'88 ECM work on an '89?

[Monkeyed]

I found a listing for an engine computer off an 88 fifth ave at a junkyard about a half mile from my house for $25, in Grade "A" condition. If it's good, it should work on my 89, right?

 

[Jack Meoff]

I would guess yes.
I know they slightly changed throughout the years and certain years won't work but I'm thinking an 88 would work on an 89.
I've read the cop version stayed the same from I think 86-89....don't quote me but something like that...
For $25 if it's mint I'd grab it either way.

 

[Monkeyed]

:eusa_doh: "Sorry, nothing good in the fifth avenue engine right now"

then why the f do they still have the computer listed!?

this kind of thing always makes me want to call :bs:

 

[Dr Lebaron]

Used M computers are a shot in the dark.

First you need to compare the part numbers printed on it.

I once took a known working computer with the same number as the one I had, did a swap and got NO WHERE.

 

[Monkeyed]

Used M computers are a shot in the dark.

First you need to compare the part numbers printed on it.

I once took a known working computer with the same number as the one I had, did a swap and got NO WHERE.

it's getting to be such a crap shoot, $100+ for a new computer for it that might fix the problem.. I can buy a rebuildable 360 magnum for that same money. less than a grand I can get a running engine and transmission. for $1,100 I can get an entire van with one.. after pulling what I need out of it, I could STILL get $4-500 back out of it at the scrapyard.......

 

[Dr Lebaron]

Is yours toast or are you just guessing.

If I tossed computers at my M's everytime there was a spark problem, I'd be getting no where.

Could be as simple as the ballast or coil.

 

[Monkeyed]

guessing, already changed the coil..not 100% clear how to check the ballast

 

[Dr Lebaron]

Have one of these to prove or disprove spark with ease.

Like 7 bucks.

 

[Jack Meoff]

View attachment 7363Have one of these to prove or disprove spark with ease.

Like 7 bucks.

What is that item?

 

[Dr Lebaron]

Huh?

In line spark tester.
Light comes on, there's spark.

 

[Jack Meoff]

Just for the record......
There is no ballast per se on a ECM car.
The computer handles that function.
There are ways to test the computer but not that individual component...
As far as I can find in my FSM the function of what would be a ballast is controlled between the computer and the pick ups in the dual pickup distributor.....just thought I'd clear that up....