hey,

i have a 85 iroc and im getting a code 42. I checked all the est wires and they are all good. i followed the code 42 flow chart and it leds to a faulty ignition module. which isnt making much sense beacuse the car is running well. i've read most of the 42 code posts and most are cliffhangers without the working soultions. so i was wondering if anyone has any good corrections to the problem or some insight? also if the ignition module is bad .. do they often take a dump like that without the engine stopping with it?

 

Most Autozone stores can test the module. They will check for five or six different functions. That would rule out that piece anyway. And they can print out a complete troubleshooting method for this code that will take you step by step to a solution. Don't rule out a corroded connector or a pinched wire, it happens and it's real hard to find.

 

ok i figured out the problem. turns out i was looking at the wrong pin outs on my ecm and there was a open on the tan black wire. but after following the wire i found a in line connector which was disconnected (i thought the shop i got it back from was trying to scam some money) once connected again check engine light off. so im sure maybe for other code 42 problems that connector could break and come loose. hope this helps

 

Is that the wire that you disconect in order to set the distributor base timing?

 

not sure... its not the 4 prong connector. its a single wire connector on the tan/blk wire between the 4plug and the ecm. i was thinking it was a scam beacuse i got it back from the transmission shop. they shouldnt be messing with my ignition

 

It sounds like the timing/ECM control wire.

Have you ever set the timing on this car? It's a single wire. Mine's near the firewall, under the hood on the passenger side.

 

yup thats the wire. i just had someone else set the timing. with the timing light.

 

OK then. That wire allows the ECM to control the timing. With it disconnected the car will still run, but not nearly as well. I bet it runs much better now!

 

yea, i could feel a difference. thanks for the help