home *** CD-ROM | disk | FTP | other *** search
- ________________________________________________________________
-
- CODES USED BY COMPUTERS IN CARS
-
- New cars use computers to store and remember malfunc-
- tions that occur. These are displayed in the flashing
- sequences in the instrument cluster. A typical sequence of
- instructions follows:
-
- Locate the C3 diagnostic connector (also called the
- "ALCL"). It is usually under the dash on the drivers side.
- On the Ponitac Fiero, however, it is located in the console
- between the seats. Short the 'A' & 'B' positions of the
- diagnostic conector ('B' is ground), then turn the ignition
- key on but do not start the engine.
- CHECK ENGINE OR SERVICE ENGINE SOON light on dash will flash
- out the number 12 ( flash - pause - flash flash ) which
- means the self diagnostic mode is working. This will be
- repeated 3 times.
- Any trouble codes the computer (called the Electronic
- Control Module or ECM) has stored will then be flashed
- out ( for example: code 23 is ( flash-flash-pause-flash-
- flash-flash ). If more then one code has been stored,
- they will be flashed out in order, each repeated 3 times.
- Look up the code in the following chart to find the faulty
- circuit or component.
- NOTE: Do not automatically replace a component without first
- checking its wiring and connectors. Also, it is good practice
- to test the component further using a digital volt/ohm meter
- as described in the vehicle's service manual.
- Remove the A to B short and turn off the ignition.
- After the repairs, clear the trouble codes from the
- computor's memory by disconnecting the fuse marked 'ECM'
- for at least 10 seconds.
-
- C3 TROUBLE CODES
-
- 12- Normal code with ignition on and engine off. Indicates
- no distributor reference pulse to ECM. Not stored in
- memory.
- 13- Oxygen sensor or it circuit
- 14- Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit shorted.
- 15- Coolant Temperature Sensor circuit open.
- 21- Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) or its circuit.
- 22- Throttle Position Sensor circuit voltage low due
- to grounded circuit or faulty adjustment of TPS.
- 23- Mixture Control (MC) Solenoid circuit open or
- grounded.
- 24- Vehicle Speed Sensor (VSS) or its circuit
- 32- Baromteric Pressure Sensor circuit voltage low.
- 34- Vacuum Sensor or Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) circuit.
- 35- Idle Speed Control (SC) Switch circuit shorted.
- 41- No distributor reference pulse to the ECM. Unlike code 12,
- this will be stored in the ECM.
- 42- Electronic Spark Timing (EST) bypass circuit, or EST
- circuit open or grounded.
- 43- Electronic Spark Control retard signal for too long
- a time.
- 44- Lean exhaust
- 45- Rich exhaust
- 51- Prom (programmed read only memory) calibration unit faulty
- or improperly installed in ECM.
- 53- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve vacuum sensor
- has received improper vacuum signal.
- 54- Shorted Mixture Control Solenoid circuit and/or
- faulty ECM.
- 55- Grounded Vref (terminal 21), high Oxygen Sensor circuit
- sensor voltage, or faulty ECM.
- ___________________________________________________________
-