So my GF was driving the car to work lastnight and it started to act like it wanted to die and the check engine light would come on and off, she made it to work which is close by, and made it home taking surface streets. I used a paper clip to try and pull a code but couldn't find anything, just got the normal code 12. I started the car and the idle is kinda crappy. Any ideas on what could cause the CE light to come on but not leave anything in the memory?
In a day or two I'll replace the cap and rotor and wires, I just did the plugs a couple of weeks ago and the old plugs I took out looked really good also. The car just passed a smog check with flying colors so I think the motor itself is in very good condition. this is an 85 2.8 camaro with auto tranny.

 

Go over everything that you worked on...re-check everything.
Sounds like a wire or plug. Can't really guess though...

 

this is a long shot, but since you already changed the plugs and passed the smog, maybe she got some bad gas???
same thing happened to my wife, but the codes kept changing- egr then o2. i know she uses regular unleaded so i asked her where she was getting her gas (it was a hunch) she said the GROCERY store. i told her to go to exxon and use higher octane. she did and the car started driving better and the codes went away. maybe i just got lucky.

 

well yeh it could be gas, but it would have to be terrible gas because it had almost 3/4 of a tank when she topped it up b4 work.

 

Just an update, it seems it only does this when she goes to work, which is at like 3am, when its cold and moist outside. When I drive it during the day I can't make it do it, and when she gets off work around noon and drives home it seems to be fine also. Is this clue any help?

 

Its like a problem w/the choke?85 v8s were carbed, But your car is Multi-port,right?

Completely different car/truck.But my Bronco 5L EFI did that a couple of times awile back,in the mornings. I ripped off the air tubes exposed the TB revved and sprayed choke carb cleaner down the throat,old school. Never happened again.

Find out what helps your model run in cooler temps,or helps cold starts. Got a Manual?
T.

 

yeh its mpfi, this is california so it doesn't gt that cold, I'm thinking b4 I mess around too much I'll replace the cap, rotor and plug wires.

 

Yeah that would be a good idea,since when I read your post as you did all that a couple weeks ago..IC just the plugs,Oopps.

I live in Cali too...but still dont rule the above post when all else fails.
T.