Please tell me what I found under the driver seat?

Shadetree930 · 10-01-2005, 05:23 AM

Took the driver seat out of my car (87 911 3.2) for upholstering. I had been thinking about putting a Steve W chip in and thought this would be a good time to do it 'while I was in there'. So tell me, what am I looking at? If I wanted to pull the DME to identify it prior to ordering the new one, which widget would I be monkeying with here? Could someone please identify the various pieces parts in this picture please?

Shuie · 05:31 AM

The DME is the big silver box. Your chip is inside that. The DME relay is the little black box. I forget what the round gold thing is. Some kind of atmopheric pressure sensor, maybe?

livi · 10-01-2005, 05:37 AM

Big silver: DME/ECM (engine control module).
Little black: DME main/fuel pump relay.
Round silver: Altitude correction switch.

Joeaksa · 10-01-2005, 06:05 AM

Schuie and Marcus are right. The other leads are for electric seats and other options.

JoeA

Shadetree930 · 10-01-2005, 07:09 AM

I thought my focus should be on the big silver box. Now, I studied that and did not see a clear way to get that open. Apparently I am 'toolbox challenged'. What am I missing here? Is there an easy way to get to the chip? I don't want to 'experiment' on my own for fear of making a mess of what is supposed to be a simple job. Thanks in advance for your help.

Shadetree930 · 10-01-2005, 07:19 AM

Hmmm , another question 'while I am in there' ....... the DME Relay (the smaller black widget) ... is this the relay that experienced people say I should caryy a spare for?

Wavey · 10-01-2005, 07:52 AM

Correct. They're cheap - go a head and replace it and keep the original as an emergency spare.

Nine9six · Nine9six's Garage

The DME is held in place by to nuts holding it to the floor. Remove these.
Looking at the wire harness that connects to the DME, you will notice a spring clip. While pulling the clip away from its secured position, pull on the end of the wire harness where the clip is located, as though the other end of the connector is on a hinge. The connector will pivot out.

Now that the DME is separated from the wire harness, turn it over and bend the metal tabs up with a small screwdriver, that hold the cover in place. Dont fret if some break off...They all will with time.

Now looking at the PWB you will notice that one end has a ribbon cable attaching the upper and lower PWB's. The other end has two plastic stanchions that are clipped together. While depressing the clips, gently pull apart the upper from the lower PWB. They open like a book.

Once open, you will see the chip...
To remove it, its best to pull it from its seat with a chip puller, but the job can be done with needle nose pliers if care is taken. Be sure to pull the chip straight out, as you do not want to bend the connectors. If some connectors do get bent, its not the end of the world; just straighten them.

When inserting your new chip, make note that one end of the chip has a small notch in it. The receiver seat for the chip has the same notch; match those ends when installing.

Now put it back together...Cause you're done!

Shadetree930 · 10-01-2005, 08:20 AM

Now that's the kind of step by step us toolbox challenged types need! Thanks for such a good talk through.

Joeaksa · 10-01-2005, 08:25 AM

Be very careful with the tabs on the cover, and make sure that you ground yourself before working on anything electronic. Touch something metal like a workbench or the like and keep your messy fingers off of the components inside if all possible.

When taking the old chip out be careful and do it evenly. Putting the new chip in the same thing and go gently.

While in this area, look on the DME relay. Should be a stamp on the cover somewhere with a date. If its dated more than a year or so old I would replace it and keep the old one in the car for a spare.

JoeA

rw229 · 10-01-2005, 10:21 PM

Slightly off topic, but LMK who is doing your upholstery and how it comes out. I'm in Harrisburg and need some interior repairs.

Shadetree930 · 10-02-2005, 05:57 AM

Mike Moody from DM Upholstering. Shop is out by Ski RoundTop. 717 502-8820. Does total restorations on interiors. I have seen his work and I like it.

Por_sha911 · Por_sha911's Garage

Suggestion: Go to www.911chips.com and steve has some excellent info on chips along with some very specific instructions for removal and replacement of your chip (a download in the FAQ section).
*Our year car may have the 24 or 28 pin chip so you will need to check before ordering. You can buy your chip right thru our sponsor here.
BTW: I love the chip Steve setup for my car.