In trying to find out what happened yesterday, I think the ECM has issues. If I tap on it the car will stumble and most of the time die. I don't want to replace a good part, so what can I check. Jiggle the wires doesn't do anything, only when I tap on the exterior of the ECM. I didn't even touch it at first. Was just idling in the garage getting ready to leave for work and the engine just quit. Starts back up just fine. HELP!


[Modified by Goody, 9:01 AM 4/2/2003]

 

You have a defective ECM. It failed the tap test. You might consider looking at the circuit board under magnification to find broken solder joints, but this is rare and you best be prepared to buy a new ECM.

 

Napa sells ECM’s I had to buy one for my 1990. Was only about 120 dollars w/exchange.
Came with a 12 month warranty. The 1st Napa ECM burned out after 2 weeks. They replaced it no questions asked. The 2nd Napa ECM has been in place for about 6 months, and no problems.

You should be able to check the price at napa online. Dont know the web addrss but a quick search thru Yahoo should do it.


:cheers:

 

The chip may have come unseated or has corrosion in the sockey Pull the chip then clean and reseat it. Couldn't hurt. But as stated above - be prepared to but another ECM.


[Modified by Steel Blue 91, 2:41 PM 4/2/2003]

 

Took the ECM completely apart just to check it out. I'm running the Moates adapter and a AT29C256 EEPROM. Checked it out and didn't see anything with my 20/20 vision and reassembled it. Took two test drives with good results. Kept tapping on it and it is still okay. Will wait and see. I called Jeff, our local parts hero on here and he said I could get one from him for about $150 or so. I might just do that.
Other prices from other sources here in the area:
Autozone - not carried.
Napa - $152 repair and return my unit. 1 week.
Pepboys - $143 avail in one day.
Parts + - $360 5 days.
CarQuest - $240 repair and return my unit. 10 days.
World Parts - $441 (carone)/ $170 (viper) 1 week.
Bob Baker Chevy - $245 order it.
Kragen - $317.99 from one store, $116.99 from another 1 day.

Hmmm, might try the Kragen just for grins. See what comes in when I order one. Just don't know if I trust the chain stores on electrical parts.
UPDATE:

Well, guess the parts dude at Kragen got it wrong because the price is $317.00, should have known and should have called Jeff. Will do that first thing in the am....I have called at least a dozen parts places here in San Diego area and they are not stocked at all. A good sign I guess because that must mean there isn't much of a demand. I'm not going to pay double just to have it tomorrow. Guess i'll drive in limp mode for a day. . . . . What other parts do I need from Jeff?????


[Modified by Goody, 8:12 PM 4/2/2003]

 

I am interested in finding out your solution...Mine is doing the same....but it was fine before I fixed the tranny....I know my battery short circuited against the frame a few times while the tranny was out.....I don't know if it may have caused it to go bad...but It has been sitting for 6-7 months and now it dies at intersections and chugs when I accelerlate.......


[Modified by Bruthish, 6:30 AM 4/3/2003]

 

Wow, I can’t believe Napa doesn’t have one to exchange. I also picked up a spare ECM from Ebay for 40 dollars. Just in case I have to wait on one from the mainland.
When I swapped the first ECM at Napa they only had 2 on the island. I was glad the second one worked, or I would have been waiting a week to get one.
I can’t wait to get back to California.

 

Pulled into a gas station and it did it again. So much for the fix.....the tap test makes it do weird things. Gonna replace it now.

 

i bought one for an 89 for about $90 at advance auto, old western auto. lifetime warranty and its been in about 6 months with no problems. It had intermittent no start especially when engine at normal temp. :cheers: