Throttle Actuator Control Module
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
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From: Tallahassee FL
Throttle Actuator Control Module
Got a problem with PCMs apparently going south at my tuner's. He said perhaps the Throttle Actuator Control Module is causing it. It's kind of a pricey item to swap out just to see "what if". Does this sound likely, and if so, any way to test this module? Should it set any codes to point at it if it's screwing up?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
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From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
I asked you in the other long thread you have,They said you were getting a P1514 code and I ask you are sure its not a P1518 or code? Which has to do with the TAC Module and puts you into reduced power mode.Does your car have the the 90mm TB on it now?Any way,What kind of tuning software are they using? The reason I ask is I was having the P1518 code and pulling my hair out trying to figure out what it was,Thought it was the TAc module,I bought a used TAC module and the same code came up.I tune with EFILive and it turned out to be a bug in EFILive itself.Go to there website and search for P0606 & P1518 you'll see what I mean.They have a new update.Oh yea and I bricked 2 pcm's because of the bug in EFILive.................Paul
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
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From: Tallahassee FL
I didn't actually see the code myself, but believe it was actually 1514. This code went away when I bought a new LS7 throttle body and it was installed on my engine. As far as I know, the code has not returned. The issue at hand is that something appears to be killing PCMs. Aaron suspects the TAC module, but there is no obvious smoking gun.
So my question is whether or not anyone has ever experienced such a thing. Apparently these TAC modules are not easy to come by, nor are they cheap, so I sure as hell don't want to buy one just to try it.
As for the tuning software Jim Smith is using, I really don't know. He mentioned a product name to me that he uses but it was nothing I am familiar with. Since he is a retired GM engineer and uses the TECH II, I believe it is something associated with that device. He said it costs several thousand dollars, so since it was nothing I was ever going to be interested in buying, it's name just didn't stick for me.
So my question is whether or not anyone has ever experienced such a thing. Apparently these TAC modules are not easy to come by, nor are they cheap, so I sure as hell don't want to buy one just to try it.
As for the tuning software Jim Smith is using, I really don't know. He mentioned a product name to me that he uses but it was nothing I am familiar with. Since he is a retired GM engineer and uses the TECH II, I believe it is something associated with that device. He said it costs several thousand dollars, so since it was nothing I was ever going to be interested in buying, it's name just didn't stick for me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 61
From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
I didn't actually see the code myself, but believe it was actually 1514. This code went away when I bought a new LS7 throttle body and it was installed on my engine. As far as I know, the code has not returned. The issue at hand is that something appears to be killing PCMs. Aaron suspects the TAC module, but there is no obvious smoking gun.
So my question is whether or not anyone has ever experienced such a thing. Apparently these TAC modules are not easy to come by, nor are they cheap, so I sure as hell don't want to buy one just to try it.
As for the tuning software Jim Smith is using, I really don't know. He mentioned a product name to me that he uses but it was nothing I am familiar with. Since he is a retired GM engineer and uses the TECH II, I believe it is something associated with that device. He said it costs several thousand dollars, so since it was nothing I was ever going to be interested in buying, it's name just didn't stick for me.
So my question is whether or not anyone has ever experienced such a thing. Apparently these TAC modules are not easy to come by, nor are they cheap, so I sure as hell don't want to buy one just to try it.
As for the tuning software Jim Smith is using, I really don't know. He mentioned a product name to me that he uses but it was nothing I am familiar with. Since he is a retired GM engineer and uses the TECH II, I believe it is something associated with that device. He said it costs several thousand dollars, so since it was nothing I was ever going to be interested in buying, it's name just didn't stick for me.
