Why Must You Send Your Core First?

Core Exchange Policy

Understanding our core exchange process helps ensure a smooth, efficient service for your vehicle's electronic modules.

Why Must You Send Your Core First?

Before shipping your replacement module...

We need your original core to extract critical vehicle-specific data. This ensures your replacement unit works perfectly with your vehicle.

Quality Control

We also use your original unit for quality control, comparing it with the replacement to ensure perfect compatibility.

Data We Extract From Your Core:

  • VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
  • Immobilizer Codes
  • Key Synchronization
  • Coding Strings
  • Flash Memory
  • Configuration Files

Note: While we may be able to program modules without a core, this significantly increases complexity, cost, and turnaround time. Additional components (keys, immobilizers) may be required.

What Is a Core?

A core is your original module that we exchange for a remanufactured unit.

1

Full Disassembly

Complete breakdown of the module

2

Deep Cleaning

Thorough cleaning of all components

3

Precise Repair (if possible)

Component-level repairs and testing

4

Rebuild or Recycle

Restore to specs or salvage usable parts

Severely damaged units (burns, water exposure, multiple failures) are salvaged for usable components and responsibly recycled.

Why Do We Charge a Core Deposit?

Essential for Remanufacturing

Cores are crucial to our business model - we need a steady flow of original parts to restore and resell.

Cost Control

By reusing components, we keep costs lower for all customers.

Proprietary Components

Modules from Bosch, Continental, Delphi, and Denso contain parts that can't be purchased new.

Core Condition Requirements

Acceptable Cores

Fully assembled units
Free of corrosion
No physical damage
No water intrusion
All major components intact

May Incur Additional Charges

Incomplete assemblies
Severely corroded units
Burn damage
Water damage
Missing internal components

Core Non-Return Policy

All Cores Are Non-Returnable

By sending your core to our facility, you acknowledge and agree that it cannot be returned under any circumstances. Once received, your core immediately enters our data extraction and evaluation process, during which it is fully disassembled and permanently processed at our facility.

  • Data extraction requires complete board-level disassembly — the core is not preserved in its original form.
  • Evaluation and bench testing procedures are irreversible; the unit is consumed as part of the diagnostic process.
  • Even if you choose not to proceed with a replacement, the core cannot be retrieved or reassembled once processing has begun.

Please ensure you have no further need for your original unit before sending it. If you have any questions about this policy prior to shipping, contact our support team.

Our Core Exchange Model

Our service is built on exchange: you send your original unit, we provide a fully programmed replacement.

Keeping your original unit is not an option — cores are permanently processed at our facility as part of the data extraction and remanufacturing service. Please ensure you are ready to proceed before shipping.

Bench Testing & Damaged Core Policy

$195

Most Modules

ECMs, BCMs, and standard modules
$250

TCMs

Transmission Control Modules

Damaged Module Policy

  • Turnaround times assume working condition modules
  • Shorted, burned, or damaged units require bench testing first
  • We'll contact you with results before proceeding
  • Severely damaged modules may not be reusable

Important Notice:

Data extraction from severely damaged units requires full board-level disassembly. This process is irreversible — the core is permanently deconstructed at our facility and will not be returned in any condition. By submitting a damaged core, you accept that it will be consumed during the evaluation or extraction process.

Have Questions About Our Core Policy?

We're here to help clarify any concerns about the core exchange process before you ship.

Contact Support