new computer?

[missmh]

1996 mark viii 65k
experience extreme vibration a few seconds after start,
check engine light on.
flatbedded to shop with following diagnosis;
"poor running - check engine light on - po352 po353 po354
present - found a faulty coil driver in pcm"
they did try replacing coil pack but made no difference.
final recommendation was that i need a new computer,
$350 - $645 (choke, gasp)
car flatbedded back home. had new wires/plugs installed
and re-scanned, which produced same three codes.
thoughts? ideas? advice? (new computer?)
thanks!!!

 

[keatonsdad]

This may sound stupid but did you clear the codes before you changed the plugs and wires?

 

[LaserSVT]

Welcome to LVC! Great introduction there. Glad you could share.

A+ thread, will read again.

 

[missmh]

thanks for the reply!
and no, it doesn't sound stupid, but this will...
i'm not sure!
i would think that he would have (knows what he's doing)
but i will surely ask and get back on that.

 

[missmh]

thank you for the warm welcome and it's nice to be here!
i found this site in a search link and followed quite a dialogue
between a few members over 4th weekend of last year -
very amusing (funny guys!) but i was also very impressed
(viii knowledge) so best off pitching my issue 'here' than my
$$$ at an expensive uncorraborated opinion 'here'!
much thanks!

 

[MediumD]

Welcome to LVC! Great introduction there. Glad you could share.

A+ thread, will read again.

But did you give 5 star OP ratings...?

 

[Psychostang]

Those codes represent a malfuntion with the B-C-D primary circuit. It could be in the harness going to the coils, or it could be the pcm itself. Check those cirucuits between the coil and pcm first. IF no trouble found, then try a pcm. You can search a junk yard by your house or try car-parts.com for one. You can replace it yourself in under 5 min.

 

[Moes8]

is 96 pcm "year" specific?

 

[Psychostang]

Yes. You can also have the original box repaired. I think rock auto.com has a repair service. Advance auto may have one also.

 

[mikemark8]

nice looking 96-

I have spare 96 ECU's get back to me and I'll try to help out.

 

[missmh]

thank you all for all of your replies!
ques: so if i need to replace pcm it IS year specific?
i believe i saw some on ebay last week (while taking a gander for a computer)
would this be a recommended resource for parts?

 

[marked8]

thank you all for all of your replies!
ques: so if i need to replace pcm it IS year specific?
i believe i saw some on ebay last week (while taking a gander for a computer)
would this be a recommended resource for parts?

1996 has several unique parts as it is the only first gen with OBD II. The computer is one of them.

 

[missmh]

thank you!

 

[Roadboss]

Did you try disconnecting your battery cables yet to reset the computor?