Philly89Iroc

I can't figure out why my electric choke is not working. This all started when the battery died in my 1982 Trans Am. I unhooked the battery, had it charged at sears, then reinstalled it. I'm not sure if the battery was overcharged or it sent an electric spike out because the choke light was on as soon as I turned the car on and immediately the rpms went to 2500 and stayed there. It will not kickdown at all no matter how many times you tap the throttle and its just as bad if you attempt to drive it. The electric choke worked fine before with no known issues.

I took the car to a mechanic last Friday and he said the electric choke is bad. So, I bought a replacement electric choke thermostat from Napa and still the same problem remains. I made sure the choke was closed when I installed it by putting the square end into the notch on the linkage then turning it until it closed and the notches lined up. The choke light comes on and the idle starts at 1500 goes to 2500 rpms and it will not kickdown after 3-5 minutes. The choke will not open all the way after 3-5 minutes. The linkage seems to move freely so that probably isn't the problem. Underdash fuses looked fine as well? I've read the quadrajet faq but still can't figure out why its not working.

I did notice though with the electric choke thermostat removed, either with the choke manually closed or fully open, there is no choke light on. The buzzer will not make any sound even if the light is on and the choke t-stat is connected but is it possible that the under dash relay is bad? I had the horn relay and horns changed right before the battery died.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Is your alternator charging? The "choke" light is more properly called an "alternator" light. The choke light won't go off until the alternator is putting out more voltage than the battery.

Philly89Iroc

The battery died because it was my fault, I left the interior lights on for a few days and didn't realize it. I'll have the alternator tested though, its not original (replaced in 1999 and has basically very little use, maybe 50 miles on it) but its possible that its not working correctly. It seems to be working correctly (shows 15 then drops when idle settles down) but I'm not sure how accurate the gauge is anymore.

Will the engine run ok without the electric choke connected? I don't plan on driving it far, just to a trusted mechanic to fix this issue and to get new tires. I have it disconnected now and its slightly more difficult to start but idles normally and the choke light is off.

Also, is it possible that I've already damaged the electric choke thermostat that I tried to install? It seems to be ok visually vs the stock one (visibily darker in one spot on the coil).

Thanks for your help

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

It's pretty hard to electrically damage the choke thermostat. Mechanically - different story. But, probably not.

With the choke wire disconnected, the choke will remain partially closed when the engine is warm, causing the engine to run rich. As long as you don't drive it too far, it won't cause any problems.

Are you sure the choke heater fuse is good? If the choke wire shorts to ground, it'll blow the fuse.

Philly89Iroc

Is the fuse the one labeled C/H with #2 right above the A/C fuse in the fuse box, 20amp? If it is, it seems to be ok and the other fuses seemed to look fine as well. I'm going to have the alternator tested on Friday as I suspect it may be a charging issue.

1983Zsled

Are you getting 12v to the choke? If you have a voltmeter or test light check that first.
With the car running you should have power there. If you don't then you have an issue obviously.( wiring, fuse, ground issue) If you do have power, is it the right choke for that carb? Is it grounding to the housing? Make sure the ridge where the choke sits is clean. I have read in here somewhere that the oil pressure sending unit is tied into the choke, allowing 12v to the choke only when there is oil pressure ( ie engine running) maybe it has something to do with that? Good luck.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

No tie to the oil pressure sending unit.

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/atta...-305-f-306.jpg

It does need to have the alternator charging, though.

1983Zsled

Found the post I was referring to.....

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/carb...oke-light.html

Thanks for clearing that up. 87 and up through the oil switch, and alternator for prior years?

1987 T/A GTA

thats wrong bc my choke didnt work and once my sending unit completely crapped out and i switched it the choke wrked fine. and my 85 service manual states that if the choke coil is ok change the sending unit.