My car is running fine at idle. I can even rev it to about 6000 rpms with no hesitation, and it is very smooth. However, when I am driving on the road, and try to floor it, it often hesitates and the SES light comes on (code 43). After the light comes on, the car surges (probably due to the timing retard). Why would I get this code while in gear but not while it is sitting in park? It seems as though if I am getting knock, I would be just as likely to get it while in park as in gear. Timing is good. Mods are in my sig. This is kinda frustrating. The car runs and sounds awesome in park, but once I get it on the road it runs like crap!


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91RS convertible 355 TBI 65# inj. custom compcam grind .480/.480, Edelbrock TBI manifold, open element, hedman hedders, Y-pipe, cheap cherry bomb muffler, Hypertech cop car thermomaster, Accel coil, wires. 2.02/1.6 cast iron heads. Engine specially made by Pflugerville machine shop. Forged bottom end, balanced. Coming soon: Vacuum controlled FPR, better exhaust, Torque converter, DIY PROM, bigger TB.

 

43 is a failed knock test.

 

So what does that mean?

 

The codes are outlined in the Tech/FAQ section. The Chiltons manual has a procedure to diagnose it. I'd suggest picking one up.

I'd also get the 350 knock sensor and ESC module if you haven't already.

 

Take a look around for loose wires some place before you throw parts at it. I found I got this code when a spark plug wire had worked loose and gotten close to the wire for the knoc sensor. I moved it back and cured thw problem for a while. UNtil the plug wires went bad. How long since you replaced the plug wires??

 

I have had that problem with my car as well. I have an 82 TA CFI.
I just gave it a tune up with new wires, cap, spark plugs. But the timing is timed for best performance (power timed).
I used to get that code 43 ALOT, but since I replaced the Knock Sensor, MAP Sensor and the TPS Sensor, I don't get it AS much...maybe about once every 4 weeks. Probably the only time it comes up is when I have been driving it for a while or just started it after it has been cooled down for about a half hour.

I guess it's the mysteries of the TA. I don't want to have it tuned and timed because I like my performance.

Don't know if I helped you out alot. I just noticed almost how similar your problem was compared to mine. If anyone has any feedback or questions, i'd be happy to help you as much as I can. =)

1982 Pontiac Trans Am
V8 5.0 Liter Cross-Fire Fuel Injection
138K Miles
Sony X-Plod Deck - Sony X-Plod Speakers

 

Well, I had some wires going to the map sensor zip tied to some spark plug wires, so I took care of that. I think I may have a vacuum leak and also am running very rich. Not to mention the fact that I think I bought a crappy water pump. Aaargghh!!