1981 Corvette Won't Start - - Help!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
I got a reburbished ECM from O'Reilly's today for $82 w/ exchange. Car runs now, but doesn't run nearly as good, and the check engine light stays on. I didn't do anything special, just plugged it in and started it up. Do I need to reset the timing? Or is it just a matter of the ECM relearning the engine?
J
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 27
Problem solved!!! I took the ECM out and removed the PROM cover, the PROM had popped out and not even in the slot! (and he attempted to install it backwards which is why it didn't seat down all the way). I turned it around and pushed it down in place. Started it up, nice crisp throttle response and no check engine light! Getting ready now to cruise around the block...thanks guys!! 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Problem solved!!! I took the ECM out and removed the PROM cover, the PROM had popped out and not even in the slot! (and he attempted to install it backwards which is why it didn't seat down all the way). I turned it around and pushed it down in place. Started it up, nice crisp throttle response and no check engine light! Getting ready now to cruise around the block...thanks guys!!
1st Gear
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Chromy01
I just come across this forum and read about the 81 vette not starting I’m also having this problem car was running fine then all of a sudden I can’t get it to start I replaced the coil and no change also checked to make sure I’m getting the 12 volts from the battery at the coil fuel pump is getting gas to the carb I thinkI’ll check the ecm tomorrow
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Verdad Gallardo
Administrator
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 53,982
Likes: 6,209
From: About 1100 miles from where I call home.
I just come across this forum and read about the 81 vette not starting I’m also having this problem car was running fine then all of a sudden I can’t get it to start I replaced the coil and no change also checked to make sure I’m getting the 12 volts from the battery at the coil fuel pump is getting gas to the carb I thinkI’ll check the ecm tomorrow
