Help in troubleshooting idling issues...FIXED: BAD ECM/CHIP
#1
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Help in troubleshooting idling issues...FIXED: BAD ECM/CHIP
I have searched and searched for a potential fix to my poor idling problems on my 1988 5.7 IROC. I bought the car with it running the way it is, so I don't know what all has been tampered with since before I purchased it.
The car runs perfect when you first start it up. After it warms up it starts idling so low it wants to die. It hardly dies, but when it does it seems to only happen at a stop light lol. If you gas it hard from take off it will die sometimes too. If you shut the car off and turn it back on, it runs perfect again for a few mins/secs.
I checked the codes and here's what I came up with:
12- Diagnostic mode / ECM functioning No reference pulses to ECM.
22- TPS (Throttle position sensor) voltage low OR Fuel cutoff relay
circuit open or shorted to ground.
33- MAP (Manifold Air Pressure) sensor voltage low – pressure low/vacuum
high OR MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor signal low – flow high.
34- MAP (Manifold Air Pressure) sensor
voltage high – pressure high/vacuum low OR MAF (Mass Air Flow) signal
high – flow low.
36- MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor
burn-off circuit failure OR fault in direct ignition system OR Missing
pulses in electronic spark timing signal.
45- Oxygen sensor rich error.
I am just needing some guidance on where to start spending the money. I was going to buy a new MAF, but don't want to spend $125 on something that might not be broken. I have replaced the IAC and TPS. They are both set correctly and the car runs just as it did before I replaced them both. Any help is appreciated!
The car runs perfect when you first start it up. After it warms up it starts idling so low it wants to die. It hardly dies, but when it does it seems to only happen at a stop light lol. If you gas it hard from take off it will die sometimes too. If you shut the car off and turn it back on, it runs perfect again for a few mins/secs.
I checked the codes and here's what I came up with:
12- Diagnostic mode / ECM functioning No reference pulses to ECM.
22- TPS (Throttle position sensor) voltage low OR Fuel cutoff relay
circuit open or shorted to ground.
33- MAP (Manifold Air Pressure) sensor voltage low – pressure low/vacuum
high OR MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor signal low – flow high.
34- MAP (Manifold Air Pressure) sensor
voltage high – pressure high/vacuum low OR MAF (Mass Air Flow) signal
high – flow low.
36- MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor
burn-off circuit failure OR fault in direct ignition system OR Missing
pulses in electronic spark timing signal.
45- Oxygen sensor rich error.
I am just needing some guidance on where to start spending the money. I was going to buy a new MAF, but don't want to spend $125 on something that might not be broken. I have replaced the IAC and TPS. They are both set correctly and the car runs just as it did before I replaced them both. Any help is appreciated!
Last edited by M G Brewer; 08-18-2017 at 10:03 PM. Reason: update
#2
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
I wouldn't worry about the code 45. 33 & 34 could be throwing because of a bad ecm or maf.
The rich o2 is bacause your running in limp home mode.
You might want to try this test first.
http://chevythunder.com/tps_code_22.htm
The rich o2 is bacause your running in limp home mode.
You might want to try this test first.
http://chevythunder.com/tps_code_22.htm
#4
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
Just curious, when your HVAC controls are moved is there a hissing sound? If so, that vacuum leak can cause an idle issue. Here's a link for what I am talking about and an easy fix for the issue:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...anent-fix.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...anent-fix.html
#5
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
couldnt hurt to verify correct ignition timing. i chased a similar problem on a TPI only to find that the PO never tightened the distributor bolt down.
#6
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
Put a brand new MAF in today and still runs like doodoo. I will keep pushing on!
#7
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
Just curious, when your HVAC controls are moved is there a hissing sound? If so, that vacuum leak can cause an idle issue. Here's a link for what I am talking about and an easy fix for the issue:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...anent-fix.html
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/inte...anent-fix.html
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#8
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Car: 1987 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 4bbl
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
when you changed the sensor did you pull the + lead and reset the ECM?
#9
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#10
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
I was fooling around and kept adjusting the idle up until it smoothed out, then unplugged the MAF burn off relay and the car started idling up a lot, so I plugged it back in and lowered the idle back down to normal and it ran perfect. Shut the car off, fired it back up and it went back to crap again.
#11
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
The low idle running rough is most likely because your in limp home mode. You should diagnose the issue with a flow chart.
http://www.chevythunder.com/maf_code_34.htm
http://www.chevythunder.com/maf_code_33.htm
http://chevythunder.com/tps_code_22.htm
Once resolved you should reset the min air setting.
http://www.iroczone.com/2009/10/clea...rol-iac-valve/
http://www.chevythunder.com/maf_code_34.htm
http://www.chevythunder.com/maf_code_33.htm
http://chevythunder.com/tps_code_22.htm
Once resolved you should reset the min air setting.
http://www.iroczone.com/2009/10/clea...rol-iac-valve/
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Car: 1987 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 4bbl
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
either pull the positive lead from the battery for a few minutes or disconnect the ECM from its plugs for a few mins.
that should reset the codes - if any of those conditions still exist after a run then those are the ones still plaguing you.
#13
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
Put a new MAF starter relay and MAF burn off relay on. Problem still exists, though now it is only flashing code 36.
#14
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Re: Help in troubleshooting idling issues...
PROBLEM SOLVED: ECM OR CHIP WAS BAD.
I bought an ecm of a member on the board and all my problems went away. Hope this can help someone else. It sure has been a long depressing road, but now I can finally start to enjoy the car some.
I bought an ecm of a member on the board and all my problems went away. Hope this can help someone else. It sure has been a long depressing road, but now I can finally start to enjoy the car some.