The new TAC modules won't be out till August now,And there only like $260.00 new.If you adjust the ETC table's to far from stock (electronic throttle control) That will put the car into REP and can kill the pcm,I know, been there done that.And then you get a P1518 code thinking that the TAC module is bad.And sometimes you'll get P0606 with the P1518 and then your PCM is toast all because of the ETC tables.I'm just guessing here,But I don't think your TAC module is bad,Find out if they adjusted your ETC tables and report back.Just trying to help you out,I have been reading your threads.Good luck..............Paul
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
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From: Tallahassee FL
Yes I remember the 1514 code you were getting,But that has nothing to do with the tac module.Trust me I am the reduced engine power king The new TAC modules won't be out till August now,And there only like $260.00 new.If you adjust the ETC table's to far from stock (electronic throttle control) That will put the car into REP and can kill the pcm,I know, been there done that.And then you get a P1518 code thinking that the TAC module is bad.And sometimes you'll get P0606 with the P1518 and then your PCM is toast all because of the ETC tables.I'm just guessing here,But I don't think your TAC module is bad,Find out if they adjusted your ETC tables and report back.Just trying to help you out,I have been reading your threads.Good luck..............Paul
The new TAC modules won't be out till August now,And there only like $260.00 new.If you adjust the ETC table's to far from stock (electronic throttle control) That will put the car into REP and can kill the pcm,I know, been there done that.And then you get a P1518 code thinking that the TAC module is bad.And sometimes you'll get P0606 with the P1518 and then your PCM is toast all because of the ETC tables.I'm just guessing here,But I don't think your TAC module is bad,Find out if they adjusted your ETC tables and report back.Just trying to help you out,I have been reading your threads.Good luck..............PaulOne of the tips I heard about to get rid of the 1514 error code was to max out a table in the PCM when airflow is measured way more than what the normal table expects to see. Are you telling me that this procedure COULD zap a PCM?
Here's a link to one of the threads mentioning this procedure -> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-s...ont-start.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 61
From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
Well I certainly do hope the TAC module in my car hasn't gone bad. Not real keen on extending this fiasco into August. I'm about fit to be tied as it is.
One of the tips I heard about to get rid of the 1514 error code was to max out a table in the PCM when airflow is measured way more than what the normal table expects to see. Are you telling me that this procedure COULD zap a PCM?
Here's a link to one of the threads mentioning this procedure -> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-s...ont-start.html
One of the tips I heard about to get rid of the 1514 error code was to max out a table in the PCM when airflow is measured way more than what the normal table expects to see. Are you telling me that this procedure COULD zap a PCM?
Here's a link to one of the threads mentioning this procedure -> http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-s...ont-start.html
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
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From: Tallahassee FL
I thought a lot of people went the route of maxing out that table when going to a larger TB. Is this a common problem of having the PCM toasted or just one of those random conditions that happens once in a long while? I know that maxing out of the table was recommended by quite a few people when I asked about that 1514 error code.
Thanks for your help...
Last edited by Rich Z; Jul 7, 2011 at 04:41 PM. Reason: Added the size of the stock LS7 TB...
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 117
What do you mean by "if you adjust the ETC table's please?
Is it the Calculated Airflow vs. TPS vs. RPM - P1514 Error you find under TPS Sensor in HPTuners you are speaking about?
Christian
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 61
From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
Yeah, I was originally going to go with the 102mm TB to go with my FAST 102 manifold, but that just didn't work out. So right now I've got a stock '09 LS7 TB (90mm) on it. My tuner says that it really won't matter all that much since I'm running forced induction. I had thought there would be improved throttle response with more airflow being controlled with the movement of the throttle plate.... But since the TB apparently died that was on the car and I was between a rock and a hard place to get SOMETHING real quick, and my tuner temporarily swapped in a stock LS7 TB to prove that my TB was bad, this seemed the optimum path to take now.
I thought a lot of people went the route of maxing out that table when going to a larger TB. Is this a common problem of having the PCM toasted or just one of those random conditions that happens once in a long while? I know that maxing out of the table was recommended by quite a few people when I asked about that 1514 error code.
Thanks for your help...
I thought a lot of people went the route of maxing out that table when going to a larger TB. Is this a common problem of having the PCM toasted or just one of those random conditions that happens once in a long while? I know that maxing out of the table was recommended by quite a few people when I asked about that 1514 error code.
Thanks for your help...
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
Likes: 61
From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
Modifying ETC calibrations too far from stock values can cause the PCM to log a TAC communications fault code and enter reduced power mode.
Extreme modifications may cause the PCM to become permanently disabled"
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 117
No not that table.I use EFILive and here is what is says "WARNING: Alter ETC calibrations at your own risk.
Modifying ETC calibrations too far from stock values can cause the PCM to log a TAC communications fault code and enter reduced power mode.
