ECM removal..what am I missing?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 20
From: Woodstock Georgia
ECM removal..what am I missing?
Alright, so I'm trying to remove my ECM to install my new prom...and I get the bottom panel off of the hush panel in my 86, but for the life of me, I can't get the carperted section to come off. I only see three screws that seem to hold this thing on; one beneath the fuse panel, and two underneath the panel hooked to a heater vent (or something). Those have all been removed, and this thing isn't budging. The previous owner installed new carpet (new is a relative term, since it's green, and will be switched out VERY soon) and I'm wondering if he may have been a little to liberal with the adhesive application. I just don't want to break the panel. I can see the ECM under the panel, there are two screws on the bottom that seem to hold it in place. I'm not sure if there are others that need to be removed to get the unit our, since I can't see the rest of it. Any help here is GREATLY appreciated!!!!
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
you don't need to.
crawl WAY under the dash, and you will see an off white hunk of plastic. That is the ECM bracket. two 10mm bolts hold it up there. Remove bolts (captive to the bracket, IIRC) and the ECM will slide down and out.
crawl WAY under the dash, and you will see an off white hunk of plastic. That is the ECM bracket. two 10mm bolts hold it up there. Remove bolts (captive to the bracket, IIRC) and the ECM will slide down and out.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,146
Likes: 1,730
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
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You dont take off the carpeted section, its like Bogus said.
You'll need a wratchet and I used 2 extensions with the 10mm, there are the 2 of those and then you gently tug the ECM down, it slides straight out. Nothing else is holding it in, but it wont want to move.
Note how the old chip went in, you dont want to install one backwards.
You'll need a wratchet and I used 2 extensions with the 10mm, there are the 2 of those and then you gently tug the ECM down, it slides straight out. Nothing else is holding it in, but it wont want to move.
Note how the old chip went in, you dont want to install one backwards.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by vader86
You dont take off the carpeted section, its like Bogus said.
You'll need a wratchet and I used 2 extensions with the 10mm, there are the 2 of those and then you gently tug the ECM down, it slides straight out. Nothing else is holding it in, but it wont want to move.
Note how the old chip went in, you dont want to install one backwards.
You'll need a wratchet and I used 2 extensions with the 10mm, there are the 2 of those and then you gently tug the ECM down, it slides straight out. Nothing else is holding it in, but it wont want to move.
Note how the old chip went in, you dont want to install one backwards.
good point. It really won't "slide" out easily.
As for the chip - be careful... I think you can install those backwards... the LT1 style are one way only.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 20
From: Woodstock Georgia
DMM, I had actually crawled up in there yesterday to see what was keeping the panel in place, and saw the ECM and brackets. I just wasn't sure if those were the only two bolts holding it in place. Thanks for the offer.
I remember changing chips in both of my 93's.....I'll have to watch this one close it seems.
I remember changing chips in both of my 93's.....I'll have to watch this one close it seems.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 747
Likes: 0
From: Calgary '85 Z51 coupe
As long as you know that you need to pay attention when installing the chip it is no problem. One side has a series of about 6 pairs of pins and the other side has a series of 3 pins or something like that.
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,309
Likes: 20
From: Woodstock Georgia
It was kind of funny, when I unbolted the bracket, the ECM slipped right out and whacked me on the head! The chip went in quite easily....I had purchased a new MemCal pack as well.