What causes this?

 

The high resolution pulse signal from the optical cam position sensor in the Opti is not (consistantly) reaching the PCM. Could be the sensor, could be the wiring, in particular the connectors on the ends of the short Opti harness.

 

I was afraid thats what it was. Thanks Fred, I'll look into it

 

Clear the code and see how fast it comes back.

 

How can I clear it? Will just disconnecting the battery clear it?

 

Don't pull the battery cable... you'll have to reset the security in the radio. Pull the "PCM BAT" fuse for 30 seconds, with the key "off". I think 93 and 94 the PCM BAT fuse is in the panel at the end of the dash.

 

that my friend is your Opti saying.....So Long bud....

 

And it's only been in there for ~10,000 miles, I think it was put in about 4 or 5 years ago maybe.

Now the car won't start. I'm guessing that would be due to this problem. I also think my fuel pump is starting to go out, when I turn the key on (but not all the way over to start) I can hear it, but it runs longer than usual. The car ran fine Saturday, but when I went to start it again last night it wouldn't fire.

Also, Fred, I'm not sure what you mean by resetting the security in the radio...I've never had to do this before. I have an aftermarket head unit if that makes a difference

 

I had a brand new GM Delco Opti that I picked up from my local Chevy dealer, and the car did not start. Took it apart, and the internals were pressed in 180 out..

 

"security" only applies to the stock audio systems. Aftermarket is a different story.

 

fuel, air spark-have you checked for spark at the coil?

 

I was going to post asking the best ways to check for things like this. I want to check everything I can before I spend $400 on another opti

 

A 36 code won't stop spark or anything else. If you don't have spark at the coil, It's not from that.

 

I know it's been awhile, but I need to get back on this. I checked a few things out a couple weeks ago. Fuel Pressure was good, but no spark at the distributor or coil. But a couple days before that it started right up???

Fred, I still need to check on the connection to the opti via the short harness. I've been traveling for work, but with the holiday weekend, I should have some time to work on it.

Thanks.

 

Check for codes again... you may have DTC 16 by now, and that would prevent it from starting.