Hi all,
I finally got my car running, but it is running really poorly. The check engine light is always on. i tried to check for codes, but with a and b jumped, the check engine light still just stays solid. My alternator fried a couple days ago, and i was wondering if that killed my ecm. Its an 83 trans am with a cc carb. I did a search and found some similar problems, but no resolutions. Is there another way to tell if the ecm is bad?

Thanks for reading

 

Any input would be appreciated. I Purchased a new computer, but i dont want to risk this one frying to. Anyone know how i can test this?

 

Gosh thats a tough one. I would say have it serviced by a professional to test the ECM and if its fried then they will need to trace it down so you dont fry the new ECM when installed. The closes I came to this problem was with my old 83 camaro that had all the emissions and sensors taken out of it. I put everything back on and the old ECM was fried. Replaced the ECM 2 times but kept frying. In the end it turned out the new ECM's I was buying at the auto retailer were crap. My mechanic told me to buy one from the dealer and I did. I hooked it up and it worked fine. Electrical issues can be very tricky so have a professional look at it and advise.

 

thanks for the info. I order a reconditioned ECM and it should arrive next week. I believe that the faulty alternator fried the computer, but i went through all the ecm wiring to see if there are any visible faults. I hope this fixes the problem, since this car has been nickle and diming me for a year.

 

welcome to owning a thirdgen. Nickels and dimes turn into stacks.

 

Yes they do. This is my grandfathers car that i inherited. It was in pretty bad shape, and i already have about 10 grand into it. The only reason i spent all the money was because i loved this car as a child. I always knew i would get it, and i just want it to run right so i can enjoy the ride.

 

Lol yeah i think im getting close to 10k in mine, never drove it yet... Ive had about 8 thirdgens.