Abou two years ago my mechanic installed a used ecm in my car(see Sig). He said it came out of a chevy Astro. Part of the install was using a device to program in a code to let the ecm know what type of car it was in.

It now looks like I may have to replace the ECM again. I have two questions:

1: Would you go with a used ECM again (I'm thinking no). If not would you get another GM ECM or another brand. I heard Borg Warner makes them.

2: If its a new ECM do I have to program it and if so, How is it done.

Thanks

 

The calibration data is on a *chip*, and is swapable from one ecm to the other (assuming their the same part no). If you look at the ecm there is a cover in the center of it held on with 2, 1/4" screws. Under it is a blue *memcal* that has two retaining tabs on it. Push them away from the memcal and it pops up.

Various ecms are used in various applications, with just the chip being different.

 

165 ECM's came in AstroVans?

I got two 730's for 40$ at pick a part.
Regular yards are $50ea or so I've heard.

How many used ones can you go through to equal a reman? Or a new?

But 165's aren't as prevalent IIRC.

You might want to check your wiring and see why your ecms only last a few years.

How do you know it's the ecm?

 

I have idle issues and code 44

There is a thread in tpi that I started:

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=229748

I'm going to finish my coffie and crawl under the car looking for the O2 senor and wiring.

except fpr a volt meter I don't have a "scan tool' that is decribed in the diagnostic charts.

If it is the ecm: I just wanted to know If its something I can just move the chip out of the old unit into the new. Then install it back in and its ready to run? Or do I need device to set up the ECM?

 

Yes, just plug and play with same model ECM.

Header swaps often need a heated O2 sensor. You might have an exh leak.
Just swapping exh won't normally make an ECM fail. Check AIR sys., gaskets etc.

In a pinch, you can take your desktop out in the garage. Just need a cable and free software and you scanning. You could use ALDU1 and cable1. Moates.net

 

Used a friends scan tool. He owen a 85 vett and is always toying with it.

Thanks for the info.


I spoke with kragens. they can sell me one for about $90. If i need one. I take it that all these ECM are about the same.

If you want to know whats going on with this to can use the thread I posted.

The last few days have been an adventure.

 

The 165s were used in a number of single barrel TBI applications.