I'd be lost without this site! If chip is bad,will the car still start and run? It starts and runs for30-45sec then looses spark,will not restart until several min. later,then repeats. Somebody please help! Thanks PT

 

If the chip is bad the ECM will run the engine in limp mode. This will be accompanied by a rapidly flashing or solid SES lamp.

If you are losing ignition, try it with the EST connector open. Still a problem, then I'd be looking at the distributor pickup coil, ignition module, and coil. Plus the wiring for those areas.

RBob.

 

Many thanks for the reply.Found the following : Oil pressure switch tested Ok. Disconnected EST connector,Runs 30-45 sec shuts down still.Key on, engine not running SES stays on. Start and run 10-15 sec SES comes ,engine dies by 30-45 sec. Connect AB @ALDL , code 34 then code 12,then repeats. Car will not start,cranks ok, but will not run. When it starts with ALDL, AB jumped, SES flashes fast. Does code 12 & 34 at least indicate ECM chip is good?????Replace MAF relays next.? Value your input before I go any further.Thanks for your help.!!!!!!!

 

Seems like the chip is OK. The code 12 is normal, it is present whenever the engine is not running. Code 34 is MAF low, which may or may not be a problem. The '165 ECMs are not that reliable either.

After it dies, and before it restarts, is there spark present? You mentioned in the first post losing spark. I ask this as usually even with a bad MAF the engine will keep running.

On the TPI forum there is some good MAF troubleshooting info. IIRC the MAF burnoff can be checked by looking at the wire shortly after key-off, it should glow orange.

Then, if the engine stays running, tapping on each the MAF and the ECM will further narrow down the problem.

RBob.

 

I swapped out the relays from our other 88TA.No more code 34,but still dies.Just for fun swapped out MAF sensor(Bosch #'s were the same)Starts then dies. You asked if had any spark after it shuts down. The answer is NO!.Every time it shut down I check for spark and there ain't none!Wait several minutes ,got spark and will start,allmost ran 1 minute today. Wow. Have to try tapping on the ECM next.If that doesn't work I'm goin after the Ignition module etc. next.Bought new relays anyway,installed them used donor MAF sensor,again still runs then shuts down ,no spark,but no codes Open to any suggestions. Thanks

 

Looks like you are on the right track. If it were me I would swap the working ignition coil and distributor in from the running '88. In one fell swoop this would eliminate or point to were the problem is.

Be sure to check the distributor wiring and power feed to the coil. Even disconnect the tach lead (power is heavy red to coil, tach lead is white from coil with a spade lug connection) and try it.

RBob.

 

If I try another computer and chips that came in a box with car can I damage anthing else in this problem child. The computer is marked as Delco #1227165 no chip inside. Separetly 2 plug in chip boards.Delco AKXY3287 only easily identifyable numbering. The other chip has three sets of numbers on it Delco # 99163028 inside window. On outside there is a sticker Delco BDLD7063. Inside the other window (RH side) a compenent ismarked 1303008. Will I screw anything else up by messing with the xtra computer & plug in chips????? I will be searching at thrdgen for info on computers & chips.Thanks

 

After 5 very questionable grounds,7 additional wires respliced and soldered. Repaced both MAP relays(code 34)The real culprit was the Ignition Module. Thanks everyone, PT