C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

ECM surprise ????

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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 02:06 PM
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Default ECM surprise ????

Today, while browsing around under the hood of my newest addition, a 1991 convertible, I noticed that the ECM was a replacement. No problem, the PO told me he had replaced it. Well, it appeared very loose in the mounting, so I further loosened it to check the mounting bracket. When I moved the unit I heard something rattling around inside. I removed the chip access screws and saw a loose, blue item.

Huh??? I removed it and here it is.

Car runs, is it an old prom or what ? Should it be attached to something ?

Beyond my pay grade

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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 02:17 PM
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Well it is definitely the prom/memcal chip. According to the BBC AXCR it is for a 91 L98 automatic with a 2.59 rear end. My question is do you have another prom plugged in to the circuit board? Can you post a pic of the opening under the ECM?

Ken
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 02:34 PM
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that is a traditional & original speed density prom carrier. worth GOLD!! I'm sure you will find a aftermarket worthless!! SHELF tune prom carrier inside. open the ECM cover and reveal your surprise!!

Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Aug 2, 2016 at 02:34 PM.
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 03:37 PM
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Seems to me that there has to be a prom plugged in. Wouldn't start or run without it

Coincidentally, SES light came on. Looks like a D45. (need to locate a cluster without missing segments)

Here's what's inside the ECM :


Last edited by skyhawk50; Aug 2, 2016 at 04:05 PM.
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 04:14 PM
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Looks like a someone had a custom tune done.
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 06:23 PM
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Originally Posted by JimLentz
Looks like a someone had a custom tune done.
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 06:31 PM
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Here what you have.
http://www.moates.net/g1-memory-adap...-etc-p-32.html
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 06:41 PM
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Originally Posted by kenpeindl
Then the OEM chip was just placed loose inside the housing. Seems like it could cause a few issues bouncing around in there!
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 06:46 PM
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Originally Posted by skyhawk50
Then the OEM chip was just placed loose inside the housing. Seems like it could cause a few issues bouncing around in there!
That's just asking for trouble doing something stupid like that.
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 06:54 PM
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I didn't think the PROM should have been loose in there. I thought it actually plugged onto the board and was the "limp home" etc. I believe the PROM just became detached from the MOATES device.
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 07:13 PM
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Originally Posted by WVZR-1
I didn't think the PROM should have been loose in there. I thought it actually plugged onto the board and was the "limp home" etc. I believe the PROM just became detached from the MOATES device.
I thought so. Here are a few picks of a Jet performance chip that someone gave me with the memcal chip attached. What got me was it still started and ran without the memcal chip.





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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 07:16 PM
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I believe I got the problem solved. I removed the Moates adapter and plugged the OEM chip back in by itself. SES light did not come on, car runs great again, no rich exhaust smell, no stumbling on acceleration. NO codes set.

Sooooooo, the OEM chip plugged into the Moates adapter? I believe I got a LOT to learn !!!

Ya gotta love the C4. ( still my favorite ) At 65 years old, I doubt I'll buy anything newer, such as a C5, C6, and especially a C7. (I'd rather own 2 or 3 C4's instead of a single C5)

Thanks for all the great input. If anyone's in Carlisle next month, I'll be either directing cars in the parking area or loafing at my club canopy, Central PA Corvette Club, by the Subway Sub stand.

Last edited by skyhawk50; Aug 2, 2016 at 07:21 PM.
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 07:33 PM
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Good to hear everything is back to normal. I got my first corvette (1990) at age 60. Over the last 2 years I have learned a lot while restoring it. I went the NCRS route and this past June achieved Top Flight at the local NCRS chapter. Looking towards the regional flight judging net year.

Enjoy
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Old Aug 2, 2016 | 11:42 PM
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NO one noticed?? with the specific MOATES adapter that was installed in your 90 - 93 ECM
was in fact designed to MOD a 89 and below Prom carrier. TAKE note inside of your 91 prom carrier. there is actually a daughterboard that contains your KNOCK sensor. WHO ever did this MOD was clueless. your knock senor was OUT of service. post 11 has the proper adapter that should have been used!

Last edited by THE 383 admiral; Aug 3, 2016 at 10:04 AM.
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 10:07 AM
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Originally Posted by THE 383 admiral
NO one noticed?? with the specific MOATES adapter that was installed in your 90 - 93 ECM
was in fact designed to MOD a 89 and below Prom carrier. TAKE note inside of your 91 prom carrier. there is actually a doughterboard that contains your KNOCK sensor. WHO ever did this MOD was clueless. your knock senor was OUT of service. post 11 has the proper adapter that should have been used!
Doesn't surprise me. I've been discovering other half a$$ed work done to this car. Too bad stupidity isn't painful. Oh well, it's in good hands now! The PO's "Vette expert mechanic" cut a few other corners.
And his son did a real "hack job" of an aftermarket radio install.
EG- he ran a constant 12v from the battery to the radio for memory retention. There was one about 2 inches from the radio in the original harness....Duh!!!!


I'm still dealing with the headlights that pop up when park lights activated. They don't illuminate until headlight switch is turned to headlight position. All wires to headlight switch are in correct positions, relay for headlight buckets seem normal. Maybe a wire was cut under the dash ????? Maybe part of his search for power for the radio ????? Who knows ???

Sorry for the long-winded rant. This is what happens when one retires and has too much time on their hands. LOL
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 10:32 AM
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Originally Posted by skyhawk50
Doesn't surprise me. I've been discovering other half a$$ed work done to this car. Too bad stupidity isn't painful. Oh well, it's in good hands now! The PO's "Vette expert mechanic" cut a few other corners.
And his son did a real "hack job" of an aftermarket radio install.
EG- he ran a constant 12v from the battery to the radio for memory retention. There was one about 2 inches from the radio in the original harness....Duh!!!!


I'm still dealing with the headlights that pop up when park lights activated. They don't illuminate until headlight switch is turned to headlight position. All wires to headlight switch are in correct positions, relay for headlight buckets seem normal. Maybe a wire was cut under the dash ????? Maybe part of his search for power for the radio ????? Who knows ???

Sorry for the long-winded rant. This is what happens when one retires and has too much time on their hands. LOL
this is GREAT. you took the vette from such "HACKS" ohhh NO yet another radio / stereo "expert"??? this is a common nightmare with stereo installs. DO yourself a favor! take the radio & related out. and bring the wiring back to OE condition if possible?? it's sad! not hard work at all. yet a VERY high percentage of issue's are related to the stereo HACK experts!
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Old Aug 3, 2016 | 10:49 AM
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Originally Posted by THE 383 admiral
this is GREAT. you took the vette from such "HACKS" ohhh NO yet another radio / stereo "expert"??? this is a common nightmare with stereo installs. DO yourself a favor! take the radio & related out. and bring the wiring back to OE condition if possible?? it's sad! not hard work at all. yet a VERY high percentage of issue's are related to the stereo HACK experts!
I'd like to second that. These hackers don't realize that were the ECM (engine control module) is the brains of the engine the CCM (central control module) is the brains of the car and everything is wired through it including the radio. A guy I know recently bought a 1990 and is having numerous electrical issues and yes it has an aftermarket radio.

Last edited by kenpeindl; Aug 3, 2016 at 10:50 AM.
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Old Aug 7, 2016 | 09:34 PM
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Well, the OEM chip has been in without the upgraded adapter. Car runs great, gonna leave it that way. Moates adapter resting comfortably in my tool box.

Last edited by skyhawk50; Aug 7, 2016 at 09:35 PM.
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