So, after doing some major work to my car. Including: Crank and bearings, oil pump, water pump, lower intake ect ect., my check engine light and "traction control off" came on. Just to make sure it was not just a fluke, I used my OBD2 reader to check and reset the codes, after resetting, both lights turn off at the same time, then both turn back on at the same time when I start the car.


So...I used a multimeter to test the voltage on the MAF since it was the easiest to get to, from left to right- 0V +, -, 12V+. The first one (Yellow) should read 5V. My list says to look for shorts, ect, after nothing is found, the next step is "Replace the PCM."

Looking at the diagram of the PCM, I have noticed that all of the sensors above MAF, Traction Control, Cam Pos Sensor, and TPS are all controled on the blue connector of the PCM, so...

My question is, if I go find a used PCM at the junk yard, what other cars and years are compatible as a replacement? I was BSing with a friend that is a motorcycle mechanic at Honda told me a fun fact that the PCM for the Goldwing is the same for the Honda Civic car also LOL. I know Buick doesn't make bikes, but was wondering if I maybe found a Pontiac if the PCM would be the same....

no, you need a pcm from a 96 riv. that is the only car i know of that has the L67 engine and vacuum controlled 4t60e trans.

edit: however, if you find a pcm with the same pin outs as the 96.(the right harness for the trans) then you can always reprogram it with a bin from a 96 if you have a powertuner.

There are a lot of cars you can get a PCM from but you then have to reprogram them. That is, you can't plug it in and make it work. Even if you get one out of another 96 Riv, it won't work unless you reflash it to have your Riv's VIN. That said, you can usually get those via EBay.

To see a list of the other cars you can get a PCM from go to RockAuto.Com and look up the PCM. Then hit the part number on the part description, it is a hyper link to a list of other cars that use the same PCM. Again, however, you have to reprogram it and if it's not a 96 Riv then you will need a Tech II (Dealer's scanner) to do the job. In reprogramming it you will give it your Riv's VIN and you can if you want reset various performance parameters.

After you reprogram it you have to install it in your car -- but it still will not run right because you then have to run a CASE (crank angle) learn procedure. Easiest way is to use a Tech II but can also be done with HP Tuners VCM software on a laptop with a data link to the OBD port. However - I don't know if HP Tuners offers a dongle that works with the port on the '96, you'll have to ask them.

Albertj

Have you double checked your engine wiring harness? Sounds to me like you've got a major connection point that's loose, or maybe a bad ground.

it takes about 30 seconds to do a CASE learn.

Albert, when you have a chance, would you mind looking into doing a case learn without a tech 2? I've been needing one for a while now. i've tried it with a DHP, but for some reason we couldnt get it to work. The local buick shop wanted to charge me $90 to do it...i told them to kiss my grits.

So that means if you ever change your crank sensor, you need to run the CASE learn too right?

you are "supposed" to do a CASE learn whenever you replace the pcm or remove the crank sensor. most people dont get it done unless they get a code for it, or they have problems.