Are the quad drivers strictly in the ecm's?
Meaning that's the only place that they can go bad? I keep getting a code(89 bonneville v6-3800)for the quad drivers and for the tcc lockup-says it isn't locking up--think the ecm could be bad? ses light doesn't go on--ran the codes yesterday--also the oil is fouled w/gas--sounds like the quad drivers? I know they have something to do w/the firing of the injectors? Any opinions or ideas? Bad ecm? It flashes a code 12 once it's done cycling. Any help is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

 

Code 12 is the start of text (sot) and end of text (eot) denominator. It's supposed to be there. Gas in the oil would denote that either you haven't changed the oil in a long time, or the fuel injectors are leaking. Probably the later. If the quad drivers are bad, I'd say your ECM is done. Can you tell if the TC locks up while your driving? If it doesn't, againg it could be the ECM.

 

I had to change the oil w/700 miles on it--too much gas in it--really runny-How can you tell if the tcc is locking up? I mostly do city driving w/it--not too much highway.
Also I was told if the injectors were leaking that the pwr would be down(not)it would smoke on startup(doesn't)and would be hard to start(it isn't)I pulled the plugs and all was good--but one's threads were a little damp--not very much, and just the threads--the tip was perfect--
If the ecm is bad--would the code 12 still flash in the beginning and when it was done cycling the codes? I'm kind of leaning towards the bad ecm too--especially since--when I pulled it--said for testing purposes only!
When I was on the highway last night--it seemed fine--rpm's weren't high or anything.
Any help is APPRECIATED!!

[This message has been edited by Tonyrodz (edited November 13, 2001).]

 

You mention the oil is runny. Does it smell like gas? If the oil is full of fuel, there is only one place it can come from, the injectors. The easiest way to tell is with a fuel pressure gauge. If they don't hold pressure for a little while after you turn it off, then it's probably the injectors leaking.

If the ECM drivers are bad, that doesn't mean the ECM doesn't function. The ECM is trying to activate the drivers, but if they are bad, they won't work. The ECM will still deliver codes and such. Now, the question is, If the drivers are bad, how is it possible that your car still operates? I'd guess that whatever the ECM uses to diagnose the TCC and quad drivers is malfunctioning, not the actual parts.

 

Ok--after clearing the codes--I only got a code for the tcc--I do mostly city driving w/it--but do go on the highway--will this cause the trans to blow?
Also--if the injectors are leaking-wouldn't the plugs show it? All plugs were showing nice color--one plug was a little wet on the threads--not much tho. Exhaust isn't black--power is fine(for a 6). Car starts right up in the morning--1st crank-no black smoke.
the oil does smell like gas--getting runnier too!
Think I should get another ecm? I hate to spend money on a part that I don't need!!(Don't we all-lol)
Gotta get me a fuel pressure gage--that's my next step!!
Thanks for all the info!! Really appreciate it!

 

Well, not having the torque convertor lock up shouldn't affect anything but gas mileage. I drove mine without it for a while until I made a convertor box (long story due to DFI). I can't think of anything else that would let fuel in the oil.

 

Ok--gonna have someone try to hit it w/their scanner today--hopefully they'll be able to tell me more!
When I saw that it had set a code for quad drivers I kind of thought that it was the ecm--but I've found out that this car has electrical issues! Thanks RCR for all the help!
I'll let you know if I find anything helpful on this nightmare!