Ecm
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Ecm
I know will probally sound stupid, but what is the ECM, and what does it do? How hard is it to replace\repair? Where do you buy one? I have a 1992 LT1, been @ mechanic 2 weeks, he said thought it was aftermarket alarm, took it to an electrical guy he removed the alarm, said he thought the ECM needed replacing. Car will not always turn over, this is an intermideate problem, and will eventually start after 5-6 tries.By the way the alarm was in car and parially taken apart when we got it, so we have no idea who put it in.
Thanks
Cheri
Thanks
Cheri
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
wow... this has ugly written all over it.
Do yourself a big favour and buy the GM Factory Service Manual, www.helminc.com, NOW. Don't wait another second.
As for the ECM, I would be STUNNED if it is causing it to NOT start. To me, it sounds like there is a VATS failure.
VATS is anchored by this puck in the key. If you have another key, try that.
If the VATS does not get a good code, it will keep the engine from starting. However, the VATS handshaking is done by the CCM to the ECM. If the CCM is not satisfied with the key, it will send a no-start message to the ECM... and that is what it will do - NOT START!
ECM = Engine Control Module - it's the computer that keeps the car running. The ECM is under the hood, left side, near the windshield, above the battery.
The CCM is the Central (sometimes called Chassis) Control Module. It is inside the dash, under the radio, and a bit behind.
I would start with VATS and work back from there.
Any codes from the computer(s)?
Do yourself a big favour and buy the GM Factory Service Manual, www.helminc.com, NOW. Don't wait another second.
As for the ECM, I would be STUNNED if it is causing it to NOT start. To me, it sounds like there is a VATS failure.
VATS is anchored by this puck in the key. If you have another key, try that.
If the VATS does not get a good code, it will keep the engine from starting. However, the VATS handshaking is done by the CCM to the ECM. If the CCM is not satisfied with the key, it will send a no-start message to the ECM... and that is what it will do - NOT START!
ECM = Engine Control Module - it's the computer that keeps the car running. The ECM is under the hood, left side, near the windshield, above the battery.
The CCM is the Central (sometimes called Chassis) Control Module. It is inside the dash, under the radio, and a bit behind.
I would start with VATS and work back from there.
Any codes from the computer(s)?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Not even a C12?
There are two ways to read the codes... one is via the CCM (the codes display on the speedo) the other is via flashing the SES light on the DIC.
If the bulb is blown on the DIC, that would be a false lack of code! When the key comes on, make sure the SES light selftests. If not, chase that first (dead bulb would be my first guess).
A C12 means that things are working and reporting ok...
There are two ways to read the codes... one is via the CCM (the codes display on the speedo) the other is via flashing the SES light on the DIC.
If the bulb is blown on the DIC, that would be a false lack of code! When the key comes on, make sure the SES light selftests. If not, chase that first (dead bulb would be my first guess).
A C12 means that things are working and reporting ok...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
FYI - The ECM in short is a computer that takes input from all the sensors on the engine and uses that information to operate the fuel injectors, fire the spark plugs by driving the inigition system. It is easy to replace but can't be repaired.
There are countless other reasons why your engine will not turn over or not start and run. Detailed information needed for better feedback. Would like to help more.
There are countless other reasons why your engine will not turn over or not start and run. Detailed information needed for better feedback. Would like to help more.
