Choke/idle problem
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Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
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Choke/idle problem
I drive an 84 Trans Am with the manual 5.0L LG4 V8 and Rochester Quadrajet carb. Here's my problem...
Symptoms:
- idle revs around 3000rpm
- choke light permanently on
- check engine light indicates error 45 - rich exhaust
- buzzing choke heater relay
The car did the first symptom a couple of times about two-three months ago, but it was solved by just leaving the car for a bit and then re-starting.
A few weeks ago the symptom returned (along with all the others) and hasn't stopped yet.
Things I've done:
- ECM diagnostic (error 45 as above)
- carb choke plate test (doesn't open - as expected)
- replaced choke thermostat (no difference)
- examined choke heater relay (looks fine - no breaks in the copper coil
With a power supply direct to the thermostat it works fine, but the relay doesn't seem to be delivering the voltage needed to heat the bimetallic strip properly.
I'm pretty new to all this but I hope the above makes sense to the experts out there. Any advice very welcome.
Thanks, and Happy Christmas!
James
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James Parker
'84 Trans Am
Symptoms:
- idle revs around 3000rpm
- choke light permanently on
- check engine light indicates error 45 - rich exhaust
- buzzing choke heater relay
The car did the first symptom a couple of times about two-three months ago, but it was solved by just leaving the car for a bit and then re-starting.
A few weeks ago the symptom returned (along with all the others) and hasn't stopped yet.
Things I've done:
- ECM diagnostic (error 45 as above)
- carb choke plate test (doesn't open - as expected)
- replaced choke thermostat (no difference)
- examined choke heater relay (looks fine - no breaks in the copper coil
With a power supply direct to the thermostat it works fine, but the relay doesn't seem to be delivering the voltage needed to heat the bimetallic strip properly.
I'm pretty new to all this but I hope the above makes sense to the experts out there. Any advice very welcome.
Thanks, and Happy Christmas!
James
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James Parker
'84 Trans Am
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 279
Likes: 0
From: Macon, Georgia
I think you solved your own problem. Replace the relay. Appearances don't always work. A relay can be AFU and "look" O.K.
A buzzing relay also means that the solenoid coil either isn't getting enough juice or there's a bad short inside the relay somewhere. It has enough to close the contacts but the voltage drops and the contacts open up again. This goes off and on at a VERY rapid rate, hence the buzzing.
A buzzing relay also means that the solenoid coil either isn't getting enough juice or there's a bad short inside the relay somewhere. It has enough to close the contacts but the voltage drops and the contacts open up again. This goes off and on at a VERY rapid rate, hence the buzzing.
Member
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 122
Likes: 0
From: Arlington, TX,, USA
mine did the same thing, but only idled at 2000 and i just replaced the choke heater relay and it works like a charm. but get the relay from the j-yard!!!! GM wants like 25 dollars for the thing.
later and good luck
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keep the stang's far behind u and the cops even farther
later and good luck
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keep the stang's far behind u and the cops even farther
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Thank you both. After having shelled out for a new choke thermostat and an hour's labour at the garage, it was just the relay after all.
Still, at least the beast is back on the road - first drive for six weeks last night really brought a smile back to my face!
Cheers,
James
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James Parker
'84 Trans Am
Still, at least the beast is back on the road - first drive for six weeks last night really brought a smile back to my face!
Cheers,
James
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James Parker
'84 Trans Am
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