93Z28rare

Last Friday I was driving to work. The car started perfectly and was even running perfectly. That was until it just stopped as I was driving. I tried to restart the car, but it would only sputter and die. The car wouldn't start, it would just sputter for like 2 seconds then die.

I found out that the ignition module is faulty, and the distributor is out as well. I got this info from the dealer. Anyway, how can I tell if the optical sensor is out in the optispark? I searched and found that a DTC 16 means that the optical sensor is out. I just want a cap and rotor to fix the distributor so I hope thats not the problem. Also, if the sensor is dirty, how can I tell that its dirty and can I just clean it out???

Thanks.

BlackDog

You kind of answered your own question on the sensor. If it were bad you would get a code.

However, when you take the opti apart if the inside is rusted it's probably time for a new unit. Depending how many miles are on it, it just may pay to replace the whole unit.

93Z28rare

Thanks for your reply. Today I went ahead an saw what code was stored in my PCM. Turns out its a DTC 42, IGNITION CONTROL (IC) CIRCUIT (GROUNDED CIRCUIT). No other code. I'm going to go ahead and do a search and see what exactly this code means. But from what I get, it does not sound like a distributor problem like the dealer said. I could be wrong though.

93Z28rare

Alright. So I searched for DTC 42 and found nothing. Does anyone have any idea what exactly this means. In other words, what needs to be replaced. Thanks.

Z28_95RIDE

Go here: http://www.troublecodes.net/articles...ndrstd42.shtml

It does list the ignition module as ONE possible cause.

Regards

93Z28rare

Thanks for the info Z28_95RIDE. The dealer came up with at least the ignition module being bad, but before I go ahead and replace that part, I will follow the instructions given on that web page you gave me first just to make sure it's the Ignition Module. I hope that was the problem. I would hate to still have to replace the Optispark. Hopefully I won't have to though.

Is there still a chance its the Optispark??? I hope not.

Z28_95RIDE

I hope not with you. However, because your code really doesn't reference the optispark, I would put that concern to rest. Please let us know the outcome.

Happy holidays

93Z28rare

Here's the update. Z28_95RIDE you were right. Since the code didn't reference the optispark, it most definitely wasn't. Yesterday I went ahead and replace the ignition module, and while I was there, I also replaced the ignition coil with an MSD unit.

After putting everything back together, the car fired right up. I'm so glad that I didn't have to replace and opti. This repair came out way cheaper than that. Anyway, thanks for your help Z28_95RIDE. The info you gave me helped me get my car running, and save money.

NOMAD

Yeah, generally a sudden stop is caused by the ICM. An opti will generally go bad over time.

Glad you got it fixed

-Shannon

Z28_95RIDE

Good news Thanks for keeping us posted and I'm glad it turned out for the better.

Regards

Ripvw11

will ICM stop injectors from pulsing?

jamesthrash1

Good luck finding your info on here. PM me your car year any mods and anything it may be doing, quirky little small stuff ya know. You never saw any type of a fluid leak at all? did you ever try to put fluid in your car and accidentaly spilled under the hood?? GOOD LUCK...

Injuneer

From the 94 shop manual

DTC 42 - Ignition Control Circuit (shorted or grounded circuit)

Action taken by PCM: PCM will disable the fuel injectors to prevent flooding of the engine. DTC 42 will be stored in the PCM memory, but will NOT turn on the Malfunction Indicator Lamp.

And contrary to the opinion of some, there are a lot of us here who try and help.... you don't need "Good luck finding your info on here".