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Did my ECM fry?

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Old 07-22-2012, 03:58 PM
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Car: 1983 Daytona 500 Edition Trans Am
Engine: Carb 305
Transmission: NWC T5
Did my ECM fry?

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
Old 07-23-2012, 12:35 PM
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Car: 1983 Daytona 500 Edition Trans Am
Engine: Carb 305
Transmission: NWC T5
Re: Did my ECM fry?

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?
Old 07-24-2012, 12:04 AM
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Re: Did my ECM fry?

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.
Old 07-25-2012, 11:51 AM
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Car: 1983 Daytona 500 Edition Trans Am
Engine: Carb 305
Transmission: NWC T5
Re: Did my ECM fry?

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.
Old 07-25-2012, 02:46 PM
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Car: 1984 Firebird (89 Formula Clone)
Engine: 357
Transmission: m29 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt Borg Warner.
Re: Did my ECM fry?

welcome to owning a thirdgen. Nickels and dimes turn into stacks.
Old 07-25-2012, 03:03 PM
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Car: 1983 Daytona 500 Edition Trans Am
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Re: Did my ECM fry?

Originally Posted by silentkillzr
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.
Old 07-25-2012, 03:04 PM
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Car: 1984 Firebird (89 Formula Clone)
Engine: 357
Transmission: m29 T56
Axle/Gears: 3.27 9 bolt Borg Warner.
Re: Did my ECM fry?

Originally Posted by Mpperry001
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.
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