I have a 02 GC with a chipped key. If I swapped the ECM/PCM with one from a unchipped van but same year and engine would it need to be programmed or will my BCM just program it? I know you can't put one in from a chipped van into a unchipped one. I changed a TCM without having to program it but it came out of a unchipped van. But it may not be part of the security.

 

I do not think it can be done with out programming.
Below from the manual!

ELECTRONIC CONTROL
MODULES
STANDARD PROCEDURE - PCM/SKIM
PROGRAMMING
NOTE: Before replacing the PCM for a failed driver,
control circuit or ground circuit, be sure to check
the related component/circuit integrity for failures
not detected due to a double fault in the circuit.
Most PCM driver/control circuit failures are caused
by internal component failures (i.e. relay and solenoids)
and shorted circuits (i.e. pull-ups, drivers
and switched circuits). These failures are difficult to
detect when a double fault has occurred and only
one DTC has set.
RS ELECTRONIC CONTROL MODULES 8E - 1
When a PCM (SBEC) and the SKIM are replaced
at the same time perform the following steps in
order:
(1) Program the new PCM (SBEC)
(2) Program the new SKIM
(3) Replace all ignition keys and program them to
the new SKIM.
PROGRAMMING THE PCM (SBEC)
The SKIS Secret Key is an ID code that is unique
to each SKIM. This code is programmed and stored
in the SKIM, PCM and transponder chip (ignition
keys). When replacing the PCM it is necessary to
program the secret key into the new PCM using the
DRB III. Perform the following steps to program the
secret key into the PCM.
(1) Turn the ignition switch on (transmission in
park/neutral).
(2) Use the DRB III and select THEFT ALARM,
SKIM then MISCELLANEOUS.
(3) Select PCM REPLACED (GAS ENGINE).
(4) Enter secured access mode by entering the
vehicle four-digit PIN.
(5) Select ENTER to update PCM VIN.
NOTE: If three attempts are made to enter secure
access mode using an incorrect PIN, secured
access mode will be locked out for one hour. To
exit this lockout mode, turn the ignition to the RUN
position for one hour then enter the correct PIN.
(Ensure all accessories are turned off. Also monitor
the battery state and connect a battery charger if
necessary).
(6) Press ENTER to transfer the secret key (the
SKIM will send the secret key to the PCM).
(7) Press Page Back to get to the Select System
menu and select ENGINE, MISCELLANEOUS, and
SRI MEMORY CHECK.
(8) The DRB III will ask, Is odometer reading
between XX and XX? Select the YES or NO button on
the DRB III. If NO is selected, the DRB III will read,
Enter odometer Reading. Enter
the odometer reading from the Instrument Panel and
press ENTER.
PROGRAMMING THE SKIM
(1) Turn the ignition switch on (transmission in
park/neutral).
(2) Use the DRB III and select THEFT ALARM,
SKIM then MISCELLANEOUS.
(3) Select PCM REPLACED (GAS ENGINE).
(4) Program the vehicle four-digit PIN into SKIM.
(5) Select COUNTRY CODE and enter the correct
country.
NOTE: Be sure to enter the correct country code. If
the incorrect country code is programmed into
SKIM, the SKIM must be replaced.
(6) Select YES to update VIN (the SKIM will learn
the VIN from the PCM).
(7) Press ENTER to transfer the secret key (the
PCM will send the secret key to the SKIM).
(8) Program ignition keys to SKIM.
NOTE: If the PCM and the SKIM are replaced at the
same time, all vehicle keys will need to be replaced
and programmed to the new SKIM.
PROGRAMMING IGNITION KEYS TO THE SKIM
(1) Turn the ignition switch on (transmission in
park/neutral).
(2) Use the DRB III and select THEFT ALARM,
SKIM then MISCELLANEOUS.
(3) Select PROGRAM IGNITION KEY’S.
(4) Enter secured access mode

 

So my SKIM/BCM won't automatically program the pin in a non SKIM PCM?

Could one just replace the BCM/PCM from a non SKIM van of same year and features and simply unhook the skim before installing and your original chipped key work? Making your van non SKIM. Just curious if someone tried any of this successfully. I know I've read stories of people putting used PCM's with SKIM and it programming all their stuff that looks for it resulting in a dead van.