Code 43
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 278
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From: Greenfield, WI
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt w/eaton posi 3.73
Code 43
On my way home from work today I threw a code 43 in the car. Electronic Spark Timing circut-low voltage detected OR Electroni Spark Control- circut problems.
I was drivin then all of the sudden the check engine light came on and the car started to stumble a little bit and would not accelrate past 3000rpm. So I limped it home about 12 miles and right when I turned to go into my subdivision the check engine light went off and I got all my acceleration back.
What would cause this???? I dont even know what the EST or ESC is..
The car is running fine again...fixed itself
I was drivin then all of the sudden the check engine light came on and the car started to stumble a little bit and would not accelrate past 3000rpm. So I limped it home about 12 miles and right when I turned to go into my subdivision the check engine light went off and I got all my acceleration back.
What would cause this???? I dont even know what the EST or ESC is..
The car is running fine again...fixed itself
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,651
Likes: 309
Pep,
The ESC is the Electronic Spark Control, part of the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) system. On your '88, the ESC should be mounted to the firewall near the power brake booster. Other essential parts of the EST are the knock sensor on the lower right side of the engine, the ignition coil switching module (HEI module) in the base of the distributor, and the ECM. All the connections between those devices are also critical. Since your problem is apparently intermittent, I'd start by checking the connetions closely, including engine grounds. Chances are that teh ESC is losing signal from the knock sensor, but it could be any other connection as well.
The ESC is the Electronic Spark Control, part of the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) system. On your '88, the ESC should be mounted to the firewall near the power brake booster. Other essential parts of the EST are the knock sensor on the lower right side of the engine, the ignition coil switching module (HEI module) in the base of the distributor, and the ECM. All the connections between those devices are also critical. Since your problem is apparently intermittent, I'd start by checking the connetions closely, including engine grounds. Chances are that teh ESC is losing signal from the knock sensor, but it could be any other connection as well.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: Greenfield, WI
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: 5 spd
Axle/Gears: 10 bolt w/eaton posi 3.73
THANKS A LOT VADER:hail: I have been wondering what all that stuff is in that corner for a LONG time...
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Vader, maybe you can help me. I have an 82 Trans Am CFI and am having problems locating my Electronic Spark Control Module. I can't seem to find it where you told Pepsicola it is (due to being an 88 maybe). Could you help me locate it or give me any other possible locations?
Thanks Vader, I appreciate it!
haste
Thanks Vader, I appreciate it!
haste
Originally posted by Vader
Pep,
The ESC is the Electronic Spark Control, part of the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) system. On your '88, the ESC should be mounted to the firewall near the power brake booster. Other essential parts of the EST are the knock sensor on the lower right side of the engine, the ignition coil switching module (HEI module) in the base of the distributor, and the ECM. All the connections between those devices are also critical. Since your problem is apparently intermittent, I'd start by checking the connetions closely, including engine grounds. Chances are that teh ESC is losing signal from the knock sensor, but it could be any other connection as well.
Pep,
The ESC is the Electronic Spark Control, part of the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) system. On your '88, the ESC should be mounted to the firewall near the power brake booster. Other essential parts of the EST are the knock sensor on the lower right side of the engine, the ignition coil switching module (HEI module) in the base of the distributor, and the ECM. All the connections between those devices are also critical. Since your problem is apparently intermittent, I'd start by checking the connetions closely, including engine grounds. Chances are that teh ESC is losing signal from the knock sensor, but it could be any other connection as well.
Member
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 296
Likes: 0
From: Hurlburt Field, Florida
Car: 1991 Z-28
Engine: 350 SBC
Transmission: Probuilt 700R-4
Same thing
I have a 1991 Z-28 with exactly the same problem. Did you figure out what it was? Please help if you have any info. Thank you
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,154
Likes: 2
From: Stillwater, OK
Car: 1991 Formula
Engine: 355 DFI Superram w/ R-Trim
Transmission: Probuilt 700r4
Resurrecting..
I'm having this problem too. Did anyone figure it out? Pave, our ESC modules are in the ecm / memcal (later cars). I am needing help diagnosing this in a bad way (8 months and still no car).
I have 4.98V at the KS wire. The car will still stumble whether or not the KS is plugged in. "Rev limit" at 3000 rpm just like you. Major popping/backfireing. Vader, please help. I'll send you candy
Seethis thread
I'm having this problem too. Did anyone figure it out? Pave, our ESC modules are in the ecm / memcal (later cars). I am needing help diagnosing this in a bad way (8 months and still no car).
I have 4.98V at the KS wire. The car will still stumble whether or not the KS is plugged in. "Rev limit" at 3000 rpm just like you. Major popping/backfireing. Vader, please help. I'll send you candy
Seethis thread 
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43, 88, accelerate, circuitlow, code, control, detected, electronic, est, module, spark, stumbles, timing, trans, voltage
