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Where is the computer located?

Tiny
KKLAUKE
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
Computer problem
1995 Pontiac Sunfire 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 130K miles

I was wondering where the computer was located in the dash and what needs to be removed to get to it, I seem to have a grounding issue where a few indicator lights will come on at random times, and my radio will reset randomly. When this happens my turn signal blinkers go much slower.

i was told it was a grounding issue because thats what a car place diagnosed. I dont know if I trust them because they seem to be pretty sleezy and were asking 200 to create a new ground. I know I can do it but I just need to know where the computer is located to do it. Thanks!
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Friday, December 26th, 2008 AT 4:17 PM

16 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
Hello,

The engine computer or ECM is located in front on the right side near the frame rail. Here is a diagram of its location (below) Here is the engine and ECM wiring diagrams so you can check the power and ground circuits.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
BUBBA_31601
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
Hello. I'm currently trying to replace the computer in my Sunfire. But unfortunately, I'm having trouble locating it's exact location. All I do know is that it's located behind the glove compartment. I've unbolted the dash but I still cant locate it. Is it behind one of the plastic gaurds perhaps? Or behind the heater core? Thanks in Advance.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
They moved it to the right front fender area. Don't be surprized if the pcm is split open. The dealer has a sheild that was later developed to protect the pcm from water intrusion.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_pcm_1.jpg


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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SNAVE125
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hello. I had the same issue. The computer is now located under the front right fender. Look under your car about a foot from your wheel. You should see it there.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUTCH BRIERE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 58,000 MILES
Dome light and trunk light wont come on I have checked all the fuses and all are good
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
It's in the convience center next to the steering column under dash.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DK96SUNFIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
  • 1996 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 74,494 MILES
I need to know if this is indeed where the computer is located in my 96 sunfire before I pull it out.

Pictures were taken in the passenger side wheel well after removing the splash gaurd

Also what do I need to do when I put the new/used one in?
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,761 POSTS
No, that is certainly not the computer. That is the fuel vapor canister. It has fuel lines going to it, not wires as the computer would have.

It appears that it's behind the right front bumper which is a pretty unusual place for it to be.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DK96SUNFIRE
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
How would I get to that? Would I have to remove the fender or the bumper? Or just go down through the head light?
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
1985CUTLASS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
I have a Pontiac Sunfire (1998) recently purchased cause wouldn't run. I'm a mechanic but can't see to find the location of the onboard computer. I found a "box-like" under the drivers side up under the dash. I would like to check out the computer to see if that's the problem or if there's something else not firing?
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Under the hood, right side front. See attached
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
1985CUTLASS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
You attachment didn't come out too good but, have a general idea where it is! Thanks for the help, you guys are great!
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
EUPHUE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
There is no signal from the engine computer module to tester and engine pulls back at 4000rpm. Check engine light on, EIR light on. Where is the module located? It was suggested that I replace it.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
They put it in the right front fender area in front of the wheel. Dumb spot, lots o problems from this. They did issue a bullitin for a protective cover.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:35 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CRAIGCRICE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
Computer problem
1998 Pontiac Sunfire 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 150000 miles

where is the onboard comperter on tne 1998 sumfire
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:36 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
It's At the right front corner, behind the fascia.
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Friday, November 10th, 2017 AT 12:36 PM (Merged)

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