92 Laser RS Turbo, limp mode at only 22K

[MysticMarine]

Hello,

I have a 92 laser turbo, auto with only 22K miles. While driving the car the other day I noticed it started to skip shifts (stayed in third gear). I went home a did some research and found that the TCM can go out on these cars after some mileage. But with only 22K do you guys think the reason for limp mode is the TCM or something else?

Also, can someone give me a detailed description of where the TCM is located and how to get to it.

Any help is greatly appreciated,
-ARC

 

[Absit]

Oh yes, another new guy..

SEARCH
String: site:dsmtuners.com 1g tcu
First result: http://www.dsmtuners.com/forums/articles-drivetrain/277172-1g-tcu-guide.html

 

[lost spyder]

You don't need miles to develop the leaky cap syndrome. I'm in for pics of this rare 22k mile gem

 

[badas93tsi]

It's not fixable. Sell it to me.

 

[MysticMarine]

You guys are awesome. I'll post pics of the car when I get it home. I left it at a buddies since I didn't know what was wrong and his house was closer. It's teal color with cloth interior.

 

[Auto RS T]

It's not the mileage... It's the age that causes these problems.

You can pull diagnostic codes from the TCU just like the ECU using an analog voltmeter at the data link connector under the dash. This is how I would verify if the TCU has gone bad. No pulse means the TCU is dead.

Consider having the capacitors replaced in your ECU as well if you haven't allready, they are on the same timeclock.

The TCU is located behind the passenger side console carpet near the firewall.

 

[MysticMarine]

So I took the TCU out and it's got a bubbled chip, who can replace the chip or do I need a new TCU? And where do I get a new TCU?

Thanks guys,
-Arron

 

[MysticMarine]

Oh and here's the pictures of the 21,8XX beauty.

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[SrKegler]

Maybe the limp mode has been on for years, hence the low mileage. Takes a while to put miles on at 30 mph top end.

 

[DSMTyson]

Holy shit, you are one lucky person. That car is pristine!!! And teal at that! which is a very rare color on these cars if you didn't know.

 

[MysticMarine]

Yeah, I got it for 2500. And all it needs is a TCM. Too bad I have the rare three prong one.

 

[concept4g63]

Sexy ride dudeeeeee lucky you!

 

[gusu]

Yeah, I got it for 2500. And all it needs is a TCM. Too bad I have the rare three prong one.

Check DSM graveyard and see if it's listed on their site. If not call them and ask, they may not have listed the part or got new cars to part out an have not checked it yet. Otherwise JNZtuning might have a brand new one on their website.

 

[SrKegler]

Check DSM graveyard and see if it's listed on their site. If not call them and ask, they may not have listed the part or got new cars to part out an have not checked it yet. Otherwise JNZtuning might have a brand new one on their website.

You can also PM stangmurdera here on the site. I just got a tail light for a 92 laser from him. Do a quick search and you'll find his phone number and can send him a text message.

 

[Trav83]

You got that for $2500? Obviously it wasn't owned by a DSM enthusiast... That's just not fair

 

[MysticMarine]

Update: Since my TCM had a blown chip I cannot get a rebuild. I found a company that had one but they want to charge $550 shipped. If I can't find a cheaper TCM by Friday I'll purchase the $550 TCM. So $2,500 + $550 = $3,050 for a 21K Turbo DSM. I think I still got a helluva deal.

-ARC

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

Or manual swap.

That thing is gorgeous. Nice find man, yours has half as many miles as my 97 does.

 

[MysticMarine]

Or manual swap.

That thing is gorgeous. Nice find man, yours has half as many miles as my 97 does.

How hard is the manual swap? I've done it on Mustangs but never a FWD car. Seems to me it'd be more difficult.

 

[2GbTalonGuy]

It isnt too hard. More costly than anything. It is best to have a whole second car that has a manual in it to swap transmissions and other components with. I wouldnt do a manual swap any other way.

 

[MysticMarine]

I started her up today and heard a lot of valvetrain noise. I let the car warm up a little and the noise went away. I know the ford 4V 4.6 makes a ton of valvetrain noise due to a lot of moving parts for a 8 cylinder four valve so are the DSM motors loud running engines as well? This is my first non-eight cylinder motor so I'm new to this all this.

Thanks,
-Arron

 

[rbwtrans]

Valvetrain noise is very common. I'd go ahead a do all of your maintenaince items first. Timing belt and tensioner, water pump, synthetic oil change, ect., or you woln't be liking this thing long. These cars have interferance engines (the valves bend if the timing belt breaks.) With the age on the car I wouldn't trust the timing belt at all and the cost of the belt is nothing compared to the cost of a cylinder head, or an engine.

PM Steve. He may be willing to do another TCU. He did mine a few years back, but told me it was his first. I don't know if he's done any others since then.

Is your car AWD?

 

[MysticMarine]

No, it's FWD. You think I should change the timing belt with only 22K? I think the valvetrain noise was because the car hadn't been started in awhile and the motor oil is not synthetic. I'm changing to mobile one very soon.

 

[standard235]

YES change the timing belt/balance shaft belt, and the tensioner and the tensioner/idler pulleys. Go to ExtremePSI and buy the kit.

Mileage doesn't ruin them as much as age. Dry rot...

 

[Bud92gsx]

If I lived in texas ans had money I would be bringing this car home with me..

 

[MysticMarine]

YES change the timing belt/balance shaft belt, and the tensioner and the tensioner/idler pulleys. Go to ExtremePSI and buy the kit.

Mileage doesn't ruin them as much as age. Dry rot...

There's a shop called mudpit performance in Dallas, they change timing belts in DSMs, would that include the balance shaft belt, tensioner, tensioner/idler pulleys?