My car sits a lot and only has been driven a few times the past few years. I do start it a few times a month. Lately it started running bad and doesn't want to stay running. It starts as normal and runs fine until it warms up. Once it is warm it will start struggling, coughing, then back to normal idle and back and forth until it dies. It will restart but usually struggles to do so. I see knock sensor, ECM, and EGR issues. Where should I start troubleshooting this so I don't throw a bunch of money at parts I don't need. The car is all original and unmolested. No parts have been replaced in years. Thanks for your help.

 

After unhooking the battery code 53 has went away but is still acting possessed. No one has any ideas?

 

Some information on what car, year, engine, transmission and EFI system would be helpful. For example, code 53 could be either a VATs issue or a system overvoltage issue. Depends upon the vehicle drivetrain.

RBob.

 

I guess that would help LOL It's a 1991 RS convertible stock 100% original with all pollution control items still there and functioning. It has a 305 TBI with an automatic, 700r4 I would assume. I think the code 53 is VATS related because once in a while it doesnt want to start but if I wipe the key off it fires right up after VATS resets.

 

you should start Bye having the battery and alternator tested. The code 53 is voltage high detected bye the ecm. Then move onto then ther codes.
http://chevythunder.com/code_53_system_over_voltage.htm

42 Ignition control, timing signal – circuit malfunction Wiring, poor connections, ICM, ECM
43 Knock sensor (KS) – circuit malfunction

http://www.troublecodes.net/GM/gm-92-camaro/
The closest I code find but I believe it would be the same for 91 both use the 1228746 ecm.

 

You got it, with this being 3rd gen TBI, code 53 is VATs.

As for 42, that is EST, or the distributor system. That code is set whenever the base timing is checked/set. This is caused by the open EST/BYPASS connector on a running engine, normal.

Code 43 is the ESC system, the knock detection and reporting. This one can easily be set by running slightly retarded distributor base setting. Or by using a higher then required octane fuel.

Stored codes won't be erased until 50 startups are made without any further codes. Since the VATs code comes and goes, the stored codes won't go.

I'd do the battery cable dance and then see if any codes return.

RBob.

 

I THINK I have it figured out. I put in a new ignition control module today. I didn't drive it, but let it run on the driveway for an hour and a half and it ran perfect. Before if it would stay running for 3 minutes I was lucky. I have my fingers crossed.