If the Optical Side of the OptiSpark started failing. What would the symptoms be?

 

Stumble off idle, random surging to 2000rpm, intermittent misfires or surging 4,500rpm and up.

The optical section does set diagnostic codes.....

DTC 16 = loss of low resolution pulse. If that is an "active" code, your engine will not run. If it is a stored code, it means at some point the ECM has had a hard time finding the low resolution pulse, but eventually found it. DTC 16 is not unusual to find as a stored code.... clear it and see how quickly it returns.

DCT 36 = problem with high resolution pulse. This one can be active or stored, since on loss of high res pulse, the ECM can use the low resolution pulse to estimate spark timing, rather than using the very accurately cam position defined by the high resolution pulse.

 

Would is get worse once the car warmed up?

 

Problems related to warmup would generally relate to things that deteriorate as they warm up..... IC Module, optical portion of Opti, wire insulation, faulty coolant temp sensor. You also get into the issue of open loop vs. closed loop on the O2 sensors, so that's another possibility.

 

I had the Cap and Rotor replaced. I thought that would solve the problem. It didn't . So, I figured it would be the Optical Side of the OptiSpark. I haven't tested the ICM. Would that throw a code? The 02 Sensors are new. Where is the Coolant Temp Sensor, and this would cause a miss too?


On another note. Before replacing my spark plug wires. I had a constant miss. When I changed the wires. The miss was more intermittant. But it still misses like crazy when it's at normal running temperature.

 

I'm having the ENTIRE opti replaced friday along with the collant temp sensor. I hope and pray this will solve my problems.