ECM problem - need help

hi, this is my first post on the forum. I could use some advice from some of you guys who may have been through this problem before. I recently took my 2000 cav z24 into the shop, it was misfiring on cylinder one because the fuel injector wasn't sending an electrical singal. The next day one of the guys in the shop said the fuel inj is not receiving a signal, so its actaully the ECM that's faulty and needs replaced. Its also going to cost $800. I really don't know much about the ECM and am wondering if this even sounds reasonable. I was told piciking up a used ECM won't work. The cars getting up there in mileage, so i would love to be able to just pick up an ECM at the scrap yard and install it myself ....but will that work? Would it need programming? Any help would be really appreceiated.

You can get a compatible PCM from a salvage yard. The local parts stores will reflash a stock PCM for $50 (NAPA). I've done the whole deal for under $150, not $800.

But before you jump onto that ship, make sure the PCM is the problem, and not electrical connections, or a failed injector solenoid. A shorted injector on a newer PCM will cause the output to shut down before it damages the PCM switching transistors. You'll need to confirm with your repair tech that the injector solenoid is not either shorted nor grounding, and that the PCM harness has continuity.