'98 Computer

My friend's been having quite a bit of trouble with his Saturn (I think its a SC2. It's a '98 with the twin cam 4 cyl.) has been running like crap, won't stop right (abs issues), and gets horrible gas mileage. His mechanics say he needs a new main computer for it, since replacing the ABS controller, EGR valve, etc. didn't help any. They say that he has to take it to as dealership and have a computer programmed just for that car. Does he have to do that, or can he find another car with the same engine and transplant its computer? The car has just under 100k on it.

Tell your friend take it to a mechanic that knows what the hell he doing. If I had that car in my garage I could probably figure out whats wrong with it in under an hour. No guessing, which is what they are doing.

Change the computer? Ha. Did they replace the famous ECTS?

I'm not sure about the ECTS (what is that, anyway?). I told him to try another mechanic, but I think he's just going to drop the car. I might look into scooping it up if the price is right though.

I'm not sure about the ECTS (what is that, anyway?)

(ECTS)Engine coolent temperature sensor

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa293/richpin06a/ECTSlocation.jpg

I doubt that's been changed. Are they "famous" for being faulty, or for messing up other components?

Also, are there any ways to test for a faulty computer without any specialized equipment?

The symptoms may vary from Saturn to Saturn but can produce some of the symptoms you are experienceing (bad mileage, poor running). The original was made of nylon i believe and they do indeed fail and/or cause problems. You need to buy a brass tipped one for about 20 bucks from an OEM dealer/factory (www.saturnparts.net is a good place). 6 mm deep well socket wrench is needed, do not overtighten. Can't remember the torque specs.

Alright. I left him a message about changing that. Are there any little things like that that could be causing the ABS to act up? As far as I know, the ABS unit and the controller for it were both replaced. I have yet to drive it, but from what I understand, the ABS unit is cycling for no reason and won't let the car stop right. Could the sensors at the wheels be blown?

it does sound more like a wheel senser or toner ring problem. but in my experince with my old 94, active ABS with heavy braking is normal, in part i'm guessing to the car's lighter then average wieght

Someone on another board suggested unhooking the ABS master relay. Do you know where that is?

that was me, look in the fuse box next to the battery

Haha. I thought so, but was too lazy to look again :grinyes:.

I'll see about changing that sensor and playing with the ABS this weekend. Thanks for the help.

Well, I told him about that sensor, but he thinks it was changed along with the radiator, but I'm going to look tomorrow. He's also convinced that the main computer is blown because he's been told that the traction control is what's throwing the ABS off, and they talk to each other through the main computer.

Does the traction control have anything to do with the ABS?

yes, the traction control uses the ABS sensor readings. if there is any fault in the ABS system, traction control is automaticly turned off. but not the other way around, traction control is basicly a few extra lines in a program that says if the drive wheels slip, reduce engine power to the wheels. very little if any mechicanical parts are needed to add traction control to a car with ABS. there are different ways to limit power to the wheels, depending on who makes the system, one or several methods are used, first is to reduce the actual output of the engine, by limiting fuel, air, or changing spark timing. the second is to upshift an automatic transmission. the last is to use the ABS module to engage brakes(even with your foot off the pedal)

I think it's a pretty safe bet that your PCM is not fried and that you need a new mechanic.