It is a possibility.

 

What is the ecm? Is it the ignition control module? Maybe i should try replacing that first.


Chris

 

Well..................I decided to check the opti connections today. But before i did anything i decided to try and start it for S##ts and giggles. And low and behold, IT STARTED!!!!!!! I dont understand what the heck is going on but i drove it around for like 15 minutes and it felt as strong as ever!!!!! Any ideas?


Chris

 

TTT.

 

ECM=Engine (or Electronic) Control Module -that is what the computer was called up unti 1994.

PCM=Powertrain Control Module-what they called the computer beginning in 1994 when they combined the electronic control of the transmission with the engine management.


Your problem could be a heat related electronics failure.

 

Thats what i was thinking. I noticed General Motors decided to put a little heat sink next to the ignition control module. Maybe the heat sink isnt operating correctly and it is causing the ICM to not function correctly when it is too hot!!??? Maybe this is a likely scenario. All i know is its ignition related and i have practically replaced EVERY part of my ignition. I guess i will just keep an eye on it. Thanks as always for your help shoebox.


Chris

 

I've been tripping codes 41,42, 16, 36. I was only tripping 36 (high res pulse ckt) for a while, now recently it started to trip 41,42, and 16. Its my understanding that when the PCM stops recieving the .5 volt signal from the High Res signal, coming from the Opti, 40 times in a row it switches to using the Low Res Signal. And i was able to cruise around on just the Low Res without a hitch, until recently. Oh, and this problem is definately heat related. And its escalating. Before I wouldn't drop my High Res until 180*approx.+ but now it'll drop the HIgh Res at about 160, then drop the Low Res when I get up to 180+ range. But on a cold motor, all is well. I'm not clear on what 41, and 42 are, maybe you guys can shed some light on that, if not I have some UTI help coming in a day or two. Oh, and i was under the impression this was only Opti related. I have yet to take a DVOM to the signals coming from the Opti to check for proper voltage, maybe I'll do that before I do anything else...anyways, keep this thread going....

 

I am all about keeping this thread going. My problem is no dout the same as yours. I am throwing the EXACT same codes as you man. I am actually throwing one more. Code 51! This is a EEPROM error. The Haynes manual tells me the only way to solve this problem is to replace the PCM. I have the money so i guess i will try that. I will be ordering it soon and replacing it as soon as it comes in and i am almost sure that is the culprit. There is no way it could be the opti because my opti only has 6,000 miles on it!!!!!!!!! As for the codes 41 and 42. They deal with the ICM. The ignition control module. That code could just be a secondary code to the PCM code but i am not sure. I priced it at only 60 bucks or so. Either way i think the problem will be solved by replacing the PCM. I will replace it and let you know. Ill keep posting and hopefully i can put this problem behind me.


Chris

PS: Hey Americanmuscle33, has your car ever stumbled or hesitated when ou throw the 36, Faulty high res code?? Mine has a couple of times but most of the time i throw the code and the car just feels fine!! Weird problem we have, i hope we can help each other fix it.

 

Yeah it definately hesitates. Especially if your on the throttle, if you not you can barely notice it. Its my guess the PCM has to cut spark for a split second while switching to the Low Res Sig. It happened to me once WOT at about 5500rpm...it was like hitting a brick wall. Well please let me know if you cure/how you cure your problem. I'm low on funds at the moment and would like to keep the guessing to a minimum when it comes to buying the parts needed to fix it. I'm having my brother (UTI wiz) gather a bunch of info for me, if its useful I'll be sure to post it. I should get it today or tomarrow.

 

Well dont worry about anything. It is obvious that we have the same problem. I got PLENTY of "funds" so that isnt the problem. I bet mone that it is the PCM. I through the PCM error code AGAIN tody. Every time i through it i immediatley clear the computer by disconnecting the battery. Then it goes away for about a month. It is a weird problem but i think replacing the PCM will fix it. I will definately keep youin touch man. Later.



Chris