Im tired of taking my 94Z to shops that just dont seem to know what they are doing .Are there any trustworthy and knowledgeable mechanics in my area that can help??

 

I haven't found anyone in pa that I trust to work on my car. I am the only one that touches it. Honestly I didn't know anything but I bought the repair manual and get advise on this forum.I do everything myself. Maybe that is something you should try.

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If you are looking at engine performance modifications, Second Street Speed in Perkasie, PA has built some decent LT1's. If it's just routine maintenance or troubleshooting on a stock(ish) engine, they would not be the people to go to.

 

I've had an ses problem for a few weeks and had my car into two different shops. The last one said it threw a code #32 but not sure what code that is. Anyways..the ses light comes on, auxiliary fans come on and car at times is hard to start. My last shop said that the fuel pressure is inconsistent causing the starting problem I have but the fuel pump and filter were replaced a couple of years ago. I only have 6k miles put on the car since that time. So frustrating that the problems cant be identified and corrected

 

DTC 32 is a problem with the EGR system flow. The PCM cycled the EGR valve and did not see the expected change in manifold absolute pressure (MAP). Is it possible your EGR valve is stuck partially open?

What are the fuel pressure system readings - when the pump primes and shuts off, at idle with and without the vacuum compensation line connected, and under load? With the engine off, how fast does the pressure drop off after the fuel pump primes and shuts down?

Sounds like what you really need to do is scan it for codes, and check the fuel pressure yourself, rather than relying on shops of questionable competency. A data log will provide a basis for analyzing the problem. There is free software linked on the "Computer Diagnostics and Tuning" forum for scanning and data logging the PCM. All you need is a cable.

There are people here who can look at your data log and perhaps tell you if they see anything that may indicate the cause of the problem.

 

I jsut called the shop again to discuss the 32 code. I was told that it was actually a 36. Any ideas what this could mean with the problems that I am currently experiencing??

 

You mentioned it's hard to start. Does it also misfire, stumble, bog, run rough?

DTC 36 indicates the PCM could not find the high resolution pulse signal from the optical cam position sensor in the Optispark distributor. It was missing for 40 pulses of the low resolution signal, which means 10 revolutions of the crankshaft. The only thing the PCM does when it sets is turn on the SES light. Doesn't turn on the radiator fans (assuming that's what you mane by auxiliary fans).

Clear the PCM and see how fast the code comes back - pull "PCM BAT" fuse on the end of the dash for 30-seconds. If it's intermittent, might cause erratic tach readings, some stumbling. If it's permanent, the PCM simply uses the low resolution pulse to time the ignition and the injectors, and you probably wouldn't notice any difference. There would be a small increase in spark scatter, but not enough to notice.

Could make it hard to start, but fuel pressure problems are more likely. If the fuel pressure bleeds down too rapidly when the pump primes and shuts off, it will extend cranking time.

 

Thanks so much for your input. It has been very useful as well as educational to me. Question.....once the codes are pulled and in this case so far only code 36 how long in hours do you think it takes to evaluate or follow the diagnostic tree to find a solution? The service tech I know is trying and has told me that he has already spend 7 hours diagnosing. I'd lie to find a solution through him as possible but all this info will be needed to negotiate a price.

Thanks again !!!!

 

Download the factory service manual and the code info is all there. 2 or three pages and it explains it all. Volume 2 of 2 has the LT1 diagnostics in it.

http://www.mediafire.com/?40mfgeoe4ctti

 

Thanks again. I forwarded your reply and service manual to the shop for their inspection.

As far as your question does the car misfire, etc....what happens is the car usually starts without the SES light on and after driving for a few minutes it does stumble or hesitates but quickly recovers. This is when the SES light comes on and the aux fans. The fans will stay running until I shut the car off. After the brief stumble and the SES light coming on the car runs fine at all speeds. This all seems to be head scratching at the shop.

 

also..... I plan on using the vehicle for about a 300 mile round trip this upcoming weekend. Do you think I can do any damage by running the aux fans for this period of time or about 2 hours each way??

 

I'm still not convinced they gave you the right code. DTC 36 does not turn on the fans.

 

Yeah I may have to agree but maybe its a combination of codes. I had it diagnosed at Pep Boys and wondering if they have the right equipment. I have asked about this a few times as I did read that some scanners will not properly diagnose. Is there just one type scanner that they should use?

Also...again.....running the car for two hours with the fans running.....can it hurt any components??

 

I wouldn't think the fans being on would cause any damage. May have prevented damage.

 

question....I noticed the charcoal canister at the back of my car was hanging from the frame by lines as the attaching bracket rusted out. I had the shop reinstall the canister in position.

I notice a smell of gas now when I park in my garage. I never noticed this smell before. Is it possible that the lines are now broken or pinched and can cause an imbalance somehow that the SES light comes on? . My car also has a hard time starting now and never did before. Could this be caused by this situation also?? I'm thinking all the SES problems I have now occured after the reinstallation of the charcoal canister. Opinions ??? Thanks