'94 ECM Replacement help
ssjones
09-01-2006, 10:16 PM
Folks:
A local shop diagnosed my '94 as having a bad computer. The owner left me a message that these units have to be programmed and he can order a replacement after the holiday for $275 installed. My daughter needs the car this weekend if possible, so I ordered an ECM from Advance Auto for $107. The repair guides on the Autozone site (actually pretty extensive) say some models may require the replacement ECM to be programmed via Tech 1 or the like. I'm not sure what my model year requires, can anyone offer advice?
I did a search for "replacing the ECM" and found one instance where a guy just swapped in a new ECM in a '94.
So that gives me hope it's a simple swap. I PM'd that fellow (SRBenelli) but the post was two years old, so I'm not optimistic.
I appreciate any feedback.
A local shop diagnosed my '94 as having a bad computer. The owner left me a message that these units have to be programmed and he can order a replacement after the holiday for $275 installed. My daughter needs the car this weekend if possible, so I ordered an ECM from Advance Auto for $107. The repair guides on the Autozone site (actually pretty extensive) say some models may require the replacement ECM to be programmed via Tech 1 or the like. I'm not sure what my model year requires, can anyone offer advice?
I did a search for "replacing the ECM" and found one instance where a guy just swapped in a new ECM in a '94.
So that gives me hope it's a simple swap. I PM'd that fellow (SRBenelli) but the post was two years old, so I'm not optimistic.
I appreciate any feedback.
padriver
09-02-2006, 02:05 PM
ECM (or PCM) is basically a simple swap. Only the PROM needs to be removed from the old PCM and installed into the new one. It is easily accessible by removing the top cover.
Here's a pic of the PCM with removed top cover. The blue thing is the PROM.
http://mypage.bluewin.ch/armus/pa/pics/pcm_16183247_prom.jpg
Here's a pic of the PCM with removed top cover. The blue thing is the PROM.
http://mypage.bluewin.ch/armus/pa/pics/pcm_16183247_prom.jpg
ssjones
09-02-2006, 03:31 PM
Thanks PAdriver. I swapped the PROM, plugged the ECM back in and she's running like a champ. I was bummed by the $300 quote from my service station, $100 was a lot easier to swallow. Trouble shooting the problem, I put in new plugs and wires and replaced all the vacuum lines. Hopefully the coils/ignition module holds out a bit longer, although think I'm overdue for a coil replacement. I also finally picked up a Haynes manual so I have some idea what I'm doing.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
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