What is MALF 16: Lo-Res Fail. I am getting this code from my car. I am using datamaster and i have no idea what this means. HELP


Thanks guys

 

On OBD1 cars, DTC 16(Diagnostic Trouble Code) = OptiSpark low resolution pulse not found. I'm not sure what it means in depth, but this is a start. I've been told that when you get this code, the opti is on its way out.

 

that suck that is a new opti. Could it ber anything else like that

 

Pull off the connector to the opti and make sure that it isn't corroded and it's fully interted. Another thing to think about is, maybe your coil is on it's way out and isn't properly supplying spark to the opti.

 

The PCM uses the low res pulse from the Opti to fire the injectors. If it can not find the signal for 2 crank revolutions, it shuts down the fuel pump and injectors. Obviously, if your engine is running, DTC 16 is a "stored" code, not an "active" one.

I have seen that condition repeatedly in many scans. At some point, perhaps during startup, the PCM has had a problem finding the signal, and set the code. Could be a corroded harness as noted above, or it might be signs of a problem developing in the optical sensor of the Opti. I had rust particles starting to build up in the sensor when mine died.

Clear the code (pull the "PCM BAT" fuse for 30 seconds) and see how long it takes for the code to come back. That might be an indication of how serious the problem is.

 

i got theis code yesterday will doing a scan with datamaster. and was curious what it was. thanks guys.

now which one of you is going to give me the money for the new opti. i guess i cant complain its the factory opti with 148k on it.

 

148k is pretty good mileage out of an opti.

 

I've got a new opti sitting here. Just got it last week. I'm going to try and replace the coil first. If it turns out my problem is the coil, I'll have the opti up for sale. Just lettin ya know.

 

DTC 16 has nothing to do with the coil... its from the "optical" section of the Opti... not the high voltage side.

 

Injuneer, my problem is from the high voltage side (code 36), that's why I'm going to try replacing the coil first. I was just offering him my new opti, if my problem does infact turn out to be the coil.

 

you misunderstand. 36 is hi-res, as in (cam sensor) not high voltage.
both 16, and 36 are on the low voltage side. the high voltage side is simpily a distributer. Just replace the opti.

 

I got code 16 3-4 times last spring, after a little troubleshoting i noticed that the driversides groundcable was loose. Installed it again and didnt get any more code 16 that season.