How to check if ECM is damaged...

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Sep 30, 2004 | 03:09 PM

gearhead0384

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From: Chicago

Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z

Engine: L98 350 TPI

Transmission: Built TH-700 R4 (Vilgilante 2800)

Axle/Gears: 9 bolt w/ PBR's

How to check if ECM is damaged...

I was reading my Check Engine Trouble Codes and I forgot to remove the wire from the ALDL before I started the car. I remember Vader posting that you can damage the PROM or ECM if you do this. I dont think either one is damaged, but is there a way to check?

Thanks

Kevin

Sep 30, 2004 | 03:30 PM

Air_Adam

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From: Saskatoon, SK, Canada

Car: '83 Z28, '07 Charger SRT8

Engine: 454ci, 6.1 Hemi

Transmission: TH350, A5

Axle/Gears: 2.73 posi, 3.06 posi

If it still works fine (engine running same as before) then I doubt you fried it.

Sep 30, 2004 | 04:40 PM

Street Lethal

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From: NYC / Jersey

Car: 1990 Trans Am GTA

Engine: Turbo 305 w/MS2

Transmission: 700R4

Re: How to check if ECM is damaged...

Quote:

Originally posted by gearhead0384 I was reading my Check Engine Trouble Codes and I forgot to remove the wire from the ALDL before I started the car. I remember Vader posting that you can damage the PROM or ECM if you do this. I dont think either one is damaged, but is there a way to check?

Sure, what I normally do is, I remove the ECM from under the dash.... and then I give it a really good shaking to see if anything sounds loose. j/k

Seriously though, I agree with Adam.

Oct 1, 2004 | 09:10 AM

gearhead0384

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iTrader: (7)

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From: Chicago

Car: 1989 Camaro IROC-Z

Engine: L98 350 TPI

Transmission: Built TH-700 R4 (Vilgilante 2800)

Axle/Gears: 9 bolt w/ PBR's

Yeah the car runs fine.

Thank you very much everyone.

Kevin

Last edited by gearhead0384; Oct 4, 2004 at 01:14 AM.

Oct 2, 2004 | 10:23 AM

Vader

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These responses are correct.

It is possible to cause damage, but that doesn't always mean damage will occur. Just don't make a habit of starting the engine with the ALDL diagnostic request grounded like that. If the engine is running normally, you likely did no damage.