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Code 12: No refference Pulse to ECM. What does this mean?

Old Jul 23, 2000 | 06:21 PM
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Code 12: No refference Pulse to ECM. What does this mean?

My car has been running rough and I pulled the code and it's 12. Code 12 means NO REFFERENCE PULSES TO ECM. What does this mean? Is there anything I can check like connections somewhere or does this mean my ECM needs to be replaced. Where is the ECM located? I have an 88 GTA with the 5.7.
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Old Jul 23, 2000 | 06:27 PM
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stempes,

The "reference pulses" in question are rotational pulses from the distributor. This means the distributor is probably not turning, which is exactly as it should be when you are retrieving error codes with the engine not running.

A code '12' is perfectly normal, and should always occur when doing this procedure. If you have no other error codes, you should be happy.

As far as the rough running, the ECM can only do so much. It expects to have good spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor, coil, clean filters, good fuel, no vacuum leaks, clean PCV valve, clean IAC, etc. Then it can do its job of managing fuel mixture and spark timing.

Later,
Vader

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