Okay, I finally just broke down and bought a new (re-manufactured) engine computer from Autozone after the deal on the used one fell through. So I removed the old one and took the PROM out. I even drew myself a little picture telling me exactly how the PROM came out of the old one so I could make sure that I didn't put them back in wrong. So I went and got the new computer and installed the PROM the way I had drawn it in my picture. Put the computer back in the car, re-connected the battery, and turned the key on. I had no dash lights, the hazard and high-beam lights were on, and the check engine light was fluttering on and off VERY fast. The car started up, but because of the malfunction, I shut it off right away, got pissed, and walked away. I checked for codes, and got a code 51. So WTF, what did I do wrong? could it be that I actually installed the PROM backwards even after I was so careful about it? Here is how I put them in...

With the computer on the desk, I put the wiring ports (plugs) on top, and the plastic little nubbins on the bottom. I open the access panel, and looked in. Each PROM has a notch on one end. With the computer sitting as described, the notches were on the right side. IS THIS RIGHT??????? If not, then I'm screwed and I need new chips. If this is right, then the only thing I can think, is that Autozone gave me a POS computer. HELP I'm going crazy here

 

By your description you put it in correctly. In fact if you have the plastic prom carrier on the chip I don't think you can install it backwards without the aid of a hammer.
Pull the prom again and make sure none of the pins are bent, then reinstall it, making sure it is fully seated.

 

I tried pulling the PROM back out and double checked the pins to make sure that none were bent and to make sure that I pushed them in all the way....and to make sure that I installed them the way my picture said to I am almost 100% sure that I put them in right.

 

If you removed the prom from the old ecm complete with its plastic carrier. There is no way that you can install the prom into the ecm backwards. It only goes in one way, and it is because the chip carrier is keyed. Look at the legs of the carrier, you will see one side has narrow legs and the other side is wider. If I remember right code 51 means its a prom failure. Maybe your chip is bad and that is the only thing that is wrong???

 

The PROM's were good before I pulled them, and the car ran fine....accept for the EGR system not working correctly. That's why I replaced the computer in the first place. I even made sure that I handled them with a gentle touch just to be safe. And why would the turn signals and high-bean lights be on on the dash, I didn't know that they were connected to the computer.

 

typically a flashing SES light is a bad prom.

You may have bent a leg trying to reinstall the chip.

Did you remove the prom from its carrier? If so make sure the notch in the prom corresponds to the notch in the carrier.

 

The PROM never seperated from the holder, and I checked all of the prongs...none were bent. Would a bad PROM affect the dash lights???
BTW the SES light was flashing but at a VERY rapid rate. It didn't seem right, I have never seen one flash so fast. It was more of a flicker than a flash.

 

No, I have not seen a ECM affect the dash lights. Especially in a 85 model year because its way before the CCM was even thought of. As you may well know the CCM is the body controller in the later C4 cars. I would start checking the engine grounds and the ground circuits that are on the engine block on the drivers side rear of the block. I have seen grounds cause all sorts of weird anomolies. Then check all the power fuses to make sure that all your fuses are good.

 

Also, If the PROM were bad, would the car still start??? It doen't seem like it should.

 

Nevermind, I just put the ECM back in and now it won't start. I wish I still had my old computer so I could put it back in and make sure my PROM are still good. Maybe Autozone will still have it when I go back tomorrow.

 

I checked all of the grounds that I can see and they all seem fine...which makes sense because I haven't touched any since I parked the car. I checked all of the fuses and they are all good. When I turn the key on, I can see the dash lights but they are VERY VERY VERY faint. Not really lit, but you can see some movement if you look close.

 

You are describing a common dash problem that has to do with the ground. It is grounding through the lights is the reason your turn and high indicators are lit.

 

Okay, I ran down to Autozone this morning and got my old "core". I put it in and the car fired right up, the dash lights worked, and the check engine light went off. SO..... Autozone's remanufacturer sucks (Cardone I think..or something like that) Should I try to get another one from them or try to find another used one?

 

Call SIA, I had a problem and they sent me one and they are pretty reasonable.
800-737-0915
They also have a website but I do not know the name.
good luck!