Ok last night i was trying to do some datalogging (still new to it) i plugged it up started recording and tried to crank the car and it wouldnt start, so i stop the datalog and try to crank it again, and it just makes a clicking sound and wont even let the radio play, nothing. So i call bryan at pcmforless and he tells me it sounds like i fried my computer because the battery started to drop voltage when i tried to crank the car. Is there a cheaper way to get a new pcm than buying from Ion or pcmforless.

 

Have you tried a new battery yet??

 

No i did try jumping it off this morning though which did nothing.

 

I'd try a new battery first.

 

Will do asap.

 

craigslist or here on tech are probably your best options

 

Its difficult to fry the computer when data logging. Usually it happens when you are writing a new calibration, because the old one has to first be erased. So the chip is then "fried". Not really fried just stuck in a blank state.

Anyway, have you tried disconnecting the battery and letting it sit for a few? That should reset the computer and may do the trick.

 

you can Fry the chips that are in the pcm. I've done it on accident. I sent the pcm in to have new chips solder in. OR you can buy a kit to solder them in yourself. If that is indeed what the problem is. Gregrob is correct in that "frying" usually takes place when writing a new tune to the pcm and a voltage drop/spike causes the chips to mess up. one thing to see if your pcm is fried is to put your datalogger back on it and if it can't connect with the pcm then is probably fried.

also if installing the new chips your self you need to have some way to reinstall the tune.

 

If ya need a new computer and it matches up to a 95 trans am, I will let my stocker go for 60 bucks. I parted out my car 6 mnths ago and stuck the motor in my 85 trans am and went carb on mine.

 

unplug the data logger and start it up.. Its prob. fine make sure your vats still works

 

I don't think its even possible to fry a PCM while data logging, only while uploading, I agree with the battery scenario, Now the PCM can be in a "Frozen" State but it will turn over but not start, the clicking sound you say is from a dead or shorted out battery. Put a new battery, turn your key to the on position, pull the PCM fuse, wait 10 seconds, Key off and replace your fuse, I have done this dozens of times and it has worked every time..

 

Thanks man ill try that later today. i was just going off what i was told it sounded like to bryan at pcmforless.