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Series 1 3800 PCM Transmission Bypass by statue4
Started on: 02-17-2022 09:49 PM
Replies: 6 (375 views)
Last post by: Darth Fiero on 03-03-2022 02:11 PM
statue4
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Report this Post02-17-2022 09:49 PM Click Here to See the Profile for statue4Send a Private Message to statue4Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I have been referencing this great page (http://www.gmtuners.com/fiero/transbypass.htm), but have a couple questions yet. The car is 1988, originally V6 getrag 5 speed. The donor car was 1992 Bonneville SSEi w/ Series I 3800SC. I am using the 5 speed, instead of the Bonnie's auto.

There are pretty much two things that must be bypassed: the transmission solenoids and the PRNDL selector.

The GM Tuners page says to put 194 bulbs in place of the TCC and shift solenoids. Easy enough. Here is my first point of confusion: The pin diagrams I used to make my harness are from very similar, but not identical to the actual wires I have. I think it is for a 91-93 L27 instead of 92-93 L67. Both the diagram and the car/engine/PCM have Tan/Black TCC Solenoid, Yellow/Black Shift B, and Light Green Shift A. The diagram I have shows a White TCC PWM Solenoid, but the actual car/engine/PCM has a different circuit there and no other white wire on that 32-pin connector. Will I have any problem doing the light bulb job with the three wires I do have, or do I need to also find a TCC PWM Solenoid circuit? I haven't been able to find a TCC PWM Solenoid on pin diagrams from later years.

Second question is about Transmission Range Position Switch bypass. The GM Tuners page mentions using a relay to tell the PCM that the transaxle is either in D3(drive) or N, using a clutch pedal switch or brake pedal switch. Can I not just wire it up so the PCM always thinks it is in D3 (would be easier and cleaner than running a wire up from the pedals), or would that cause problems?

Thanks! The swap is drivable, but I'm trying to get it daily-drivable.
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Raydar
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Report this Post02-18-2022 09:53 AM Click Here to See the Profile for RaydarSend a Private Message to RaydarEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
When I swapped my 4.9 auto to a 5 speed, I just jumpered the wires to tell the PCM the engine was in drive.
I removed the PRNDL switch, retaining only the reverse light wiring.
I did not use a clutch switch. It will start in gear. But I learned to drive on manual cars that would start in gear. Just learned to be careful.
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olejoedad
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Report this Post02-18-2022 09:58 AM Click Here to See the Profile for olejoedadSend a Private Message to olejoedadEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Statue, perhaps you should contact Ryan at the website and ask for clarification.

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statue4
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Report this Post02-18-2022 11:07 AM Click Here to See the Profile for statue4Send a Private Message to statue4Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Raydar, I'm hoping I can do the same. The starter motor still won't engage without the clutch pressed, and even if that wasn't the case I'm not too worried about starting it in gear. Will the PCM thinking it is in drive or in nuetral have any difference on fuel and spark to the engine and ultimately drivability?

olejoedad, I hadn't even thought of that. How do you think I could reach him?
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olejoedad
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Report this Post02-18-2022 11:12 AM Click Here to See the Profile for olejoedadSend a Private Message to olejoedadEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
There is contact info on the website.....
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Dennis LaGrua
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Report this Post02-25-2022 12:03 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis LaGruaSend a Private Message to Dennis LaGruaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
The ideal way to solve this would be to go into the program and delete the transmission code. The trouble with this is that there is very little software support for the series I ECM's but you may find it online Replacing the shift solenoid inputs with bulbs should trick the ECM into believing that the solenoids exist . I just don't see this as the ideal solution.
Ryans trick about sending a message to the ECM that the transmission is in drive is a unique solution but I am not certain how that might affect other ECM operation. It may very well work but having never tried it I just don't know. Perhaps Ryan has had overall good results doing it this way.
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[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 02-25-2022).]

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Darth Fiero
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Report this Post03-03-2022 02:11 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Darth FieroClick Here to visit Darth Fiero's HomePageSend a Private Message to Darth FieroEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

The ideal way to solve this would be to go into the program and delete the transmission code. The trouble with this is that there is very little software support for the series I ECM's but you may find it online Replacing the shift solenoid inputs with bulbs should trick the ECM into believing that the solenoids exist . I just don't see this as the ideal solution.
Ryans trick about sending a message to the ECM that the transmission is in drive is a unique solution but I am not certain how that might affect other ECM operation. It may very well work but having never tried it I just don't know. Perhaps Ryan has had overall good results doing it this way.


The 194 bulb trick I employed many moons ago was out of necessity since I did not possess tuning software at that time to disable the codes in the PCM tune. The old 92-93 3800 PCM I was working with at the time only ran electrical diagnostic checks on the shift and TCC solenoid circuits to see if they were connected. The newer computer systems go beyond this and actually look at transmission output speed vs. input speed (engine RPM) to determine if the transmission is actually operating in the desired gear and is not slipping. Obviously, with the enhanced diagnostic tests the newer PCMs employ, the 194 light bulb bypass trick won't work and the PCM will need a custom tune.

Getting a custom PCM/chip tune is the modern solution and the best method of making one of these computers work with a non-electronic automatic or manual transmission.

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More is more. Less is not enough.

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[This message has been edited by Darth Fiero (edited 03-03-2022).]

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