i have a 96 gc...federal emissions...no alarm..i bought a used computer from a running 96 gc...fed emissions and supposedly no alarm.....when i plug it in my jeep..it will start and run for a couple seconds and die..anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

I believe it needs to be programed to you vin and current mileage.

 

Its the anti theft system the ecu don't know your keys.

 

96 doesn't have chipped keys. Mileage is stored in the BCM. The new PCM has to be flashed by a dealer.

 

Can a locksmith do it or does have to be the dealer ?

 

I doubt it because it takes a DBR III scan tool and a code book, but I've been told you can take your PCM to the dealer with your VIN and they can do it that way. Don't quote me on that because that's hearsay. I DO know it's a lot easier if they can just plug into the diagnostic data port, but who want to tow the jeep to the dealer?

 

I recently purchased a pcm from a company across the states and all they needed was my vin and mileage to program it.

 

I was going to mention that but they are set up to do that. I seriously doubt anybody local to him has that capability besides the dealer.