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How does ECU know if Manual or Automatic Transmission is Used (Page 1/3) |
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Romsk
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NOV 23, 09:21 PM
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I did some searches on this site for this subject but nothing turned up.
I have been studying the ECU/Fiero V9 wiring diagram. It all makes total sense except for Manual vs Automatic Transmissions.
There is a wiring option in the harness from the TCC OR SHIFT LT signal from the ECU:
For Manual Transmissions: The signal option is routed to the SHIFT lamp on the Instrument Cluster. That is what I have.
For Automatic Transmissions: The signal option is routed to the TCC Switch on the Transmission and to the ALDL Connector (they forgot to draw the GND on pin A of that connector). From the schematic it is difficult to tell if the TCC signal is 'ECU TO TCC Solenoid Switch', or if the switch sends the signal 'TCC Solenoid Switch TO ECU'.
I am guessing the ECU 'SENDS' the signal to the TCC circuit on the transmission because this pin on the ECU is an output (SHIFT LIGHT) for Manual Transmissions. Which way is it?
How does the ECU know it is using a Manual or Automatic Transmission?
I found this page on the web that says it uses different PROMs to do that... it that correct?
https://www.fierofocus.com/fierosails/ECM.html I don't see a pin or jumper on the ECU connector. In many electronic applications, a pin is left open or shorted to ground to select options, but there is no such pin on the ECU connector. Is there a jumper inside the ECU to set for Manual or Automatic transmmision or is it just embedded in the PROM code?
Thanks.
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82-T/A [At Work]
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NOV 23, 09:39 PM
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quote | Originally posted by Romsk:
I did some searches on this site for this subject but nothing turned up.
I have been studying the ECU/Fiero V9 wiring diagram. It all makes total sense except for Manual vs Automatic Transmissions.
There is a wiring option in the harness from the TCC OR SHIFT LT signal from the ECU:
For Manual Transmissions: The signal option is routed to the SHIFT lamp on the Instrument Cluster. That is what I have.
For Automatic Transmissions: The signal option is routed to the TCC Switch on the Transmission and to the ALDL Connector (they forgot to draw the GND on pin A of that connector). From the schematic it is difficult to tell if the TCC signal is 'ECU TO TCC Solenoid Switch', or if the switch sends the signal 'TCC Solenoid Switch TO ECU'.
I am guessing the ECU 'SENDS' the signal to the TCC circuit on the transmission because this pin on the ECU is an output (SHIFT LIGHT) for Manual Transmissions. Which way is it?
How does the ECU know it is using a Manual or Automatic Transmission?
I found this page on the web that says it uses different PROMs to do that... it that correct?
https://www.fierofocus.com/fierosails/ECM.html I don't see a pin or jumper on the ECU connector. In many electronic applications, a pin is left open or shorted to ground to select options, but there is no such pin on the ECU connector. Is there a jumper inside the ECU to set for Manual or Automatic transmmision or is it just embedded in the PROM code?
Thanks.
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Hi, that is correct. The ECMs themselves are totally identical between the manual and automatic... and across a couple of different years. The 84 is different than all, the 85 V6 is different (has provisions for a knock sensor and a couple of other things), and then 86-87 is the same, and then 88 is unique I think...
This diagram should help...

EDIT: Look at that, the ECM itself is identical from 86-88... just the proms were different.[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 11-23-2024).]
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fieroguru
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NOV 23, 09:55 PM
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I am pretty sure within the calibration there is a switch to select auto or manual transmission.
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Raydar
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NOV 24, 12:59 PM
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quote | Originally posted by fieroguru:
I am pretty sure within the calibration there is a switch to select auto or manual transmission. |
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Exactly.
There are a few other changes to the tables as well. Idle speed, upshift light function, TCC lockup parameters. Also (as were alluded to) some minor wiring changes for shift light vs TCC lockup.
Either configuration (auto vs manual) will run on the other's PROM. Just won't run - or handle the above functions - properly.[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 11-24-2024).]
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Romsk
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NOV 25, 01:06 AM
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Thanks all. I found that ECM/PROM chart today as well. Very helpful.