Extreme modifications may cause the PCM to become permanently disabled"
Modifying ETC calibrations too far from stock values can cause the PCM to log a TAC communications fault code and enter reduced power mode.
Extreme modifications may cause the PCM to become permanently disabled"
You might find interesting to use HPTuners for this specific table and solving this 1514 code...as a lot of tuners are doing.
Thank you for answering.
Christian
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 117
Yes there is a table you can max out and sometimes help with not getting the 1514 code,But with alot of forced induction cars running alot of boost,Maxing that table out does not cure the 1514 code,So! what you have to do is lower the Injector flow rate & VE table the same percent to Trick the computer that it has smaller injectors(If anybody else wants to correct me) and you don't go past the hard coded 2.3x g/s in the pcm.Thats what I had to do,I'm no pro tuner,maybe there is another way,I don't know,But that work for me.Rich,Do yourself a favor and go get your car and bring it home running or not and take a break,Pay the guy what you owe him and tell him to have a nice day.Regroup,Save up some money and let someone who knows what there doing work on it.............Paul
Christian
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 3,088
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From: NY- 2013 Corvette Challenge Champion-2013 Index Combo Champion 2015 CC/MM Champion
St. Jude Donor '07
Former Vendor
Joined: Nov 2005
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From: Ossining New York
St. Jude Donor '07-'08-'09-'10-'12-'13-'14
Yeah, that will do it.....
Yes I remember the 1514 code you were getting,But that has nothing to do with the tac module.Trust me I am the reduced engine power king The new TAC modules won't be out till August now,And there only like $260.00 new.If you adjust the ETC table's to far from stock (electronic throttle control) That will put the car into REP and can kill the pcm,I know, been there done that.And then you get a P1518 code thinking that the TAC module is bad.And sometimes you'll get P0606 with the P1518 and then your PCM is toast all because of the ETC tables.I'm just guessing here,But I don't think your TAC module is bad,Find out if they adjusted your ETC tables and report back.Just trying to help you out,I have been reading your threads.Good luck..............Paul
The new TAC modules won't be out till August now,And there only like $260.00 new.If you adjust the ETC table's to far from stock (electronic throttle control) That will put the car into REP and can kill the pcm,I know, been there done that.And then you get a P1518 code thinking that the TAC module is bad.And sometimes you'll get P0606 with the P1518 and then your PCM is toast all because of the ETC tables.I'm just guessing here,But I don't think your TAC module is bad,Find out if they adjusted your ETC tables and report back.Just trying to help you out,I have been reading your threads.Good luck..............PaulEfi Live will warn you if you've over done the ETC tables....I don't think HPT does.
Also, your tuner may have "clicked thru" the warning and cooked it.
It will start and run, but then you apply more than just a bit too much throttle....
You're done and the pcm is smoked.
Is the car running now?
By the way, there are also some ETC tables in efi live that work really well when using larger throttle bodies,
but messing with them "just a wee bit too much" will smoke the controller too... You may be able to re-fix after that one,
but better you don't go there.
Chuck CoW
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
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From: Tallahassee FL
Yeah, that will do it..... Are you using EFI LIVE or HPT?
Efi Live will warn you if you've over done the ETC tables....I don't think HPT does.
Also, your tuner may have "clicked thru" the warning and cooked it.
It will start and run, but then you apply more than just a bit too much throttle....
You're done and the pcm is smoked.
Is the car running now?
By the way, there are also some ETC tables in efi live that work really well when using larger throttle bodies,
but messing with them "just a wee bit too much" will smoke the controller too... You may be able to re-fix after that one,
but better you don't go there.
Chuck CoW
Efi Live will warn you if you've over done the ETC tables....I don't think HPT does.
Also, your tuner may have "clicked thru" the warning and cooked it.
It will start and run, but then you apply more than just a bit too much throttle....
You're done and the pcm is smoked.
Is the car running now?
By the way, there are also some ETC tables in efi live that work really well when using larger throttle bodies,
but messing with them "just a wee bit too much" will smoke the controller too... You may be able to re-fix after that one,
but better you don't go there.
Chuck CoW
No, my car is dead at this time awaiting another PCM that Jim Smith will be bringing up early next week.
