i have a 1990 camaro rs with the 305 tbi /auto transv vin E. I have a major drivability issue that is driving me nuts. I have a few ideas but figured i would run it across everybody here first.
The problem: car generally starts fine however when first taking off, the car stutters a little bit, but recovers. driving short distances under light load and it runs fine, but if i jump on it, or try to accelerate quickly, i get an ses light and the timing is retarted. (no *****) if i shut it off it runs fine until i try to jump on it again, sometimes it will run like a raped ape for a second or two after jumping on it, but then here comes the ses and lack of power.

Trouble codes:
12 - no distributor reference pulse
13 02 sensor circuit open / na
22 Intake air temp sensor low temp
32 egr system failure
43 knock sensor error
44 o2 sensor error (lean)

i understand one bad sensor can cause other to throw subsequent codes as well, so i dont want to just replace all and not get to the underlying problem. the o2 sensor error is a broken connector, that occasionally comes undone, connecting it does not make a change, (very rarely disconects) it says the engine is running lean, however it smells rich. im not sure what would trip the IAT (code 22) and i have read of issues between the knock sensor and the egr throwing code, but i dont know where to start.

Steps so far:

replacements:
Dist Cap
Dist Rotor
plugs
wires
fuel pressure test passed.
all cyl holding compression

tommorow i plan to check/clean the egr and maybe replace to knock sensor, so any input before would be helpful as i dont really want to replace what i dont have too. i understand the knock sensor is ultimately cause the timing to retard, but could it be another sensor cause the problem? thanks in advance.

I just picked the car up a couple weeks ago always wanted an fbody camaro and have been battling this problem ever since, starting to get frustrated.

 

if this was my car, and the for-mentioned DTC's were stored with intermittent problems, I would check the connector at the ECM, as well as the 12v continuous juice flow to make sure there wasn't a lose wire or something, I would then replace the ECM...

 

concentrate on knock sensor error first this is most likely causing lack of power and egr code.ecm assumes since "knock"doesnt go away as timing is retarded egr system is not functionig.does this engine have any noises in it that could fool sensor into thinking its pinging?do you hear any spark knock when you drive it?

 

Actually it seems to sound completely normal, that was the first thing i listened for, i know they can be fooled, im picking up a new knock sensor tommorow and maybe that will solve the problem. it is however doing a little better so thats why i think it may be faulty, for instance i just drove it HARD for about 2 miles jumping on it at every turn and didnt have a problem, once i left and jumped on it the ses came back and timing does it again.