1999 Chevy Lumina Thinking my issue is my ECM

Tiny
SPARKS78
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 CHEVROLET LUMINA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 13,500 MILES
Yesterday I went to the store, my car started fine. All though in recent weeks my anti lock brake dummy light and traction control light would come on i'd shut it off then start it and it would be gone. Any ways. I got to the store got my things and jumped in the car. When I tried to start it nothing. Light were dim inside. When I turned the key t start i'd hear a slight clatter. I think my ignition module went out or possibly my computer. MY battery shows full charge and this is the only reason I can think of it being my computer or ignition.
Thursday, September 25th, 2008 AT 4:51 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Could be a simple short, have you tried removing the cables and cleaning them? Then a jump start?
Get an analog voltmeter remove the negative battery cable, attach the Black lead to the battery post, Red lead to cable end, then pull fuses one at a time, make sure there are no accessories or lights in the on position, Key off! Close the door after each fuse and check meter, when you pull the fuse for the bad curcuit, the meter will drop to 1 volt or so. Check all fuses, even under the hood. If meter does not drop, remove the battery connection from the alternator, if it drops now, the diodes are bad in the alternator. Put the fuse back in were it goes as you go so you don't forget which fuse goes were!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 26th, 2008 AT 4:09 PM
Tiny
SPARKS78
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
When I turn the key to start there is no activity out of starter.
When I have the key in the on position I can hear chatter coming from the ECU and I heard chatter out of the ecu fuse under the cars hood.

I pulled the battery and charged it. I have better lighting in the car. My door electronice door locks work but the dummy lights on the dash don't light up. The brake light will appear real faint.

Checked all fuses under hood for blow connection and all are fine.

Haven't done the test you spoke of in answer but I think my ignition switch relay maybe bad or possibly the ECU.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 26th, 2008 AT 4:48 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
So with the key in the on position, does the service engine soon light come on? Door open, key in ignition does the chime work?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, September 26th, 2008 AT 5:24 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Computer Content

Engine Computer
GUIDE
Engine Computer
The automotive engine computer, also known as the ECU, PCM or ECM (Engine control unit, Powertrain control module, Engine control module), is central to a vehicle’s ...
VIEW MORE