From what I understand the guys thought the driveability tune was just about finished. Aaron said he could put the car into sixth gear and start out from a dead stop at 1100 rpm smooth as silk. Just a minor issue with the rev dropping down a bit low at sudden stops that they were ironing out and they were going to pull it onto the dyno for some WOT tweaking. Aaron took the car out to check the last tweak to fix the rev drop down and he only got to the end of his driveway when the car died with odd DIC error messages popping up with wild abandon.
When they got it back up the driveway to the shop, that's when they found that not only was the PCM fried, but my Aeromotive fuel pump had died as well. Probably a coincidence but I guess I can't help but wonder if there could be a common cause somewhere. That's just TOO coincidental...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
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From: Tallahassee FL
Well, they checked the ECT table and there is no problem with it or any other related table. Two PCMs got blown up today. They are putting the car on the lift and going to go over the wiring with a fine tooth comb looking for a bare wire or anything that might look suspicious. Aaron also asked me to try to find a TAC module on the assumption that mine just might be bad and the cause of the problem.
However, it appears that those modules are backordered from GM and not expected to be available till mid to late August.
Anyone got a line on a TAC module I could buy?
However, it appears that those modules are backordered from GM and not expected to be available till mid to late August.
Anyone got a line on a TAC module I could buy?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 2
From: Tallahassee FL
Found one! Apparently there is an AC/DELCO replacement available
AC/DELCO part number 12578953
http://frugalmechanic.com/auto-part/...lco&t=12578953
In case anyone else is looking for one...
AC/DELCO part number 12578953
http://frugalmechanic.com/auto-part/...lco&t=12578953
In case anyone else is looking for one...
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2006
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You guys seem to be pretty knowlegible on PCM and I got myself a doosey of a problem that Bill Curlee has been assisting on but I still have the same problem.
Here is my issue, when I acceletare 3/4 throttle my fuel pressure drops to 40psi + or - 2 and if I go full throttle it will drop to 0 psi.
I've done so much to try and correct this issue it's sill, cleaned all the grounds ( every one ) disassembled the fuse block under the hood to check for corrosion, disassembled the ignition switch, changed the pump, pressure regulator. best I can guess is that it's in the PCM
Any thoughts?
In all fairness this problem has stumped A&A Corvette, ProCharger, My local Corvette electrical guru, and just about everyone else I know.
Here is my issue, when I acceletare 3/4 throttle my fuel pressure drops to 40psi + or - 2 and if I go full throttle it will drop to 0 psi.
I've done so much to try and correct this issue it's sill, cleaned all the grounds ( every one ) disassembled the fuse block under the hood to check for corrosion, disassembled the ignition switch, changed the pump, pressure regulator. best I can guess is that it's in the PCM
Any thoughts?
In all fairness this problem has stumped A&A Corvette, ProCharger, My local Corvette electrical guru, and just about everyone else I know.
Last edited by jwolin; Jul 13, 2011 at 08:47 PM.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 2
From: Tallahassee FL
You guys seem to be pretty knowlegible on PCM and I got myself a doosey of a problem that Bill Curlee has been assisting on but I still have the same problem.
Here is my issue, when I acceletare 3/4 throttle my fuel pressure drops to 40psi + or - 2 and if I go full throttle it will drop to 0 psi.
I've done so much to try and correct this issue it's sill, cleaned all the grounds ( every one ) disassembled the fuse block under the hood to check for corrosion, disassembled the ignition switch, changed the pump, pressure regulator. best I can guess is that it's in the PCM
Any thoughts?
In all fairness this problem has stumped A&A Corvette, ProCharger, My local Corvette electrical guru, and just about everyone else I know.
Here is my issue, when I acceletare 3/4 throttle my fuel pressure drops to 40psi + or - 2 and if I go full throttle it will drop to 0 psi.
I've done so much to try and correct this issue it's sill, cleaned all the grounds ( every one ) disassembled the fuse block under the hood to check for corrosion, disassembled the ignition switch, changed the pump, pressure regulator. best I can guess is that it's in the PCM
Any thoughts?
In all fairness this problem has stumped A&A Corvette, ProCharger, My local Corvette electrical guru, and just about everyone else I know.
You may have better luck at responses by making your own thread about this. People tend to just read the topic line, so many people will simply pass this thread over if it doesn't apply to their own interest.