The markings on my old ECM that I have, compared to the chart, shows it is a: ECU: 1227170 1986-1988 Fiero 2.8L V6 MPFI Only
PROM: APR Version APR0164 1986 4 Speed Manual Transmission 205/60R15 Front Tires, 215/60R15 Rear Tires Federal Emissions Calpack 16044802
Yup, it came from my 1986 SE 2.8L V6 MPFI that I stripped years ago.
I agree, these ECMs all share the same Calpack (just a bunch of data tables right?). I'll bet the code is all the same in the PROMs as well, except: Transmission is used mostly to determine which Speeds/RPMs relate to the gears and for the Shift Light response (thus not using that pin for TCC). Tires sizes for Speedometer calculations. Emissions parameters not tweaked for non California use. All per 1986 regulations.
I bet each PROM has the exact code, just different lookup tables based on the various configurations.
This means if I want to put that ECM in my 1987 GT with 5 Speed Manual Transmission, 205/60R15 Front Tires, 215/60R15 Rear Tires, and Federal Emissions, I need PROM Version: APN0154.
How do I get such a PROM?
I'll bet this old ECM/PROM will work in my 1987 GT: The one year difference was probably just some small tweaks in parameters, and it being 5 Speed would have some minor impact on the Air/Fuel Ratio Learn Blocks, and the Shift Light will probably not come on at optimal times, but it might still be drivable... but I would rather have the correct PROM for my car.[This message has been edited by Romsk (edited 11-25-2024).]
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Romsk
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NOV 25, 01:10 AM
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82-TA [At Work].
The 85 V6 had provisions for a Knock Sensor. You mean the 1226869 ECU has an input pin for a Knock Sensor?
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Mickey_Moose
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NOV 25, 02:02 PM
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The ECM in the Fiero uses just a basic 2732 EPROM.
I have all the Factory EPROM (and some others) files here: https://drive.google.com/dr...fDOqV08k?usp=sharing
You need an EPROM eraser and programmer to make the changes.  [This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 11-26-2024).]
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Romsk
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NOV 25, 03:37 PM
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Mickey_Moose,
Thanks for the info. I built my own PROM programmer from an Arduino, shift registers, and a ZIP socket.
Those PROMs I can get from Digikey or Amazon.
I went to your link, but it was broken. Do you have another link?
If the PROM ICs are not too expensive, I may program a PROM for each of the versions for the Fiero 2.8L ECM. This way I can have master copies on hand. Inside the PROM is clearly in a socket. There is a smaller IC near by... is that the CALPACK?
I put these ECM/PROM/CALPACK version tables in the Help in my GUI that I made for Fiero GT owners.
https://paul.romsky.com/ind..._gt_aldl_monitor.htm
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82-T/A [At Work]
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NOV 25, 04:23 PM
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quote | Originally posted by Romsk:
82-TA [At Work].
The 85 V6 had provisions for a Knock Sensor. You mean the 1226869 ECU has an input pin for a Knock Sensor? |
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Hi, yes, that's correct. The only thing is... the factory wiring harness does not have a wire for the pin-out from the ECM. You can edit the PROM's programming though and enable the knock sensor, and then add one.
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Raydar
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NOV 25, 10:41 PM
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quote | Originally posted by Romsk:
I agree, these ECMs all share the same Calpack (just a bunch of data tables right?). I'll bet the code is all the same in the PROMs as well, except: Transmission is used mostly to determine which Speeds/RPMs relate to the gears and for the Shift Light response (thus not using that pin for TCC). Tires sizes for Speedometer calculations.
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I think the Calpack is a very basic, rudimentary set of data tables. As I understand it, it provides the "limp home" parameters, in case the PROM just outright dies. i.e, It provides steady state, but very rich fueling. Fixed ignition timing. Fixed idle speed. Etc, etc, etc. I've never tried it, but I wouldn't be surprised if you could actually unplug the PROM, and still drive your car. It would still run - albeit poorly.
I had one PROM that was heat sensitive. (GM PROMS seem to not like being erased and reprogrammed.) I got caught in traffic, and the heat from the engine compartment caused the PROM to "zone out". (A good reason to not remove the insulation from the firewall.) The CEL started flashing quickly, the engine didn't have nearly as much power as it had before, and worst of all, the dadgum A/C cut off. Shortly after I cleared out of the traffic jam, and got some air circulating into the engine compartment, everything returned to normal.[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 11-25-2024).]
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