Reading this months Aftermarket there is an interesting article by Dave Garret about "Component Protection" and dispelling some of the myths surrounding this subject.

A vehicle fitted with Component Protection (usually later vehicles fitted with CANBUS will have a number of components that have a pin stored in each ECU, this pin is checked on the BUS to see if all components have the same code, if so then all systems are go. If not then that component will not work, whether the loss of a pin from one unit will cause a non start or just affect that particular component he doesn't say, it may just be security related components that will give a non start if incorrect code is stored.

Dave suggests that Vehicles fitted with component protection systems do not need to go to the dealers to have parts of the system fitted from new as they come in a virgin state and learn the PIN from the other components on the system. Not unlike some Renault or Fiat Engine ECUs. This I find hard to believe as Vectra C and Astra H are the only vehicles I have any experience on and these systems need Tech 2 with CANDi and the security access code off the car pass to fit or remove and reset components containing a PIN.

Notwithstanding any configuring and adapting.

Any thoughts and opinions are invited.

Mike.

PS did anyone spot the deliberate mistake on the article in question?