Originally Posted By: BrocLuno
I would say that any ECM controlled system will be susceptible to water damage, rust & crevice corrosion killing important signals, possible heat damage, aging capacitors, etc. Mechanically, it make be fine, but if you can't get it to run or shift, what's the point ...
Some ECMs/PCMs/other control modules are surprisingly robust. My 1994 Ranger has seen a lot of mud over its life, and a couple years ago the ECM showed signs of issues...random CELs, occasional poor running, stalling, etc. I couldn't pin it down to any one thing, so I pulled the computer out to look at it. Sure enough there was mud in the connector and a good bit of dirt inside. I decided I didn't really have anything to lose by cleaning it, so I did. I doused the board and connections with multiple cans of electronic cleaner, greased the gasket up with dielectric grease, put it back, and the truck has run great since.
I would say that any ECM controlled system will be susceptible to water damage, rust & crevice corrosion killing important signals, possible heat damage, aging capacitors, etc. Mechanically, it make be fine, but if you can't get it to run or shift, what's the point ...
Some ECMs/PCMs/other control modules are surprisingly robust. My 1994 Ranger has seen a lot of mud over its life, and a couple years ago the ECM showed signs of issues...random CELs, occasional poor running, stalling, etc. I couldn't pin it down to any one thing, so I pulled the computer out to look at it. Sure enough there was mud in the connector and a good bit of dirt inside. I decided I didn't really have anything to lose by cleaning it, so I did. I doused the board and connections with multiple cans of electronic cleaner, greased the gasket up with dielectric grease, put it back, and the truck has run great since.