how do you program an ecm? do you use win aldl? im good with computers and ok with cars but no so much with electrical systems any advice or input is more than welcome

WinALDL is just a program that reads what data the computer is putting out. In order to program say a stock V6 or I4 computer in our cars, you'd have to burn a new PROM chip, and replace the one that's currently in the computer. You can do it yourself, or get someone like Darth Fiero to do it for you

http://www.thirdgen.org/tec...ning-guide-book.html

http://www.gmtuners.com/

The Fiero ECM has a 2K Eprom with mostly Tuning tables and very little code.
You need a UV eraser for erasing and an Eprom programmer for programming.
The bulk of the code is in Soldered ROMs and can not be changed.

The Fiero ECM can not be reprogrammed on car without heavy mods or add-on hardware.
There are EPROM simulators for the 2K that you could use, but you can't use winaldl.

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Visit my website: www.fieros.de for lots of technical and other Fiero related information
Maroon 87 GT daily driver with Firebird Body Control Module, Power Window Controllers and Dash mounted Scantool/Trip Computer

ahh ok that seems a bit more complicated than i originally thought.

reprogramming the stock ecm requires a special Eprom programmer as current ones will not program the oder chips used in our cars. Older programmers typically work better than new ones. Along with the UV eprom eraser you also need a supply of eproms as well as a working ALDL program to test and monitor your tuning. This is just the tools.

you also now need to completely understand how an engine works. tuning fuel or timing tables without understanding what you are doing = blown up engine. advancing timing too much and driving around town with the new "faster" tune can blow a hole in a piston because you are pinging like a maniac and cant hear it or do not have enough experience to know what it sounds like. you can also lean out the fuel tables and find a faster tune.... but burn up valves and pistons because you were not making sure you did not run too lean.

a Stock fiero can not be tuned any further, its not like a honda where they designed it for economy and cheap to build... it was designed for performance, at least the v6 was, from the beginning so every ounce of go in that engine is already there. Honda = cheapie that has potential due to really bad intake designs and poor tuning to target highest gas mileage , Fiero = as fast as it could be when it was made.

I tune stock Fiero ECM's. they are not hard, but they are VERY limited due to age. upgrading to a 7730 ecm is your first step before doing ANY fiero tuning.

Computers are brain dead easy, learn internal combustion and how fuel injection and the rest of the systems work first. That's the hard part.

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Best RV, Camper, and Trailer dealer in West Michigan. http://www.cliffstrailersales.com and he's a fiero owner too!

7730 upgrade is cool. Get that under your belt and then start getting excited about ECM programming.

ok i was talking about ecms in general but knowing about the stock ones is great to. now what if i wanted to disable a vat system for my cadi 4.9 ecm? i also have a 98 rivera that im going to do a 3800 sc swap on next year hopfully if i can hammer this 4.9 out this year (i dont have a heated garage). so instead of sending my ecm's out which im not against doing i just want to learn which is why im taking on these projects. so if i can do it myself that would be great.

You can do it yourself. It does cost a bit. I'm at about $300 worth of hardware plus TunerPro RT software which is basically free (Free registration when you buy an Ostrich). I would like to go with HP Tuners software but it's very expensive at $500. You get what you pay for so free software can leave you wanting.

cool im going to look into that does it come with like instructions or tutorials? kinda like holding your hand so you ge tthe hang of it or do they throw you to the loins expecting you know your stuff?

quote Originally posted by Niterrorz: cool im going to look into that does it come with like instructions or tutorials? kinda like holding your hand so you ge tthe hang of it or do they throw you to the loins expecting you know your stuff?

http://www.tunerpro.net/

http://www.tunerpro.net/FAQTunerpro.htm

You do not get much really. No hand holding at all. Some general pointers on where to go for more information. Lots of general information. Not so much specific. Realize many people make their living tuning cars. They are not giving this information away for free.

Moates is a good starting place simply because they sell the hardware and software.

LOL yes rwdplz that was a facepalm question i admit it i have not gotten to tuner pro yet im still on hp tuner lol. thanks for the links tho XD


edited to include

LIONS <---- i have fat fingers on my laptop pardon my horrible typing

[This message has been edited by Niterrorz (edited 10-03-2010).]

Go to www.tunercat.com
They sell all the software you'll need for just about anything from GM that's OBD-1 (94-95 and older.)
His OBD-2 tuner is no longer available (sold the license to Jet, I think) but he does support existing customers, and releases new OBD-2 definition files occasionally.
You can find OBD-2 Tunercat for sale, used, from time to time. Go to http://monodax.com/forums/
Monodax also has excellent support forums.
Monodax (as I understand it) is OBD-2 scan software. Kind of like WinALDL. I've never used it, though, since I own a scan tool.

Good luck!

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Raydar
88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe - going...going... gone to a new home.

Read Nealz Nuze! Praise the Lowered!