Memcal/ECM yearly update question

[Robby1870]

So, Ive had a few random/fantom problems appear with the STE and they all make me think the ECM/Memcal is acting up. So, the STE is a 90 and I have a full ECM/memcal from my old 92 sitting here and I was wondering if there were any significant changes/updates done to the programming of the chip b/n these two years. Its such an easy swap that its hard to pass up if there are any updates. Im hoping if there are updates they are power management updates b/c sometimes random things dont work. Anyway, thats my question, hopefully someone can shed some light on the subject. Thanks

[Robby1870]

anyone? Bueler?

[GnatGoSplat]

I don't know any place to find out what has been changed (other than just reading the data into a PC and comparing). It should be possible to find out whether a MEMCAL has been superceded with a newer version though.

Post the 4-digit MEMCAL codes and we'll see.

[Robby1870]

The one from the 92 is AXKK

 

I'll have to wait an hour or two to get the one off the STE as the coolant overflow is infront of the ECM and its still hot.

[Robby1870]

Update....just checked the STE's ECM code: AUMX. So that gives AXKK from the 92 and AUMX from the 90 STE. Anyone have any idea if there is difference b/n the two ECM's programming that would warrant a switch?

[digitaloutsider]

I remember seeing a '92 or '93 in the junkyard with a sticker under the hood saying something about it having a software update or something like that. Not sure how much help that is to you, but hey..

[Baddflash]

I have that exact chip sitting here (AUMX) , it's originally from my '90 Lumina 3.1L/4-spd. So it should be easy to find the exact one from any '90 3.1L-4spd w-body.

 

I don't believe you should have any trouble with the '92 chip unless it had the 4t60-e which I don't believe it would. I would try it but that's just me. I would guess that any changes made should only benefit you, as I don't recall any significant hardware changes for those years. IMO

[Robby1870]

yeah, its not that the ECM is bad by any means...just an occaisional werid electrical power management problem. Like, if the head lights are on, I can only pop up the power sunroof, if I tried to slide it back, it stops, like there's not enough power or something, but if the head lights are off, it works fine. The lights for my power seats dont light up when the head lights are on and sometimes the power seats dont work when the head lights are on. However, the voltmeter shows ~14V when the head lights are on. Thats why Im thinking is power management or something odd.

[Baddflash]

With that I would say wiring issues and/or a problem with the electrical center or alternator or......... lots of things; but I highly doubt the ECM/MEMCAL would be the cause for those problems.