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Pcm location?

Tiny
REDDELICIOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 93,000 MILES
My car won't start. I had a mechanic come out and look at it and he told me that the computer wasn't sending a negative energy charge to the fuel injectors. The positive charge from the fuse works fine.

He told me I'd have to take it to a shop b/c he didn't have a manual and he couldn't find the ECM. My question is, where is it, and is there any way I can test the computer myself to make sure the computer works and that the problem is just a faulty wire? My understanding of it is that will make a big difference in the price.
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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 3:43 PM

17 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The PCM is below left side of dash near steering column

If it has power going to the injectors and its not synchronizing could be a wiring problem or the computer's ground drivers.

PCM location


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_PCM_and_DLC_1.jpg

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Sunday, May 3rd, 2009 AT 3:58 PM
Tiny
JOEDSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 3.4L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 124,000 MILES
I just bought a PCM from a local parts store. I had to give them the VIN #, mileage, etc. I was informed that it would be flashed.
After installing it. The engine would not crank.
A to

10 minute relearn procedures was done for the passlock. Fuel pump operates, gauges work.

What am I doing wrong?
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
I seriously doubt that is completely programmed out of the car. That usually has to be done in the car. Do you have a security light on or flashing when you try to start it? I would also suspect that this will require the 30 minute relearn procedure rather than the 10 minute.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOEDSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I wasn't aware if a 30 minute process.
Can you provide instructions?

The security light was on steady the entire time. Everything else seemed to be normal. Reinstalled the original PCM, engine cranked and started.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
The 30 minute process is repeating the 10 minute 3 times but the light has to go out after 10 minutes and it should have been flashing, not on steady.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOEDSMITH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
You have been very helpful.

Thank you !
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CONNIEJO1965
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,500 MILES
How labor intensive is the installation of an engine control module for my car.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,870 POSTS
REMOVAL PROCEDURE

NOTE: In order to prevent internal damage to the PCM, the ignition must be OFF when disconnecting or reconnecting the PCM connector.

Service should normally consist of either replacement of the PCM or EEPROM re-programming.

If the diagnostic procedures call for the PCM to be replaced, the PCM should be inspected first in order to verify the PCM is the correct part.

DTC P0602 indicates the EEPROM programming has malfunctioned. When DTC P0602 is set, re-program the EEPROM.

CAUTION: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the left closeout/insulator panel.
3. Loosen the powertrain control module (PCM) connector screws (1).

NOTE: Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Do not remove the integrated circuit boards from the carrier.

4. Disconnect the PCM electrical connectors.
5. Depress the PCM retaining tabs.
6. Slide the PCM from the PCM bracket.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE
Remove the new PCM from the packaging and inspect the service number to verify the number is the same number, or an updated number, as the faulty PCM.

1. Slide the PCM into the PCM bracket.

NOTE: Do not touch the PCM connector pins or soldered components on the circuit board in order to prevent possible electrostatic discharge (ESD) damage. Do not remove the integrated circuit boards from the carrier.

2. Install the PCM electrical connectors.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

3. Tighten the PCM connector screws (1).

Tighten
Tighten the PCM connector screws to 8 N.M (71 lb ft ).

4. Install the left closeout/insulator panel.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.

IMPORTANT: The replacement PCM must be reprogrammed and the crankshaft position system variation learn procedure must be performed.

6. Program the PCM. Refer to Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Programming. See: Testing and Inspection Programming and Relearning
7. The replacement PCM will NOT allow secondary air injection (AIR) pump operation until a total of 10 miles have accumulated.
It's 1.6hrs labor to replace it time's shop labor rate. It's not too hard to replace you have to have the new one reprogramed.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FRVRPRNCSS24
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Engine Mechanical problem
2001 Pontiac Grand Am 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I am trying to replace my ecm computer. I was wondering the location and what it looks like?
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Its below left side of dash near steering column-See pic below-Good Luck


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_pcm_19.jpg

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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:18 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WALTER STAROSCIK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 70,000 MILES
If I replace the BCM and PCM with used ones that they both came out of same car and the car was same year, make, and model does it have to be reprogrammed and do I have to change the PROM and if I do change the PROM will that avoid having to reprogram?
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good morning,

There is no prom in the ECM. That stopped in 1995.

Yes, they must be programmed to your car and the VIN. If you do not, certain functions will not work and you will get codes for VIN mismatch.

They both need to be done.

Why are you replacing them?

Roy
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WALTER STAROSCIK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I am replacing them because it started out with a bunch of the warning lights on dash coming on and then the chime buzzer started coming on and it got worse it started staying on almost all the time. So annoying and I was told that that is what the problem was and that if I changed one that I would have to change the other. So I went to wrecking yard and got them both out of same car that was same year and everything, but now I keep getting the check engine light and it keeps telling me different codes every time it goes on. I'm trying to get it smoked but I can't the car only has about 70,000 miles on it.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WALTER STAROSCIK
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I just replaced o2 sensors and now it is telling me that bank 1 sensor is not heating up correctly.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, can you please list the codes for me?

Roy
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2005SPROUT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM
Computer problem
2000 Pontiac Grand Am 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

I have a check engine light that keeps coming on and the code was an emission leak. Took to my mechanice and replaced vent solinoid which was bad also replaced gas cap and replaced purge valve. Had to smoke tests done on car and showed no vapor leaks. Reset check engine light with scan tool and light came back on within one week. Same code appeared. Car runs perfectly fine. Mechanic says the only thing it could be would be the ECM unit will not clear for some reason and the only thing he can think of is to replace the ECM. Bought a used same svc # ECM on ebay which was tested and working condition which when I pulled the old ECM out and replaced it with the ECM I had bought car will turn over but not start. Put the old one back in car starts fine. QUESTION IS. How can or what steps must I perform to get this ECM unit I bought to work? Do I have to clear it out and if so how?
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Most GM PCM's have to be flashed by dealer.

The EVAP system can be tested by dealer or garage with necessary equipment, each solenoid, relay can be tested individually.

To say the PCM is bad without proper testing is a conclusion, not a diagnosis.
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Monday, December 7th, 2020 AT 4:19 PM (Merged)

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