Greetings.

I removed my ebcm and shipped it off to absfixer. It came the other day and since I have a light day today, I wanted to install it so my wife can drive the car for the first time. I've driven cars without traction control and abs, powerful cars even, but she hasn't and I didn't want her to wreck.

Taking the thing out, the biggest challenge was the two torx screws in the middle. The top and bottom ones were pretty easy, but those middle guys were tough- either my driver was too fat or too long. I adapted and got them out fine.

So today, I go to install and the top and bottom two are no sweat. Here's the mystery: I tried to get the first middle screw in and I lost it. Literally. It's not on my garage floor. For an hour, I used my fingers and a flashlight and it disappeared. I figured I'd use another screw and look again later. I carefully guided the screw in and applied my driver. I began twisting, but couldn't find the right way to seat the driver. I tried again and when I went to reset the screw into place, my fat finger slipped. Screw number two is gone. Can't find it.

I pushed the car out and, on my hands and knees, searched every inch of my garage floor. Nada. I pushed the car back in and really searched, using a flashlight and my fingertips on every conceivable surface and crevice. Nada. Gone. Disappeared.

So now my ebcm is attached with four screws instead of six. I started the car after reassembling everything and my warning lights and codes are all gone, which is awesome. I'm a little worried that not having 2/6 screws might create a problem.

Anyone have any idea where those screws might have gotten hung up? I have access to a lift, so I might get it lifted and try again. Any opinions on if not having the two screws is going to mess things up? Anyone happen to have the spec on the screws so I can go buy a few more in case those screws go missing when I drive to the office later?

Thank you in advance.

 

they could have fallen on top of the abs bracket that's bolted to the rack... bolts love to get stuck everywhere on these cars... if you have a flexible magnet run that around and surely you will find them

 

Thanks.

I'll swing by the store on my way home tonight and buy one. I suspect that driving the car since the installation has knocked those screws loose from wherever they'd taken to hiding and that the screws are now gone.

Anyone know what size torx screw these are? Anyone know where I can buy replacements?

 

I did the same thing,,,so got 2 more and all was fine... Was telling a friend about it,,, can't find them anywhere... HE said when you drop a metric bolt or screw that when they hit the floor they go straight back to China...LOL Had to get mine at the GM dealer.. couple bucks..all is good...............

 

Sweet.
Any chance you remember anything about the size of the torx screw or did you just go to the parts department and tell them you are missing two torx screws for the ecbm?

 

They are T-20. Had the same problem with my car and my son's car.
Ordered the screws from Gene Culley. I used a T-20 socket and a 6" extension to install the 2 middle screws. Worked find. Did this from under the car. Hope this helps.

Gene

 

Thanks.
I know they are T20, but was hoping someone might know a p/n or some dimensions.

Truthfully, I should have used my dad's lift. I bet it would have been easier on both my back and my hamstrings...

 

The middle screws are a PIA, the exact same thing happened to me. I had to remove the EBCM and found the screw.

FWIW, what worked for me for getting the two middle screws started I wrapped them with electrical tape to my Torx screwdriver. Once in, I just pulled it off.

 

That's a brilliant idea. Best I could come up with was maybe putting some grease on the screw and putting the middle in, then attaching the unit carefully. I like your idea better.

I'm going to but a flexible magnet and see if I can fish them out. If not, I guess I have to take the thing off again and see if they've fallen off while driving or not and then might have to go to the store and try and find similar sized torx screws...

 

My guess, Is it is on/in or around that bracket.


BC

 

Thanks Bill.
I'll try again Sunday when I have some time to look. Hopefully the magnetic thing I'm buying on the way home tonight will prevent me from having to remove the EBCM again. It's also possible that driving the car around yesterday jostled them loose from the bracket and they are lying somewhere in the road...

Any chance you have the specs for the torx screws?

I'm thinking about stopping by the dealership and talking to the parts guy. Maybe they know...

Thanks again!

 

Look under the car and in any cracks in the driveway. Thats where I found mine

 

I think they are an M4 thread, about 22 or 23 milimeters long. Doesn't matter, of course whether the head is T20, T15, phillips, as long as you have a driver to fit it.
I found when I replaced mine, that the previous owner (or someone) had only put 5 of the six screws in, so I needed to find one. Could have went to GM dealer, but I went to a place we have nearby, called King Bolt.
I used duct tape, about 1/2 wide to hold the screw to the driver. Got it started. Then pull out the screwdriver, and remove the tape with needlenose pliers.

One thing about your lost screws. If you go to China looking for them, there's lots of beautiful women there, who are not fat!!!

Ask me how I know that.....

Don