ECM/ECU question
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ECM/ECU question
Hey guys, I have a dilemma. Since I started my post about the code 33/code 13 I had my car towed to the mechanic and let them deal with it. He has run several tests on it and he seems confident that it's the ECM because he said he still can't get it to run but it's throwing codes like crazy over things that have already been replaced and he's run tests on it as well. And well, I guess it makes sense to replace the brains of the car and then go from there.
Here's my problem, I don't understand ECMs. The best I can understand is that the computer itself has a chip in it (the PROM) that controls the specific functions of your car and each ECM has a service number that identifies your car as having a V6, V8, auto or manual tranny (Hawk's asks for this specifically) and I had the mechanic read to me my service number and it's 01227730. Mine is a 3.1L V6 with auto tranny and he says he can't find an ECM for my car anywhere and I'm stumped too. I found this url on ebay, tell me if this is just the chip or in total, what I need for my car please?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AC-De...Q5fAccessories
I hope it shows up. I don't know what I'm looking at in this auction but to get the ball rolling I need to know where and what I need to order because the mechanic is waiting on me. A little pricey on ebay but if it's what I need then I'll jump at the chance. If you guys can tell me of a place that I can find what I need cheaper please let me know. I don't know how you guys keep your V6s running cause I'm sure at one point or another you've faced this problem.
These are the numbers that were given by the mechanic that were on my ECM/ECU:
01227730
864261M1159
130
16164261
Here's my problem, I don't understand ECMs. The best I can understand is that the computer itself has a chip in it (the PROM) that controls the specific functions of your car and each ECM has a service number that identifies your car as having a V6, V8, auto or manual tranny (Hawk's asks for this specifically) and I had the mechanic read to me my service number and it's 01227730. Mine is a 3.1L V6 with auto tranny and he says he can't find an ECM for my car anywhere and I'm stumped too. I found this url on ebay, tell me if this is just the chip or in total, what I need for my car please?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/AC-De...Q5fAccessories
I hope it shows up. I don't know what I'm looking at in this auction but to get the ball rolling I need to know where and what I need to order because the mechanic is waiting on me. A little pricey on ebay but if it's what I need then I'll jump at the chance. If you guys can tell me of a place that I can find what I need cheaper please let me know. I don't know how you guys keep your V6s running cause I'm sure at one point or another you've faced this problem.
These are the numbers that were given by the mechanic that were on my ECM/ECU:
01227730
864261M1159
130
16164261
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Re: ECM/ECU question
This is what you need but put your prom in . http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/92-ch...-/160397252662
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Re: ECM/ECU question
The link 89-bird provided is correct.
I find it hard to believe that your mechanic can't find a '7730 ECM, they are one of the most commonly used service numbers by GM for the OBD1 ECM. They were used in J, L, N, F-Bodies, and probably a few I have missed. It was used on engines ranging from 2.0L 4Cyl up to 5.7L 8 Cyl, maybe wider range as well.
Your MEMCAL, that is located under the small removable cover that is held on by two screws with a 1/4" hex head will get transfered into the "new" ECM.
It is very rare for the MEMCAL to go bad, though I wouldn't rule it out completly. It's just so rare that I would replace the ECM itself first, without worrying about the MEMCAL at this point.
If you get an ECM with a MEMCAL, it likely won't be correct for your car, since it is the MEMCAL that has all of the code for engine size and Limp Home Mode/Redundant Fuel Device and Knock Filter for each application. Think of the MEMCAL as the Operating system, and the ECM as the hardware, using A PC analogy.
There is a Newer replacement Service number that the 1227730 was relabeled as, and that is: 16198262. So if you can find that Service Number, it's a direct replacement for the 1227730.
There are other ECM service numbers that will also work, but I won't say to try them at this point, since I don't know exactly what the differences are.
I find it hard to believe that your mechanic can't find a '7730 ECM, they are one of the most commonly used service numbers by GM for the OBD1 ECM. They were used in J, L, N, F-Bodies, and probably a few I have missed. It was used on engines ranging from 2.0L 4Cyl up to 5.7L 8 Cyl, maybe wider range as well.
Your MEMCAL, that is located under the small removable cover that is held on by two screws with a 1/4" hex head will get transfered into the "new" ECM.
It is very rare for the MEMCAL to go bad, though I wouldn't rule it out completly. It's just so rare that I would replace the ECM itself first, without worrying about the MEMCAL at this point.
If you get an ECM with a MEMCAL, it likely won't be correct for your car, since it is the MEMCAL that has all of the code for engine size and Limp Home Mode/Redundant Fuel Device and Knock Filter for each application. Think of the MEMCAL as the Operating system, and the ECM as the hardware, using A PC analogy.
There is a Newer replacement Service number that the 1227730 was relabeled as, and that is: 16198262. So if you can find that Service Number, it's a direct replacement for the 1227730.
There are other ECM service numbers that will also work, but I won't say to try them at this point, since I don't know exactly what the differences are.
Last edited by Six_Shooter; 09-17-2010 at 01:33 PM.
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Re: ECM/ECU question
yeah i have two sitting right in front of me lol and if im not mistaken i told you that when you posted the first time lol
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Re: ECM/ECU question
I'm sorry, I've just been so busy with work I hadn't had a chance to check my earlier posts. I'm just trying to decide what is the best route to go so that I have something to fall back on should my replacement ECM be faulty.
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Car: 1992 Camaro RS 25th Anniversary
Engine: 3.4L v6 with a t3/t4 Turbo
Transmission: T-5 Conversion
Axle/Gears: 3.23 SLP Limited Slip
Re: ECM/ECU question
well just so you know i have an ecm for a 1992 camaro v6 3.1 with an auto tranny and i also have the same thing out of a 1991
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Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: ECM/ECU question
Above the passengers feet, below the dash. Use a 1/4" nut driver, 2 or 3 screws along the rear edge, and remove the hush panel. The ECM is on a slide mount, push the bottom of it toward the front of the car, when the velcro lets go and the ECM clears the ledge, pull it straight down and out.
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RBob.
Welcome to TGO.
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Car: check
Engine: check
Transmission: check
Re: ECM/ECU question
Note that that fuse also provides battery power to the ECM. So if it is blown the SES light won't come on either (just do a key-on, engine-off, SES should come on with a quick blink).
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