REAL MAN TRUCKWORKS & SURVIVAL

VEHICLES, CAMPERS, and BOATS => General Vehicle Related Discussion => Topic started by: akraven on October 24, 2020, 03:05:27 PM

Title: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: akraven on October 24, 2020, 03:05:27 PM
So with the uptick in talk of problem with China and EMP potiental as well as the fact I live in ALaska and travel remote vibration prone gravel road I have been looking at getting a spare ECU just in case.  In trying to find info on them it gets confusing pretty fast to me. Some are described as "plug and Play" some state they need to be "programed" or "Flashed" and some are described as only needing the PROM card swapped to the new one.  Trying to find more details on the web seems to only add to the confusion. Does anyone have any experience/knowledge to share on the subject?
I realize that I should probably also have a throttle position sensor spare . Anything else I am missing?
Thank you ahead of time for any help anybody can offer!!!
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: stlaser on October 24, 2020, 05:02:03 PM
Ken is the guy to answer this for you.
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: akraven on October 24, 2020, 05:27:57 PM
Thanks stlaser !!  Hopefully he will wander through and this.
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: Flyin6 on October 24, 2020, 07:24:04 PM
I'm not Ken, but I think they do need to be flashed.
My belief, somewhat factually based, is that the core unit lacks a "personality module" which essentially keys the computer to work in a particular application. With different vehicles having two or four O2 sensors, different operating voltages and a myriad of variables the keying to your vin zeroes the computer into a place where it is then compatible with your vehicle. Its that way with the TCM, and I have had to pay for a GM flash before installing a new TCM. I think it is the same with a BCM, so logic suggests the same regiment applies to an ECM
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: KensAuto on October 24, 2020, 09:13:08 PM
Yours is the prom style. Just have to get the same number on the ECM.

Yeah Don, pretty much what you said on '96 on up.
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: TexasRedNeck on October 24, 2020, 09:51:18 PM
Just make sure you store your spare parts in a sealed metal can/box if you want them to work after the “burst”. I’ll be riding around in my tractor I guess.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: Flyin6 on October 24, 2020, 10:42:04 PM
Like this one:

https://www.skilledsurvival.com/faraday-cage/

Or wrap in aluminum foil

Or check out how military aircraft parts are stored
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: JR on October 25, 2020, 12:21:49 AM
I will back up Ken on that. Spares are easy, but if you go there get a prom too.

Aren't all ecms in a metal non grounding box? Or build one?
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: akraven on October 25, 2020, 12:46:32 AM
Thank you all for helping me understand it.!!   I will try to get in there tomorrow and see what the ECM and PROM numbers are and go from there. I will also look at the storage box idea.
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: cruizng on October 25, 2020, 09:17:45 AM
Here is another option for faraday bag.


https://www.survivaldispatchstore.com/shop/survivetek-faraday-bag-combo-kit/


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: TexasRedNeck on October 25, 2020, 12:43:41 PM
https://youtu.be/WQ6uI2ajKK8


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 1990 Chevy ECU replacement knowledge?
Post by: akraven on October 25, 2020, 03:19:52 PM
That video is really good. I like that you have actual test numbers to back up his claims. From my previous reading I am surprised he didn't mention seperating whatever is inside from the metal of the can as I thought that was required.
SimplePortal 2.3.6 © 2008-2014, SimplePortal