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PCM Location
I
would like to cover the relocation of the PCM (the main
computer that runs your car). For years auto manufacturers,
including Saturn, have been tucking them safely away under
dashboards, seats, etc. The main reason was to keep them safe
from the elements. Saturns used to be under the dash where
techs could easily get to them to replace or to check codes. In
one of the dumbest moves in automotive history, they have now
relocated the unit right next to your battery! Now, why they
have done this befuddles me, for easy access? No way. Any good
tech worth his salt could drop one from its former location in
minutes.
What we have now is a time bomb under your hood ... extreme
heat, exposure to the elements, NEVER MIND THE BATTERY ACID that
will inevitably leak! No casing is impervious to battery acid,
putting the mainframe computer right next to the battery is
planned obsolescence at best, sheer stupidity at worst. It
seems like in some areas Saturn is going backwards (like
dropping the rear disc option which is one of our most requested
upgrades). Batteries will leak and it's not a matter of "if",
its a matter of when! Even in well maintained cars you do not
have a crystal ball showing battery casing fatigue, it can and
will happen. Now instead of your PCM being safely under the
dash, Saturn went ahead and plopped it right next to the
battery, not only subjecting it to extreme heat (which is also a
killer of PCM's) but putting you at risk of replacing a major
component when you're off warranty. Do you think Saturn is
going to give you 800.00 PCM cause your battery leaked on it?
Unless you're under warranty ... very unlikely.
Why did they do it? I can't answer that. As a master tech, I
do know that it's one of the worst locations for a PCM.
Period. Like the magic 100k timing belt, this is an experiment
in bad engineering and I felt obligated to speak out on the
subject. The elements alone will wreak havoc with it, wildly
fluctuating temperatures, exposure to moisture, does this sound
healthy for a computer? (have any clue how hot it gets when you
shut your car off after driving it? With no air flow it gets
unbearably hot). They will claim "it's sealed in a special
case" but drop that case in some battery acid and see how
impervious it is! These are proven facts that PCMs don't like
exposure. In theory, we will probably see errant codes being
kicked out for no reason. I have already witnessed two of my
Saturn certified techs dealing with cars that codes could not be
removed. (even calls to Saturn's tech support did not rectify
the problem)
Saturn, with all the room under the dash, why would you remove
the PCM from a safe PROVEN location to the engine bay?
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