89 Chevy Beretta issues

brutalsqueaker · 09-04-2009, 09:20 AM

I'm having problems with my 89 Chevy Beretta I drove it across town and it just died on me when i turned it over again it ran until the temp started to rise and it would just die on me. So first I pulled the ECM and had it tested and it tested bad so I replaced it. I still had spark but the fuel system seemed to be the problem so i tested a few things and ended up replacing the fuel pump, pump relay, fuel pressure regulator, and eventually i bought a new computer component as well. Since I had done all this i pulled the ECM to test and make sure I got one that was good. Well I put the ECM back on and installed the new computer and now I have managed to lose spark. I'm completely lost and have no idea that's why I'm turning to you all for some advice.

Thanks, Brutalsqueaker

**octaneman** · 09-04-2009, 11:25 AM

Hi brutalsqueaker

When replacing the ECM the original PROM from your faulty computer has to be re-installed in the new ECM. Exchanging ECM's with different PROM years have caused ignition issues and drivability problems which are well documented. Make sure that the computer you replaced is the exact year and model for your vehicle. Use the VIN number to verify that the replacement is compatible with your car's engine code. Don't just take any computer off the shelf simply because it was on the same model car.. It doesn't work that way.
Do a visual inspection to where the ECM is mounted, make sure there is no corrosion to the ECM wires and the coil pack.

brutalsqueaker · 09-04-2009, 11:29 AM

I had spark when i pulled off the ECM and now when i put it back on there was no spark after re install of ECM and new computer

**octaneman** · 09-04-2009, 11:33 AM

Make sure the ECM connections are tight.

Was the Original PROM used ?

brutalsqueaker · 09-04-2009, 11:35 AM

yes the same prom was used I took my computer to the parts store and they gave me a new computer but i had to use the original prom they told me if i needed a new one to contact gm

**octaneman** · 09-04-2009, 11:45 AM

Since you already had spark ,check the ECM fuses, for you may have accidently burned it by leaving the ignition on when installing the computer. If it still has no spark, return the ECM you bought to the parts store and ask for another one it may be defective.

brutalsqueaker · 09-04-2009, 11:54 AM

So even though i had the ECM tested and it tested okay itmay still be a problem? Someone else suggested checking and possible replacing my cam sensor which I have no idea what i'm looking for and if that might be the problem

**octaneman** · 09-04-2009, 12:04 PM

Yes the ECM can still have a problem. The cam sensor tells the ignition coils when to fire and the problem can stem from there. But, the issue here is that you lost spark AFTER you re-installed the ECM. A cam sensor problem would have registered a check engine code in the ECM memory and there wouldn't be any spark at all before or after the ECM was replaced.

brutalsqueaker · 09-04-2009, 12:09 PM

So the end result is take the ECM off and have it tested again and check around the connectors again what about chance of something in the wiring harness

brutalsqueaker · 09-04-2009, 12:24 PM

Sorry they told me could be a crank shaft sensor that could be the problem this came from the chevy dealership you seem to know what your talking about so i figured i would get a second opinion

**octaneman** · 09-04-2009, 01:00 PM

The crank sensor tells the computer that the piston is at TDC, so if it shorted or open the engine will not fire. You're best bet is to check all fuses going to the ECM with a test light, making sure that all them are OK. Next, look at all wire connections to the ECM plug making sure that none are loose in the slots. Have the computer re-tested leaving no doubt that its OK, then re-connect it to the car make sure all connections are tightly in. If everything checks out OK, and you still have no spark, you will need a wiring diagram and a DVOM to test the wires for voltages,and continuity going from the sensors to the computer.

Here's a link to find the wiring diagrams for your vehicle: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/

lortech · 09-08-2009, 12:05 PM

brutalsqueaker,

With all those parts replaced, it would have been far less hassle and cheaper to take it into a reputable shop and find only one part that has failed. If you are in vancouver bc, I can service your vehicle far less then other shops here.

