Read the thread below too! Not sure what to check for a 42. Manual says something about electronic spark control. I do know the plug gaps are wayyyyyy off. Could that cause a 42? What else can I check?

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=195916

Thanks,
Brandon

BTW, car hasn't been started since Feb and is probably lacking some maint.

 

Is your base timing set properly? Get a timing light and check it out. If not you may have a bad ignition module. If the timing is too far off, it will set code 42. Hope that helps you some.

 

To be honest with you, the timing has never been checked. How can you tell if the ignition module is bad?

Brandon

 

Ok there's a couple ways of doing it, but probably the easiest way for you is take it off and take it to auto zone and let them test it for you. Be sure to get some dielectric grease and put it on the base of the module before you reinstall it. Oh, it may be a good idea to take the module in when it's hot, sometimes they suffer from "heat soak", meaning they don't work properly when they are hot, but work great when they are cool. Hope that helps.

 

This morning the SES light stayed off, but the engine continued to spit, sputtered, smoking and eventually died a few times. For a good tune up: spark plugs, wires, rotor, dist cap, ignition module....what else?

Brandon

 

Challenge- there are few people in the workd I trust more when it comes to the computer controlled TBI iron duke than my brother. He's worked on a LOT of these things. He just gobbles up computer problems like this. Basically, he just lives and breathes factory diagnostic trees. If you get real stuck, shoot me an email and I'll plug you into him.

Probably you'll find it's a bad module, ESC module or the ECM itself is bad, but I don't want to suggest any course of action here. THis is a problem that must be DIAGNOSED, not have parts thrown at it. You could do so for weeks and maybe never get it.

 

Change your fuel filter as well, along with your air cleaner, PCV valve, and breather filter if applicable. Damon's right, the problem needs diagnosed, and personally I think a good place to start is with a timing light and getting that ignition module checked. Good luck with it.