1994 Grand Prix SE Computer problems?

[brobs1983]

My 1994 Grand Prix just stopped accelerating one day. It stalled out and then reved up. The engine will start and then it will idle up and down then wont accelerate. The mechanic said the computer was cracked open and water logged. Does anyone know anything about car computers? I am clueless when it comes to car computer stuff. can a busted computer really cause this condition?

~Ben

[Krazzee]

Im not great with computers but it does sound like a cpu problem. If u can get a used one that u could return if u had to that would prob save you some time in troubleshooting. Good luck

[Carwhiz]

well, water and an electrical board do not match very well...I would check myself and see if the mechanic is right about water being in the ecm housing. Normally the ecm is pretty well protected unless some serious vibration or an accident happened to the passenger side of the car.

[richtazz]

The ECM is located in the passenger side fender just forward of the wheel well opening, and it is very common to have this problem in 88-96 W-bodies for this reason. When water gets in the computer, it can no longer adjust fuel trim, timing, etc... and will cause the symptoms you describe. A reman ECM for your car should run less than $100/exchange, but avoid the A-1 Cardone brand, as they are problematic. Stick with AC-Delco or Standard Ignition. Make sure you have the service number off your original unit (it's on a sticker attached to the side of the ECM) as there may be more than one used on your year and make. You'll need to swap the PROM out of your original one also. If the PROM is water damaged, you'll have to get a new one from the dealer, and you'll need your VIN number.