09-04-2009, 09:20 AM	#1 (permalink)
brutalsqueaker Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 6 OS: winxp	89 Chevy Beretta issues I'm having problems with my 89 Chevy Beretta I drove it across town and it just died on me when i turned it over again it ran until the temp started to rise and it would just die on me. So first I pulled the ECM and had it tested and it tested bad so I replaced it. I still had spark but the fuel system seemed to be the problem so i tested a few things and ended up replacing the fuel pump, pump relay, fuel pressure regulator, and eventually i bought a new computer component as well. Since I had done all this i pulled the ECM to test and make sure I got one that was good. Well I put the ECM back on and installed the new computer and now I have managed to lose spark. I'm completely lost and have no idea that's why I'm turning to you all for some advice. Thanks, Brutalsqueaker

09-04-2009, 11:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 564 OS: WINXP	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues Hi brutalsqueaker When replacing the ECM the original PROM from your faulty computer has to be re-installed in the new ECM. Exchanging ECM's with different PROM years have caused ignition issues and drivability problems which are well documented. Make sure that the computer you replaced is the exact year and model for your vehicle. Use the VIN number to verify that the replacement is compatible with your car's engine code. Don't just take any computer off the shelf simply because it was on the same model car.. It doesn't work that way. Do a visual inspection to where the ECM is mounted, make sure there is no corrosion to the ECM wires and the coil pack.

09-04-2009, 11:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
brutalsqueaker Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 6 OS: winxp	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues I had spark when i pulled off the ECM and now when i put it back on there was no spark after re install of ECM and new computer

09-04-2009, 11:33 AM	#4 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 564 OS: WINXP	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues Make sure the ECM connections are tight. Was the Original PROM used ?

09-04-2009, 11:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
brutalsqueaker Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 6 OS: winxp	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues yes the same prom was used I took my computer to the parts store and they gave me a new computer but i had to use the original prom they told me if i needed a new one to contact gm Last edited by brutalsqueaker; 09-04-2009 at 11:37 AM.

09-04-2009, 11:45 AM	#6 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 564 OS: WINXP	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues Since you already had spark ,check the ECM fuses, for you may have accidently burned it by leaving the ignition on when installing the computer. If it still has no spark, return the ECM you bought to the parts store and ask for another one it may be defective.

09-04-2009, 11:54 AM	#7 (permalink)
brutalsqueaker Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 6 OS: winxp	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues So even though i had the ECM tested and it tested okay itmay still be a problem? Someone else suggested checking and possible replacing my cam sensor which I have no idea what i'm looking for and if that might be the problem

09-04-2009, 12:04 PM	#8 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 564 OS: WINXP	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues Yes the ECM can still have a problem. The cam sensor tells the ignition coils when to fire and the problem can stem from there. But, the issue here is that you lost spark AFTER you re-installed the ECM. A cam sensor problem would have registered a check engine code in the ECM memory and there wouldn't be any spark at all before or after the ECM was replaced.

09-04-2009, 12:09 PM	#9 (permalink)
brutalsqueaker Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 6 OS: winxp	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues So the end result is take the ECM off and have it tested again and check around the connectors again what about chance of something in the wiring harness Last edited by brutalsqueaker; 09-04-2009 at 12:11 PM.

09-04-2009, 12:24 PM	#10 (permalink)
brutalsqueaker Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Washington State Posts: 6 OS: winxp	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues Sorry they told me could be a crank shaft sensor that could be the problem this came from the chevy dealership you seem to know what your talking about so i figured i would get a second opinion

09-04-2009, 01:00 PM	#11 (permalink)
octaneman Mentor Home Support, Gearhead Automotive Center Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 564 OS: WINXP	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues The crank sensor tells the computer that the piston is at TDC, so if it shorted or open the engine will not fire. You're best bet is to check all fuses going to the ECM with a test light, making sure that all them are OK. Next, look at all wire connections to the ECM plug making sure that none are loose in the slots. Have the computer re-tested leaving no doubt that its OK, then re-connect it to the car make sure all connections are tightly in. If everything checks out OK, and you still have no spark, you will need a wiring diagram and a DVOM to test the wires for voltages,and continuity going from the sensors to the computer. Here's a link to find the wiring diagrams for your vehicle: http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ Last edited by octaneman; 09-04-2009 at 01:06 PM.

09-08-2009, 12:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
lortech Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 6 OS: xp pro	Re: 89 Chevy Beretta issues brutalsqueaker, With all those parts replaced, it would have been far less hassle and cheaper to take it into a reputable shop and find only one part that has failed. If you are in vancouver bc, I can service your vehicle far less then other shops here.