Possible dead PCM
02-09-2014, 05:58 PM
#1
Staging Lane
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Possible dead PCM I've had one of those...well, years trying to get my Firebird back in decent running shape lately. Just know that my current issue comes after a string of issues that I've been dealing with lately.
After driving around today looking at my incorrect speedometer, I tried to use the Hypertech tuner that came with my car to reprogram the PCM to account for the 3.73s that were installed when I got it. Unfortunately, the voltage in the battery got too low while the handheld was working and the programming was interrupted. I charged my battery back up and I got the message "Code 6"..."Call Hypertech..." The car will not start.
Based on what I've read, I can pretty much expect to be powerless here. However, I have read that it is possible to reflash the PCM and restore its factory settings. I sent Frost a message on his website asking if this was possible (especially since I planned on getting him to delete the cats anyway) and am eagerly awaiting his response.
Has anyone else experienced this or had luck with a reflash to correct the issue? I've also been searching for a replacement '98 PCM which has proved to be a headache as well. Anyone have any cost-effective suggestions here?
I would relate all the issues I've had lately, but I think at this point it would just be depressing. When it rains it pours, people.
After driving around today looking at my incorrect speedometer, I tried to use the Hypertech tuner that came with my car to reprogram the PCM to account for the 3.73s that were installed when I got it. Unfortunately, the voltage in the battery got too low while the handheld was working and the programming was interrupted. I charged my battery back up and I got the message "Code 6"..."Call Hypertech..." The car will not start.
Based on what I've read, I can pretty much expect to be powerless here. However, I have read that it is possible to reflash the PCM and restore its factory settings. I sent Frost a message on his website asking if this was possible (especially since I planned on getting him to delete the cats anyway) and am eagerly awaiting his response.
Has anyone else experienced this or had luck with a reflash to correct the issue? I've also been searching for a replacement '98 PCM which has proved to be a headache as well. Anyone have any cost-effective suggestions here?
I would relate all the issues I've had lately, but I think at this point it would just be depressing. When it rains it pours, people.
02-09-2014, 10:40 PM
#2
Frost isn't a sponsor any longer on here so I don't know if he will get your message. I have seen handhelds kill a couple PCM's over the years but it's not very common. If you mail me your PCM I'll test it for free. If it's recoverable I can flash it to back to stock for cheap or do a mail order tune on it for $150 plus return shipping. Even if you don't want a tune I'll look at it for free.
02-10-2014, 01:43 PM
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I had no idea he no longer sponsored. I just might have to take you up on the offer. This evening, I'm going to give it another shot after having unhooked my negative cable for a while. I'll pull out all of the other fuses to see if maybe it's drawing too much away. I've read a lack of voltage may cause the error in itself. If I don't have any luck I'll definitely be PMing you. 
Thanks so much for the offer of help!
Thanks so much for the offer of help!
02-11-2014, 12:09 PM
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Frost isn't a sponsor any longer on here so I don't know if he will get your message. I have seen handhelds kill a couple PCM's over the years but it's not very common. If you mail me your PCM I'll test it for free. If it's recoverable I can flash it to back to stock for cheap or do a mail order tune on it for $150 plus return shipping. Even if you don't want a tune I'll look at it for free.
EDIT: Despite my sig, it is a 99+ PCM (converted harness)
02-11-2014, 12:30 PM
#5
Mind if I take you up on this offer? I'm not sure what would have caused my PCM to go bad, but from the testing I've done, I can't see any other explanation. Getting solid B+ at all the constant and ign sources and good grounds, but I can't get a voltage out for the CKP.
EDIT: Despite my sig, it is a 99+ PCM (converted harness)
EDIT: Despite my sig, it is a 99+ PCM (converted harness)
02-11-2014, 01:07 PM
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Do you want me to fill out a form for it or just include a note?
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02-12-2014, 09:12 PM
#8
I had no idea he no longer sponsored. I just might have to take you up on the offer. This evening, I'm going to give it another shot after having unhooked my negative cable for a while. I'll pull out all of the other fuses to see if maybe it's drawing too much away. I've read a lack of voltage may cause the error in itself. If I don't have any luck I'll definitely be PMing you.
Thanks so much for the offer of help!
Thanks so much for the offer of help!
02-21-2014, 09:22 PM
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Good guy right there. I had my PCM tuned by Frost last April. Never had any issues until now. Busted the 10 bolt back before Thanksgiving, so she say in the garage while I fixed her and since it's winter. Well I went out and tried to start it one day and it was a pain, had backfires and no tach. Well I read the code and it was P0342 (cam sensor input low). I changed the sensor and still did the same thing. I changed the crank sensor and it is still hard to start and no tach but from the few times I tried to start it, it stopped backfiring. Any ideas? Junk PCM, cold weather, weak battery? I have never taken anything apart on the motor, just bolts on and that tune by Frost. Help!
02-22-2014, 08:59 PM
#16
Good guy right there. I had my PCM tuned by Frost last April. Never had any issues until now. Busted the 10 bolt back before Thanksgiving, so she say in the garage while I fixed her and since it's winter. Well I went out and tried to start it one day and it was a pain, had backfires and no tach. Well I read the code and it was P0342 (cam sensor input low). I changed the sensor and still did the same thing. I changed the crank sensor and it is still hard to start and no tach but from the few times I tried to start it, it stopped backfiring. Any ideas? Junk PCM, cold weather, weak battery? I have never taken anything apart on the motor, just bolts on and that tune by Frost. Help!
