[sad-lumina-owner]

more Updates:

(1) EGR Valve: I was only thinking of changing the EGR because I did not know it might cost $200-$300. I assumed it was either a $10 part or something I could get from a wrecker (and I probably will if I need to). The second reason I had for changing the EGR was because I have already swapped out and/or replaced nearly everything else. I have been mistakenly saying in a few previous posts that I changed the EGR valve, when in fact I actually changed the PCV Valve (a $7 part).

(2) "Repair Facility": In the Canadian countryside, there's no such animal as a(n honest) 'repair facility'. We try to glue shit together with duct-tape around here. And there's no money for luxuries like "labour". its a DIY situation.

(3) /95 Monte Carlo ECM:

Did you swap out the PROM chips from your old ECM to the new one, or did you install it as-is from the donor vehicle? If you didn't swap the PROM, that is probably most of your issue as each PROM is calibrated to that specific vehicle.

Its a fair question. But the answer is sad and simple. The ECM that's in this car was there when I bought it second hand, and I have no idea of the history of the vehicle. But its almost a certainty that nobody did any PROM swapping. People here grab something from the wrecker and shove it in. If the car starts, thats considered a successful repair. The only reason I know this much is because a wrecker scribbled "/95 Monte Carlo" in crayon on the case for the ECM. Any original equipment PROMs must be considered long gone at this point.

(4) Fuel Pump/Pressure:

Check fuel pressure. See youtube video 'fuel pressure' (easy test).

No need, nor any sense to it. Fuel pump works fine. Car cruises on highway without any problems when warm. Lots a power, nice engine. Problem is as previously stated. The thing doesn't know how to cold-start without wasting gas, idling all over the map, conking out and fouling its own plugs. It needs an adult diaper before it waking it up.

(5) Intake Leaks:

Finally, the 3.4 DOHC's are known for intake leaks that only affect operation when cold. As the weather gets colder, the metal shrinks more, causing gaps that the intake gakets can't keep sealed. As the engine warms up, everything expands and the engine will run better.

This sounds like useful information. I presume that the only fix is to re-gasket the intake manifold. Fair enough. If I can't get anywhere with other things, I will get to this too.

(6) Computer Codes:

If the computer is talkin', ya' gotta' listen. Maybe that's a starting point???

Save the $40 - $60.

Use a $.07 paper clip.



Get your codes, and post them back. NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT THAT.

I'm apparently not the only one not listening. Of course I'll save the $40-60, since I haven't got it to spend. And the paper-clip trick doesn't work on this vehicle, as I have previously explained!

It may be that the pin-out is the problem, or it may be that the ECM/software for a 3.4L v6 HAS NO Facility to dump codes with a paper-clip, or it may be that the substitute /95 Monte Carlo ECM is the reason for no codes. Or it may be that the 'code' is simply that the ECM has some stupid software bug in it which is unique. I may get around to experimenting with substitute ECMs and PROMs, but not till I have inherited lots of time and money.

The main point is that no codes are forthcoming from this LEMON, and finally, your pinout diagram seems hopelessly wrong, since on the readout plug I have already replaced once, there is NO WIRE connected to pin 12. I have posted the actual pinout of the plug elsewhere, but essentially it has the two end-pins on the right as the 'live pins'. The one in the middle of the plug is apparently for a low-speed transmission readout (perhaps to a proprietary Dealer-readout device?).

I have shorted all possible pins and got no codes. So actually, there is NOTHING ELSE TO DO BUT do something ELSE.