I just bought a computer for my car do i have to program it?

Question

It is the same car same year same engine size and same transmission. if i do need to program it how much does it cost to get it programed?

Answer 1

Depends on the year of the car, anything after model year 1997 has to have the computer "flashed".  A new computer has no programming calibrations installed hence, the computer memory is blank.  Flashing a computer takes about 10 minutes and unless you have the proper equipment, can take roughly 100-150 dollars for a dealer to do it.    

If you bought a used computer your thinking of installing in your car, don't.  Just because it came out of the same car as yours with the same year, engines, trans, etc. doesn't mean it was programmed with the same options that your car has.

Answer 2

No you do not have to have programmed.  This type of computer has what is called firmware.  It has non volatile memory where the program resides.  You just plug it up to the existing connections and drive.