Where is the ECM grounded

Pro
01-20-2004, 12:17 AM
Iv been all through the chiltons and cannot seem to find where the main grounding location is.
From the archives I have read, it seems that I have a ECM problem (IE check engine light coming on randomly, not storing codes, speedometer not registering at times, engine hesitation, running VERY rich, etc). Im sure there is something else screwed up, but I dont have the money to pay a shop to fix it right now (the truck is currently getting worked on) and if it is a simple wiring problem.... how nice that would be.

90rocz
01-20-2004, 02:07 AM
The engine harness including ECM is usually grounded on the rear of one of the heads near the firewall.

tom2
01-20-2004, 02:39 PM
Main grounding point on pass head rear top. Real hard to get to. Had ongoing problems with my 89 and finally traced it to this ground, all black and charred, some real current goes through there.

Pro
01-20-2004, 03:14 PM
Originally posted by tom2
Main grounding point on pass head rear top. Real hard to get to. Had ongoing problems with my 89 and finally traced it to this ground, all black and charred, some real current goes through there.

What do you recommend doing? Just clean off the surface or find a new grounding spot?.

Pro
01-20-2004, 03:25 PM
Originally posted by tom2
Main grounding point on pass head rear top. Real hard to get to. Had ongoing problems with my 89 and finally traced it to this ground, all black and charred, some real current goes through there.

What do you recommend doing? Just clean off the surface or find a new grounding spot?.

aklim
01-20-2004, 11:59 PM
I would clean off the surface and find a new grounding cable. The spot is fine and the cable might be bad.

90rocz
01-21-2004, 01:57 AM
You need to sand off the area of the head where the ground bolts on, and the ground "eye-connector"end on both sides. Get some dielectric grease and put a light coat on both sides of the eyelet, bolt it back down and liberaly coat the bolt and connector end with the grease.
Make sure your "engine-to-firewall" ground strap is still in good shape too, a flat braided steel wire...

aklim
01-21-2004, 11:02 AM
I can't be absolutely sure right now but I thought there are 2 grounds?? One to each side of the head?

Pro
01-21-2004, 11:47 AM
Iv had absolutely no time to mess with the camaro (I work 7:00am until midnight today, for instance), but it is easy to get to the grounding spots from under the hood? Or do I need to schedule an appointment with a shop while im here at work.

angel71rs
01-21-2004, 02:02 PM
In case grounding isn't problem: I had to replace the ECM in my Formula in November; I suspected it of causing random flooding. Wasn't sure if it was the problem, so I dropped it down (takes a few minutes), fired up the engine and gave ECM a rap with my knuckes. Engine skipped. Gave it a hard knock and engine died. R & R'd the ECM, problem fixed.

aklim
01-22-2004, 06:13 AM
It is something you can do by yourself. In any case, try it first. Schedule an appointment after the weekend and try it during the weekend. If you suceed, cancel the appointment.