EXPERTEC Technical Service Bulletins (38-12)

Publication date: 1988-06-24
Reference number: 38-12

EXPERTEC TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETINS

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN

Reference Number(s): 38-12, Date of Issue: 06/24/1988

ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE DAMAGE TO THE ECM

Model(s): All 1981-89 Oldsmobile Passenger Cars with an Electronic (Engine) Control Module (ECM)

Bulletin No.: 38-12

Date: June 24, 1988

SERVICE INFORMATION

Please add the following information to 6E Section "A" diagnostic charts/trouble codes, and to Section "C1" electronic control module and sensors. This will supplement Section OA in the 1988 and 1989 Service Manuals.

NOTE: To prevent possible electronic discharge damage:

Do not touch the ECM connector pins or soldered components on the ECM circuit board.
When handling a prom, cal-pak or mem-cal, do not touch the component leads, and do not remove the integrated circuit from its carrier.
Be sure to follow the guidelines listed below if servicing any of these electronic components.
1. Do not open the replacement part package until it is time to install the part.
2. Avoid touching electrical terminals of the part.
3. Before removing the part from its package, ground the package to a known good ground on the vehicle.
4. Always touch a known good ground before handling the part. This step should be repeated before installing the part if the part has been handled while sliding across the seat, while sitting down from a standing position, or while walking a distance.

Electronic components used in control systems are often designed to carry very low voltage, and are very susceptible to damage caused by electrostatic discharge. It is possible for less than 100 volts of static electricity to cause damage to some electronic components. By comparison, it takes as much as 4900 volts for a person to even feel the shock of a static discharge.

There are several ways for a person to become statically charged. The most common methods of charging are by friction and by induction. An example of charging by friction is a person sliding across a car seat, in which a charge of as much as 25,000 volts can build up. Charging by induction occurs when a person with well insulated shoes stands near a highly charged object and momentarily touches ground. Charges of the same polarity are drained off, leaving the person highly charged with the opposite polarity. Static charges of either type can cause damage, therefore, it is important to use care when handling and testing electronic components.