Possible dead PCM
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.
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.
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!
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)
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)
Do you want me to fill out a form for it or just include a note?
Please include the form, it's easier to keep track of pcms when they come in with it.
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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!
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Teching In
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
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!
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!
