After 2 months of trying to determine what caused my 1996 LT4 interior lights/systems to just completely die, I diagnosed as a faulty CCM. CCM's are no longer built and GM does not offer for sale any longer, so I purchased a used one off of ebay, knowing I would have to get it reprogrammed. I installed it and it did fix the problem as it relates to all the systems working; I just can't start the car as the VATS system is preventing it from starting. But, the LCD and all other systems that were dead are now lit up and ready to go.

My understanding is that the CCM must be reprogrammed by a Tech1A.

My questions are this:
1.When getting the replacement CCM programmed, can the VATS code be reprogrammed into it? If so, can the mileage and VATS code be downloaded from the faulty CCM and input into the replacement CCM? (I don't know the VATS code, but I can determine that by checking the resistance on the key)

2.When programming the CCM, does the Tech1a plug into the OBD port or is it reprogrammed by plugging into the CCM directly, as the CCM has 2 plug-in ports? Can the reprogramming be done without the car or does the CCM need to be plugged into the car?

3.Does the CCM store the VATS code? If so, the dilemma I face is that I don't know the VATS code to the replacement CCM and although I can determine my key resistance, would I have to replace the ignition switch with a key code that matches the replacement CCM? (I have watched a video online as to how to fairly easily bypass the VATS system, but my key does not match the replacement CCM.) Don't know what to do or can the CCM be programmed with my key?

4.I have read that a CCM must be reprogrammed within 100 miles; does this apply to a used CCM or does that refer to one that has been rebuilt and zeroed out? I would like to input the correct mileage into the replacement CCM as the replacement CCM has more miles on it than the correct mileage of my car.

5.Last but not least, and the most important question: Where can I find someone that can program this thing???? I checked the Chevrolet dealership and a couple of other mechanics in town, and they don't even know what a CCM is. So, I don't want to let them touch it if they don't even know what it is or what it does.

6.Is this something that is as easy as plugging in a Tech 1A, and entering mileage, options, etc? If so, maybe I should just find a used Tech 1A with the proper software? Maybe the problem lies in that nobody has a Tech1A?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Alan