HELP!! computer problem!?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro New Jersey
HELP!! computer problem!?
Hey guys new to the forum looks like a great place. I have a 1989 that is currently in the shop with some "computer problems". The mechanic told me that we need a "new computer and updated probe for 5.7 motor code 8"...Can someone please help me where I can find this or what it is? He suggested corvetteamerica.com but still no luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,254
Likes: 221
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
The computer is available rebuilt, new and used. The updated probe, code 8, what's that, is that the Calpak (chip) ? If so, they are a little tougher to find.
89 has known problematic injectors that may knock out the ECM's injector driver. What is your problem ??
89 has known problematic injectors that may knock out the ECM's injector driver. What is your problem ??
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Never seen anything new - even warranty was reman. Anyway, sounds like you're looking for the Prom - which is out of production - and not the ECM. There was something like 4 depending on gears and axle ratio. A boneyard is probably your only hope. Make sure it matches the number on the one you got.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro New Jersey
well i was pulling out of a parking lot and gunned it to catch up to traffic and the car just died. When I tried to start it again the oil pressure was down to 3 and wouldnt kick over. The mechanic we brought it to hooked his computer up and it was reading the car was on when it wasn't. He told me to get a "new computer and updated probe for 5.7 motor code 8"...Wasn't sure what he meant so any more help would be appreciated. Again thanks for quick response
Do you think he could have meant prom? I have seen prom and ecu go together but still not sure if that is what i need
Do you think he could have meant prom? I have seen prom and ecu go together but still not sure if that is what i need
Last edited by piskin; Jul 21, 2010 at 05:16 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Sorry - really don't understand what your mechanic is getting at. The ECM's will send whatever is burned into memory (Long Term Fuel Trim) and sensor values with the key on. If he got a readout with the key off, that sounds more like an ignition or battery problem. Rebuilt ECM's should be availabe through the Discounters or a Dealer. A PROM, which plugs into the ECM, used only.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro New Jersey
so i talked to the mechanic today and this is the latest from him...
he said that everytime he plugs into the computer a different error code pops up so sometimes its a #55 n the next itll be something different and keeps going back and forth with different codes
he said that all he needs is an updated prom for the ecu which is fine....where do i go from here and does this sound familiar to any of you?
he said that everytime he plugs into the computer a different error code pops up so sometimes its a #55 n the next itll be something different and keeps going back and forth with different codes
he said that all he needs is an updated prom for the ecu which is fine....where do i go from here and does this sound familiar to any of you?
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 3
From: Carmichael ca
I think I'd get a second opinion. Maybe his scanner isn't working right. My OTC scanner requires a special adapter for 86-89 F and Y bodies with a V8. If his is the same he may be getting bad data.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Florida
Those ECM prom/calpacks really don't go bad unless you hook the battery cables up backwards.
"no updates" for these proms.....take the car somewhere else.
Ensure the battery is full charged before trying to pull codes again.
"no updates" for these proms.....take the car somewhere else.Ensure the battery is full charged before trying to pull codes again.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro New Jersey
so from all the responses that are so helpful i thank you all but i ask this question
everyone says there are no updated proms and that they rarely break/need to be replaced....what would cause a prom to be replaced?
everyone says there are no updated proms and that they rarely break/need to be replaced....what would cause a prom to be replaced?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
I agree with the others. Take it someplace else.
Still no word from your mechanic if you have fuel or spark? Seems kinda fishy to me he hasn't answered that question....
I believe when you state a "updated" prom (chip).. your referring to a "tune" which is a chip that has been burned for your mods.
There is no such thing as a updated chip for a stock car. And if your insisting on finding a chip to put in to replace what you have it would be quicker to get a hypertech or jet chip. At least the "tune" would be somewhat close.
Still no word from your mechanic if you have fuel or spark? Seems kinda fishy to me he hasn't answered that question....
I believe when you state a "updated" prom (chip).. your referring to a "tune" which is a chip that has been burned for your mods.
There is no such thing as a updated chip for a stock car. And if your insisting on finding a chip to put in to replace what you have it would be quicker to get a hypertech or jet chip. At least the "tune" would be somewhat close.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro New Jersey
so went and met with the mechanic today and check out the car. i asked him all the questions you guys suggested
he said that the fuel pressure is good
he said with the injector pulse test those are fine as well
he said there is a spark and doesnt see a problem there
his main concern was that the computer was giving erratic readings and would randomly have the car cut out
after talking we ordered a new computer and it should be there Tuesday so i will keep you posted if that solves the problem
any other tips would be greatly appreciated and thanks so much for all the help thus far
he said that the fuel pressure is good
he said with the injector pulse test those are fine as well
he said there is a spark and doesnt see a problem there
his main concern was that the computer was giving erratic readings and would randomly have the car cut out
after talking we ordered a new computer and it should be there Tuesday so i will keep you posted if that solves the problem
any other tips would be greatly appreciated and thanks so much for all the help thus far
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 5,043
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Florida
As AGENT 86 mentioned if the fuel injectors are the stock multech I'd recommend getting those changed out as they are not ethnol compliant....."89 has known problematic injectors that may knock out the ECM's injector driver". Those injectors may ohm out OK and you may see an injector pulse going too them but that doesn't mean everything is OK with the system...those multechs injectors have a mind of their own when it comes to actually delivering the fuel. Most that have done a swap have moved to a Bosch type 2 or 3 injectors ~ $200 for a set of 8.
Race Director
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 14,924
Likes: 9
From: Merritt Ils Fl
I'll go out on a limb here and say that either you are not accurately relaying what your mechanic says or he doesn't know what he is doing. I suspect the latter. I'll be very interested to see how this one plays out.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Marlboro New Jersey
so wanted to give you guys an update of where we are at now....i personally didnt talk to the mechanic, my dad did, but the car is officially fixed and we are picking it up later
the final verdict was apparently there was a short in the injectors which caused the computer to short out. when they replaced the computer with the new one, the injector codes popped up which then pointed to the problem. So after replacing the computer and the injectors, the car is all good again and can now pick it up later.
thank you all for your help and advice you gave along the way, it was greatly appreciated
the final verdict was apparently there was a short in the injectors which caused the computer to short out. when they replaced the computer with the new one, the injector codes popped up which then pointed to the problem. So after replacing the computer and the injectors, the car is all good again and can now pick it up later.
thank you all for your help and advice you gave along the way, it was greatly appreciated
