Ecm 1981
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Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 137
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From: Goose Creek SC
Ecm 1981
How long do this things last? I'm assuming mine is original. I have a code 14 which my GM Service manuel says to read also code 21. In Code 21 it refences that i may need to replace the ECM. Okay say i do replace it. Now, there are "Chip" options. I'm using the car as a weekend joy ride. Something to drive and have fun. Thanks in advance.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 788
Likes: 295
From: Middleton, Id
I have replaced mine but it turned out I didnt need to - my original was working fine. If you do replace yours you need to switch over your chip to the new one. These chips are hard to find - the only aftermarket one I could find was made by Hypertech.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 164
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From: Groton MA
I just replaced mine with a remanufactured AC/Delco ECM that I purchased from RockAuto. Mine had a problem with the ignition advance, and would not light the check engine light so I couldn't read codes. I used the chip out of the old unit and it worked fine.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 8
From: Enid Oklahoma
How long do this things last? I'm assuming mine is original. I have a code 14 which my GM Service manuel says to read also code 21. In Code 21 it refences that i may need to replace the ECM. Okay say i do replace it. Now, there are "Chip" options. I'm using the car as a weekend joy ride. Something to drive and have fun. Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek SC
what made you think you needed to replace your ECM?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek SC
hey, i've cleared the codes. 14 came back. Service manual says to see code 21 too. This states that I might have a short. Howver I've broken my left arm so it has kept me away from tinkering with the car.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Goose Creek SC
thanks. how long had you owned the car when you replaced the ECM?
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 164
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From: Groton MA
I've had it for 3 yrs. During that time it never quite ran right. I chased sensors and worked on the carb during that time and could never get it the way I thought it should run. When I changed the ECM it ran like a different car.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 788
Likes: 295
From: Middleton, Id
I was having problems with my check engine light coming on at idle and not setting a code. Turned out my carbs throttle shaft was worn and throwing off the mixture at idle. Ended up getting a rebuilt carb then learned how to set it and adjust it. No problems since and put my original ECM back in. Now I have a spare!
