How can I test my son's electronic spark control module to see if it is good or not? Can Autozone test these out? Trying to determine if I have a bad ground somewhere or if the ESCM is bad. Unplug the ECM wire, set the timing, plug back in and it runs like crap. It'll run ok with the ECM unplugged, just no power. New ECM for the car and everything, good fuel, etc.

 

Not sure is parts stores can/will test it.

The knock sensor in the block will send a faint signal(<1 volt) when it senses knock. When no knock is present, there is no signal from the sensor.

To simulate no signal(i.e. no "knock") you could disconnet the sensor and see where that gets you.

The following site will tell you how the module works. You could work up your own diagnosis procedure from there.

http://www.megamanual.com/ms2/index.htm

On the menu on the left, look for "Knock Sensing"(not far from top), and that article will describe it.

 

I'll give that a try (disconnecting the knock sensor) and see what happens. What is throwing me is I'm getting NO codes whatsoever when the ECM is plugged in (it's also a new ECM). Just runs like crap. Figured I would get a 43 if the ESC was screwed up or maybe the knock sensor.
Guy that owned the car before me tried to carb the car and screwed up a bunch of things. I don't know if he cut any grounds or what. Might as well cause he cut just about everything else.
Thanks a bunch for the input.
T