ECM Problem?
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Lancaster Ca
ECM Problem?
I have a 92, had to put it in the shop in July because of trouble starting while hot/warm. The car would crank no problem but would take at least 20 minutes to actually start. The shop decided it was the ECM and after it took a month and a half to find one I got it back on the road. I drove it over 200 miles since then (short trips and early morning driving). Today I took it out for a two hour drive outdoor temp around 85, stopped to grab a bite got back into car attempted to start it up and same problem....it cranks but wont start. I noticed that my service ASR light is now on. Any Ideas or has anyone else had this problem?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,214
Likes: 0
From: Miami FL
This problem has popped up on a few of the earlier LT1 vettes. I myself have this problem. I saw a few posts in the scan and tune section. To date I have not seen a fix for it. My vette will start and run fine. Then after a while the service ASR light will come on and the SYS will flash on and off, the car will run fine in this condition. As soon as you shut it off, it will not start. I've had to wait from 5 to more than 20 minutes, then it will start and run fine..then it all happens again!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,753
Likes: 9
From: Louisiana
Check for spark next time this happens (could be weak or intermittant). Check for fuel pressure next time this happens (maybe a poor connection in the fuel pump circuit). Check for injector pulses on the connectors with a noid light next time this happens (may not be receiving distrubitor ref pulses). There is a reason for it, you just need to eliminate things. The 92-93 ECM's are hard to come by right now, or so I read, and it may not be the problem. Also heat sinking of the starter may be another place to look. What type of modifications have you done?? anything. Do you have a FSM?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 908
Likes: 1
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Have you noticed how warm these ecm's get? My theory is some of them develop thermal problems, get replaced and the cores go right back into service because the rebuilders test them cold and see no problem. The 16159278 ECM was only used in the 92/93 vette and 93 FBody, so they weren't manufactured in huge quantities over several years like most of the others. To make matters a little worse, the "universal" engine wiring harnesses you buy if you want to swap an LT1 engine into another car specs only one type of ECM, the 16159278. So the post shows up here now and again that somebody is looking for one, has to wait a month or two to get it, and then it has problems. If you need one in a pinch I have a couple of spares and can loan one to you, shoot me a PM. (I'm just hording them hoping one day they will be as valuable as the LT4 intake).
Last edited by scranage; Oct 29, 2006 at 09:49 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
Don't go throwing ECM's at the car, the first thing to do is try and find the problem like RRT vette said. I would try the easiest first because it does sound like an ECM/heat related problem. The next time this happens put an ice pack right on the ECM and cool it down. If the car starts right up then you have nailed the problem, if not, then go to the tests RRT vette suggested.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: Utah
Originally Posted by Midnight 85
Don't go throwing ECM's at the car, the first thing to do is try and find the problem like RRT vette said. I would try the easiest first because it does sound like an ECM/heat related problem. The next time this happens put an ice pack right on the ECM and cool it down. If the car starts right up then you have nailed the problem, if not, then go to the tests RRT vette suggested.
The only thing that leaves a question in my mind, is that the weather cooled down at about the same time. However, heat generated under the hood after driving the car for several highway miles did bring about the problem of starting. Of course, that has been tested and seems to be cured.
One thing that motivated me to try the ECM is that it is positively the easiest car part to get at and replace on this car.
Beyond that I wouldn't have much helpful information.
Last edited by murraybob; Oct 29, 2006 at 12:14 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,475
Likes: 2
From: Austin TX
St. Jude Donor '07
Originally Posted by scranage
Have you noticed how warm these ecm's get? My theory is some of them develop thermal problems, get replaced and the cores go right back into service because the rebuilders test them cold and see no problem. The 16159278 ECM was only used in the 92/93 vette and 93 FBody, so they weren't manufactured in huge quantities over several years like most of the others. To make matters a little worse, the "universal" engine wiring harnesses you buy if you want to swap an LT1 engine into another car specs only one type of ECM, the 16159278. So the post shows up here now and again that somebody is looking for one, has to wait a month or two to get it, and then it has problems. If you need one in a pinch I have a couple of spares and can loan one to you, shoot me a PM. (I'm just hording them hoping one day they will be as valuable as the LT4 intake).
