng to make programming keys to.a Lexus, then proceeds to open the car by pumping the door. Yea, that's the guy you want to train you how to locksmith on cars. Edit:  As the wannabes take over more and more of the easy jobs, and drop the market prices, we will need to make out money taking on more of the work like Thomas is doing 

Just a small example how our trade is morphing into a whole new era.

I don't know how they pulled it off. Because when I called, I was quoted wholesale $3200 for a new transmission. Just for the part.  Final bill was $2,247.93 This was my 3rd Nissan transmission full replacement I programmed. The others were newer cvt.  Scary how easy it is to mess up a nissan flash tbh.  We were charging service + $250 to program. Probably going to up that to $350 for Nissan after this. If they want the convenience going to have to pay for it. Especially considering we generally have to buy a file on top of the $55 24hr. sub