wondering, i just bought an icm used from a member here. if it is the wrong year, would i burn anything up, or would it not run right? is there any way i can tell the difference between the 94 and the 97/96's?

 

The years are not interchangeable. OBDI's sent 12 volts through the coil to the ICM. Part number 10483139. However 93 was an entirely different beast.

When OBDII came out, they moved the 12 volts externally directly to the ICM. Part number 10482803

Not entirely sure what would happen if they are swapped. You will not damage anything other than possibly the ignition fuse.

Unfortunately it doesn't help with your delema. However, you could take the one you have to AZ and ask to look at both years as a comparison.

 

Not sure if it's relevant, but when I converted my '97 back to OBDI, I left the original ICM in place, and the car runs just fine. I didn't even think of it being an issue until now

 

I am running one for a 95 Impala on my 93 and have no problems. I did have problems running a junk one from advanced as I burned 2-3 of those up. I always tell people to use only GM ICMs. Painless also made a mistake on their harness, which I am sure did not help.