1981 Engine Light
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Myrtle Beach, SC
1981 Engine Light
Hey guys,
I posted a while back that I was having issues with the Engine light on in my 1981. I finally found a repair shop with the skills to help me figure out what's going on.
I tried the paper clip trick and could not get it to flash any codes. So when I took it to the shop they called me and said "we could not get it to flash any codes either."
He seems to think it's the chip in the computer itself. He checked the performance and could not find anything wrong with the car except the light being on. He called around to
some of the parts dealers and, obviously, no one has a 1981 computer laying around. He did give me a part # 1224810 and told me if I could find the part he would put it in for me.
Anyone out there with spare computer for a 1981?
Thoughts / suggestions?
I posted a while back that I was having issues with the Engine light on in my 1981. I finally found a repair shop with the skills to help me figure out what's going on.
I tried the paper clip trick and could not get it to flash any codes. So when I took it to the shop they called me and said "we could not get it to flash any codes either."
He seems to think it's the chip in the computer itself. He checked the performance and could not find anything wrong with the car except the light being on. He called around to
some of the parts dealers and, obviously, no one has a 1981 computer laying around. He did give me a part # 1224810 and told me if I could find the part he would put it in for me.
Anyone out there with spare computer for a 1981?
Thoughts / suggestions?
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
there are a handful of new members that are doing away with their CCC systems.
I guess technically the "wanted" forum would be
the place to ask?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...computer),2896
I guess technically the "wanted" forum would be
the place to ask?
https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/...computer),2896
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 53,648
Likes: 878
From: Southern Cal Ca
St. Jude Donor '22
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
these people say they repair this ecm. $225. help@g7computers.com
Last edited by derekderek; Dec 2, 2022 at 07:03 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 4,507
From: Virginia
At a minimum, take off the air cleaner assembly and post some photos from all sides of your engine, carb, and dist.
For all you know, the PO bypassed all that trash, and left the CEL lit as a joke. At least, I hope that's what happened.
For all you know, the PO bypassed all that trash, and left the CEL lit as a joke. At least, I hope that's what happened.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 56
Likes: 15
I have a 1981 that a previous owner put a Holley carb on. What appears to be the computer is mounted next to the battery. The connectors are still on it. Is this computer doing anything now that the original carburetor is gone? If not, I can remove it and send it to you. Weight reduction!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
Likes: 4,507
From: Virginia
I have a 1981 that a previous owner put a Holley carb on. What appears to be the computer is mounted next to the battery. The connectors are still on it. Is this computer doing anything now that the original carburetor is gone? If not, I can remove it and send it to you. Weight reduction!
Post some pics!
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Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Myrtle Beach, SC
Hey dlwilson,
My understanding is the computer, once the distributer and carb are removed the only thing that the computer does is something with the transmission.
Now I was told the transmission works as normal with our without the computer. I'm not 100% positive about it but might be something to check on before removing it totally from the car.
One of the guys in this forum just removed his and said he didn't notice anything.
My understanding is the computer, once the distributer and carb are removed the only thing that the computer does is something with the transmission.
Now I was told the transmission works as normal with our without the computer. I'm not 100% positive about it but might be something to check on before removing it totally from the car.
One of the guys in this forum just removed his and said he didn't notice anything.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 6
Likes: 1
From: Myrtle Beach, SC
Hey Mikespace,
I bought this car from my aunt and she was the original owner. So no one has been messing with the distributer at all.
Matter a fact, I was driving the car when the light came on. It went right off but then about 15mins later it came back on and has been on ever since.
I bought this car from my aunt and she was the original owner. So no one has been messing with the distributer at all.
Matter a fact, I was driving the car when the light came on. It went right off but then about 15mins later it came back on and has been on ever since.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
if EITHER carb or dist is removed OR IN ANY WAY NOT SENDING CORRECT SIGNALS TO ECM it WILL NOT control anything. you take out carb it can not control advance or converter lock up cuz it can't tell how hard you are stepping on the gas. even if MAP sensor i telling it correct "vacuum" reading, it just isn't that smart. a vacuum switch or possibly throttle position can be bought-fabbed to control converter lockup if system is removed. but you will feel little diff when it engages. don't use a manual switch. the lock up is not made to handle more than eco-cruise torque. step down hard with it locked and it won't lock no more... Nz3, more likely you are now running at default-limp mode. full rich and no advance to speak of. so your gas mileage is suffering and you will not pass emissions if you have inspection where you live. ok. no emissions in s. carolina. so it is driveability, not legality...
Last edited by derekderek; Dec 2, 2022 at 07:08 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 1,510
Likes: 498
If a Scan Tool won’t communicate with the Computer and the Computer grounds and power wires at the Computer check good then the Computer is bad and you’re running in Limp mode with fixed Timing and preset injector pulse width based off of the TPS sensor and coolant temperature which results in poor performance and terrible gas mileage
4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 5
From: New Hampshire
Hello, I am new to the forum as of this morning. I purchased a 1981 corvette with 35,900 miles about a month ago (11/24/23). I am not mechanically inclined, however I can follow instructions. I have purchased the assembly manual. It came with the other thick detailed manual along with all of the original sales brochures, owners manual, sales receipts, window sticker…etc. It is scheduled to go to the shop later this month (February). I am just waiting for some vette’s to move out before they can take mine. I have been moving it between garages to work on the interior. Recently the check engine light came on. I tried to jump it with a paper clip, however, it doesn’t flash. The check engine light only comes on when the car is running. In a recent discussion someone asked for photos. I will attempt to post some. Any thoughts or guidance is greatly appreciated. Thank you
