Hello, how can I tell if the ecm in my son's 93 S-10 is shot? when we bought it, it had a blown head and various other "issues". I was able to get it running, but it would not run well,drove it for a short time till it left him stranded a couple of times. when we parked it the engine would run ok then surge then return to kind of normal. He took it to O'rilley's auto parts, they scanned it and said, I think ( I wasn't present) that it was throwing all sorts of codes.

I'm about to look into it again. Just looking for a jumping off place. Any Ideas are appreciated. Thanks.

 

Post the DTC's in the order they are retrieved. Without them, all I can offer is that it's doubtful the ECM is bad. Those things are darn near bulletproof, and they rarely fail.
Here is how to check the codes on your own

http://www.obd-codes.com/faq/read-gm...codes-free.php

When they say ground terminals A and B just take a paper clip and put it between terminals A and B with the ignition off... once grounded, turn the ignition to the on position (do not start the truck) it will then flash the codes... the first code will be the code 12 to let you know the system is working (should do that 2-3 times) then it will flash all stored codes, again, 2-3 times per code so you are able to get them.

Example

flash-flash-flash......................flash-flash would be code 32 so it will be quick flashes, with a pause, then more quick flashes. (hope that makes sense)

 

What cap said. Post the DTC's (Diagnostic trouble codes) Than we can go from there.

 

Thank ya'll for the replies. It might take me a couple of weeks or so to actually have a look, thanks agin.