1981 Corvette Won't Start - - Help!!

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Oct 17, 2011 | 09:40 AM

#21

jdp6000

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 2,740

Likes: 3

From: Aurora Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by htown81vette

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?

The 82 has a single fuse in the battery compartment for the ECM, does the 81 have one? If so did you check it? Was it the ECM you fried or did you melt a few wires on the plugs? The replacment ECM could be faulty or the prom was not inserted right. If the car ran fine before I would focus on the ECM, Prom and plugs. I wouldn't start messing around with anything else.

J

Oct 17, 2011 | 12:38 PM

#22

htown81vette

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 1,704

Likes: 27

Ok, got the code!! Apparently my source of info was not accurate and I was trying the wrong terminals. The code is 51: improperly installed PROM!

Oct 17, 2011 | 03:38 PM

#23

htown81vette

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!!

Oct 17, 2011 | 03:42 PM

#24

jdp6000

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 2,740

Likes: 3

From: Aurora Ontario

Quote:

Originally Posted by htown81vette

Its good that it was an easy fix!!

Oct 17, 2011 | 04:39 PM

#25

htown81vette

Thread Starter

Drifting

Joined: Jun 2011

Posts: 1,704

Likes: 27

Runs better than it ever has!

Oct 18, 2011 | 03:03 AM

#26

RC81

Burning Brakes

Joined: Feb 2000

Posts: 761

Likes: 281

From: Middleton, Id

Really good to hear!

May 12, 2021 | 09:13 PM

#27

Chromy01

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