dealer added better program to computer?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Angleton Tx
dealer added better program to computer?
The mechanic diagnosed my problem as a bad computer and put a remanufactured unit on. He told me the dealer would have to reflash the computer and he could have it upgraded. This is a 1990 auto.
He told me it is not changing the stock chip but rather modifying the program settings in the computer. It now seems to run better. He also added a ignition module. I'm not sure if it is running better because of the change in the computer or just the ignition module. Is changing the setting to the computer actually possible? One figure he gave me was on the fuel injection changing from .785 to 1100. I'm not sure what this means.
He told me it is not changing the stock chip but rather modifying the program settings in the computer. It now seems to run better. He also added a ignition module. I'm not sure if it is running better because of the change in the computer or just the ignition module. Is changing the setting to the computer actually possible? One figure he gave me was on the fuel injection changing from .785 to 1100. I'm not sure what this means.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 12,263
Likes: 86
From: O'Fallon Missouri
GM will often update there initial calibration files.
I worked on the GMT-610 Duramax Diesel van launch program, and even before the van hit the street we had made 91 ECM cal. file changes.
I worked on the GMT-610 Duramax Diesel van launch program, and even before the van hit the street we had made 91 ECM cal. file changes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 229
From: Oakbank Manitoba
The only way to modify the program settings in the 1990 ECM is to install a different chip (memcal). There is nothing to 'reflash" in this stock ECM. Reflashing an ECM didn't start till the Lt1 cars. Did he bill you for a new memcal (chip)? The original memcals program (file/bin) can be changed ...but not by a dealer. You have to buy a couple hundred dollars worth of equipment for reburning, that the dealers won't have.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 265
Likes: 0
From: Angleton Tx
he told me they all come unprogrammed now. This way the auto parts can stock universal ones and people who buy them just take them to the dealer to get them reprogrammed for their specific vehicle. He charged $70.00 for this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 229
From: Oakbank Manitoba
Originally Posted by prodadiv
he told me they all come unprogrammed now. This way the auto parts can stock universal ones and people who buy them just take them to the dealer to get them reprogrammed for their specific vehicle. He charged $70.00 for this.
He should have given you the old memcal back if he installed a new one. They are worth a few dollars. I hate to say it, but it sounds like they reused the old memcal. Chevrolet dealers do not reprogram them. He has seriously mislead you. You might not have even needed a new ECM, the problem could have strickly been with the module.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,907
Likes: 229
From: Oakbank Manitoba
Originally Posted by STL94LT1
GM will often update there initial calibration files.
I worked on the GMT-610 Duramax Diesel van launch program, and even before the van hit the street we had made 91 ECM cal. file changes.
I worked on the GMT-610 Duramax Diesel van launch program, and even before the van hit the street we had made 91 ECM cal. file changes.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: Stuck in the 80's
Originally Posted by KENS80V
He must have put a new memcal in the ECM. When you exchange an ECM (from this year car) you remove the memcal from the old ECM and reinstall it in the new ECM.
He should have given you the old memcal back if he installed a new one. They are worth a few dollars. I hate to say it, but it sounds like they reused the old memcal. Chevrolet dealers do not reprogram them. He has seriously mislead you. You might not have even needed a new ECM, the problem could have strickly been with the module.
He should have given you the old memcal back if he installed a new one. They are worth a few dollars. I hate to say it, but it sounds like they reused the old memcal. Chevrolet dealers do not reprogram them. He has seriously mislead you. You might not have even needed a new ECM, the problem could have strickly been with the module.
All sounds fishy to me. If he did replace the memcal I would ask him for your old one back. If he does not have it then I would ask for the $70.00 back.JMHO
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 206
Likes: 1
From: Milwaukee WI
http://www.oewarehouse.com has various listings for a auto trans 1990 ECM EPROM depending on your rear gear ratio. All for $42.75.
Last edited by Cashmo; Nov 18, 2005 at 10:34 PM. Reason: Update pricing
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