- Installing
the Moates memory adapter
for
1986 to 1990 IROC-Zs -
You want to dip into programming your own chips. One of the first things you should consider is, how to use the chip in your ECM. You can try to remove the existing chip and solder in a socket in your memcal, but this is not only difficult, you may not like to do anything to your original memcal for the risk of ruining it. Craig Moates has designed an adapter, that lets you use your existing memcal and provides a means to use your own chip. This device is relatively cheap ($40) and can be considered a must buy if you are interested in programming your own chips for your ride.
What does this adapter do? Well, in case you don't know, our ECMs (1986 to 1990) utilize a memory calibration "memcal" unit. This unit consists of the PROM (calibration code) and resistor packs (for limp mode, cold starts, etc.). The resistor packs consist of two chips. One a 16-pin and the other a 14-pin. These are custom laser etched type resistor packs making them extremely difficult to duplicate. In other words, you need these resistor packs, you cannot copy them (as of right now anyway) and your car will have a hard time starting without them.
What the adapter does, is it allows you to plug in your resistor packs so your ECM will still use them, and at the same time, "bypass" your existing PROM chip so you can install your own.
First things first. You need to access your ECM. This is easily done as it is located behind the dashboard, on the passenger's side of the car. If you look underneath the dash on the passenger's side, you will see a wiring harness plugged into a silver box. This box is held in by two hex screws. First, carefully unplug the two connectors to the ECM (otherwise, you won't be able to gain full access to the ECM as the wires will keep you from pulling the ECM all of the way out.) Each connector has a "latch" where you just push in the latch and wiggle out each connector. Take your time, they don't just fall out.
Next, get a hex screwdriver or other means of removing the two screws holding the ECM in place. Once these are removed, the ECM falls right out (be certain to catch it!).
Now, with the ECM removed, you will need to use the screwdriver to remove the two screws holding the access plate on. Most of the time, the access plate will be stuck on the ECM. Use a small screwdriver and carefully pry around the access panel until it pops off.
Once the access panel is off, there sits your memcal. Using your fingers, press the latches on both sides, away from the memcal. Doing this will "pop" the memcal up. Once the latches are fully out, the memcal should come right out.
The memcal will not fit in the ECM (with the adapter) with it's cover on. So we will need to remove the blue cover on the memcal. Very CAREFULLY, remove the cover with a small screwdriver, prying the clips. Again, be careful, clips will break off. You only need to do the one side just enough to pop the side up and the other side will come right off.
In this installation, we are installing a "fixed" code or more less "permanent" code. Meaning, we tested it and it's what we want. We don't plan on reprogramming the chip any further or installing different chips. The adapter has a socket installed for your chip. It is low profile, meaning that with the chip installed, we are able to install the access panel back on the ECM. You can elect to use a ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) socket, but you will not be able to install the access cover back on. The $40 price tag includes a ZIF socket - use this as a tool, not as a necessity. A ZIF socket is good if you are testing code and need to reprogram the chip or using different chips during your testing. It allows you to, very easily, remove and replace the chips. If you have a ZIF socket that you want to use, instead of installing the PROM chip, insert the ZIF socket into the socket on the adapter. Then you may place your chip in the ZIF socket. The ONLY problem with this, again, is that you will not be able to install the access panel back on, but if you are testing and swapping chips, you won't want the door on anyway. We recommend that if you are finished with your code and want it permanent, to carefully remove the ZIF socket and place your chip in the adapter socket so you can reinstall the access panel.
Anyway, enough of that. Install the chip with the U indention out. (Pin 1 faces left as in the picture) Be sure to line up all of the pins on the chip and gently press it into the socket. Once you are comfortable with the feel, you will need to exert a little force to fully insert the chip. This can be tricky. Bent and broken pins can result if you are not 100% certain that all of the pins of the chip are lined up correctly.
Now install your memcal onto the adapter. Simply line up the right side of the memcal to the right side of the pins on the adapter. Press firmly and whala!
Place the adapter, memcal first, face down in the access panel.
Then curve the adapter, memcal first toward the empty space in the ECM (bottom, but in the picture it's up as the ECM is facing upside-down).
Once the adapter is in place, line up each side to each latch. See the pictures.
You have to ensure that when placing the adapter in the ECM socket, that when you unlatch it, it'll pop right up. It needs to be perfect centered or you can bend pins in the ECM - not good.
Once you are comfortable with the placement, press down on the adapter until the outer latches "click" and are in the "installed" position (up.)
Reinstall the access panel (only if you are NOT installing the ZIF socket) and reinstall the ECM. If you are using the ZIF socket for testing purposes, you'll be happy to know that the access panel faces towards the front of the car, away from the dashboard. It may be a little neck tiring, but you will be able to replace chips while the ECM is installed.
Enjoy!
-Allan Reinike
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