'98 Saturn And '89 Blazer Questions

[vgames33]

My friend's been having quite a bit of trouble with both of his vehicles. His Saturn (not sure of the model, but its a '98 with the twin cam 4 banger) has been running like crap, won't stop right (abs issues), and gets horrible gas mileage. His mechanics say he needs a new main computer for it, since replacing the ABS controller, EGR valve, etc. didn't help any. They say that he has to take it to as dealership and have a computer programmed just for that car. Does he have to do that, or can he find another car with the same engine and transplant its computer? The car has just under 100k on it.

His '89 Blazer 4x4 with the 4.3 V6 has been having alot of issues as well. It runs really rough, does alot of stumbling, and spits so much raw fuel that it eventually floods itself. The TBI is fairly new, and the ECM is spitting out a MAP/MAF code. It started up better when I unhooked the MAP/MAF, but everything came back once it warmed up. Since the MAP/MAF is only 40$, he's going to change it, but I'm not convinced that it will fix everything, since it did the same thing with it unhooked. The Blazer has 89k on it.

Also, is that black box next to the master cylinder on the Blazer the ECM? It looks like one, but it seems strange for it to be exposed like that.

Thanks.

[curtis73]

Not sure about the Saturn.

The blazer sounds like leaky injectors. its a very common TBI problem. Since you said they were just serviced, I'd look there first. The black box beside the master cylinder is either the cruise control servo or the ABS. The computer is.... (someone else insert correct answer below)

[vgames33]

After another chat, he said that he just rebuilt the TBI unit himself about 3 months ago (I thought he was still running the one from the junkyard). That didn't help much, and it eventually got to where it is now.

He said that when he drives it, it bogs down really bad at low revs and gear changes, usually stalling when it comes to a stop unless he gives it gas.

The MAP sensor has its own filter. Could it be plugged up?

[vgames33]

He checked the TBI and it's working just fine. A MAP sensor and some new plugs helped alot, but its still missing a bit. He says it sounds like the ignition coils might be going out. Can I check them with a multimeter?