Code 36 problem tracked down>
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Code 36 problem tracked down>
I was having a problem with an intermittent code 36 a while back, but couldnt find the problem. Replaced the relays, checked the wires and connections, nothing. Tried the MAF from my car, still would set the code. The wiring and relays were all about 2 years old to begin with, so I was really confused. Leave it to someone learning about FI (read:not me) to find the problem. I had heard about it before, but never thought about it this time. So for those of you chasing codes you cant seem to fix:
A few days ago, some guy stopped by and was checking out the car. We wanted to start it up so he could hear it run too, but, alas, the battery didnt have enough of a charge. So, I threw the charger on the car. Fired it up. After we shut it off, put it on a trickle charge to try and revive the battery. This has not been the only time recently the battery has died. So then the newbie comes in the house the next day after starting the car(off the charger) and says "Code 36". Great, I have no clue. I friggen checked everything. BZZZZZZZZZ!!!! Wrong Answer! Turns out that the low voltage, when dropped down through the resistors and whatever else drops the burnoff voltage, was too low due to the bad battery. Instant code 36, low voltage at terminal whatever one it is...
Moral is, check your battery too. A low voltage at the source can set off codes too
A few days ago, some guy stopped by and was checking out the car. We wanted to start it up so he could hear it run too, but, alas, the battery didnt have enough of a charge. So, I threw the charger on the car. Fired it up. After we shut it off, put it on a trickle charge to try and revive the battery. This has not been the only time recently the battery has died. So then the newbie comes in the house the next day after starting the car(off the charger) and says "Code 36". Great, I have no clue. I friggen checked everything. BZZZZZZZZZ!!!! Wrong Answer! Turns out that the low voltage, when dropped down through the resistors and whatever else drops the burnoff voltage, was too low due to the bad battery. Instant code 36, low voltage at terminal whatever one it is...
Moral is, check your battery too. A low voltage at the source can set off codes too
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It read 12.4 with the key on. Soon as we started the car, it dropped to 9.1 and jumped up when the alternator started charging. Apparently it was just enough to throw the code. The car has been started numerous times now, and no code. It was doing it about every other time before.
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Max,
I'm glad you found it. Another thing that can trigger codes and "flakey" operation is not low or high voltage, but the wrong kind of voltage. If a rectifier in teh alternator decides to short, you can introduce some AC into the otherwise strictly DC system. The variation from the AC element of the power system can set false codes, cause erratic operation, possibly do nothing, or throw the ECM into complete confusion.
Thanks for posting the info. I'm going to "refresh my archives" with the solution.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Make Me Bad..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
I'm glad you found it. Another thing that can trigger codes and "flakey" operation is not low or high voltage, but the wrong kind of voltage. If a rectifier in teh alternator decides to short, you can introduce some AC into the otherwise strictly DC system. The variation from the AC element of the power system can set false codes, cause erratic operation, possibly do nothing, or throw the ECM into complete confusion.
Thanks for posting the info. I'm going to "refresh my archives" with the solution.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"Make Me Bad..."
Adobe Acrobat Reader 4.0
KaleCo Auto Parts
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