Last night by check engine light went on and it idled kind of funny. It wasn't real bad just a little higher. I have an aftermarket custom burnt chip also. Well I tried to pull a code with the paper clip and the light wouldn't flash. Then I used my scanner to get info out of the computer and it keeps saying NO DATA. Also the fan is always on when I have the key in the ON position. I am assuming this might have something to do with the computer or chip. I don't know much about electronics so if someone could give me ideas I would appreciate it.


Today I drove it to school and it started off really rough. I drove a few miles, pulled the computer down and pushed the chip down harder. Then I started the car and it acted normal. Drove a few miles and it started up with the problems again. Every time I would come to a stop it would die. I had to keep on holding the brake and the gas at the same time.

 

Yep, sounds like the memcal socket's doa.
Not being able to flash a code is another indicator.

 

Well I switched one of my chips and it is doing the same thing. Could something be wrong with the whole computer?

 

Try tapping on the ECM while the engine is running. If the engine stumbles or misses and/or the SES light changes then the ECM is bad. The '165's are notorious for this.

RBob.

 

Where would I pick up another computer and for about how much?

 

You can try the classifieds here on TGO. The junkyards should also have one. The '165 was used in '86-'89 f-body's along with a bunch of trucks ('87-'89?). Priced between $25 - $50US.

RBob.

 

Alright so it is definately the computer. I pulled the car out and let it run and I gave the computer a little knock and it kept stumbling.
I just have to get any computer between 86 and 89 and it will work? Even out of a camaro right?
Thanks for your help btw.

 

Using your current MEMCAL any of the '165s will work. Even a truck '165 ECM. The part that defines the ECM as being for a particular vehicle is the MEMCAL.

RBob.

 

So even a computer out of a v6 would work? All I would need to do is switch memcals?

 

Yes.

RBob.