So, I've had this car for a year and I'm kept a tight ship on required maintenance but this is my very first car and I don't know everything. I need so help. The 92 rs I have is carburetored and I know nothing about that. However it's run fine until now. The check engine light has started to come on while driving. It will light up for 20 seconds and then go off. At first it was very infrequent and now it is 2-3 times in a 10 minute span. Also, if the light comes on while I'm idling in park it like the engine starts choking. It will drop from normal idle to a sputtering, low growling idle and then surge up to a high pitched idle. If I apply gas while it's low let it will fix itself but I have to turn it off to get it back to normal from the higher idle. Also it's starting to have issues turning over after driving. And it died reversing out of a parking lot yesterday. Any ideas? I'm desperate. This car is all I have.

 

If its a 92, it shouldn't be carb'd. Probably a TBI(throttle body injection). Have you pulled the codes? From what you're saying it sounds like a throttle position sensor, but you need to see what the check engine light is telling you first.

 

I used a paper clip to pull code 15, but that is the only code it is showing. Could that be causing my issues? Also, I don't know how to correct this code. Any insight would be great!

 

Also, I'm not sure about the TBI but this is what it looks like:

 

Code 15 is high voltage on the coolant temp sensor. More than likely needs to be replaced. I think the CTS is super easy to replace on a TBI, and its fairly cheap. Also, yes that is TBI. It does look a lot like a carb, but the 2 plugs on top of it are fuel injectors, hence the name throttle body injection . As far as your problem is concerned, I would replace that CTS to clear the engine code and see where it goes. If I remember correctly that sensor going out can cause problems you wouldn't expect, so it might be the fix for it. And if not at least it's one less problem to worry about.

 

Thank you, I'll replace it today and see if that helps, I'll post results

 

Also just to make sure, did it flash code 12 before flashing 15? If not your ECM is possibly cooked. Code 12 is basically saying your computer is working.

 

Yes flashed 12 three times then 15 then 12 again

 

Do you know where the coolant temperature sensor is located? I have no idea what it looks like. I have the replacement part but I don't know where it goes on my engine

 

Its #2 on the diagram

 

Thank you! I just swapped it with a new one. I haven't started the car yet, is there anything else I should do other than change it and plug it back up?

 

I actually can see it in the bottom pic you posted I think, looks like the sensor with the black and yellow wires going to it near the front of the engine. Now next question, what's the story with those wires? I see butt splices on it and I'm wondering if you know why those wires might have been cut?

 

I honestly have no clue. I bought it from a guy that raced it. He had no information about the car other than he tried to install 5 different radios in it and none of them would have power.

 

This came with the temp sensor, is it possible to replace that wiring?

 

It's possible to, I wouldn't just yet though. unplug the negative battery terminal and let it sit for a few minutes. This will allow the stored code 15 to be reset. If the code 15 stays gone than good deal, if it still shows up I would look closer at that wiring and possibly replace the plug then. Do it right if you know how, soldering and heat shrink wrap. If not the butt splices work too. I just don't like them because they arent as good long term.

 

Also did a little digging as to why the coolant temp sensor could cause this problem in case you were interested. The code 15 means the CTS is sending a signal of at least -22°F the the computer. Obviously not true and if the computer thinks it is way colder than it actually is, it'll cause it to run rich to compensate. Hence an idling problem.

 

Hey that worked! It's only showing code 12 now. I have one other issue, if you don't mind some input. My fuel pressure I feel is too high. It is showing pressure at 60 when driving and idling at 45. It ran 30 at idle and drive prior to this past oil change (had it done at firestone). I'm not sure if this is abnormal or not. Also this thing is not turning when the belt is. It won't spin and then it will spin for a few seconds. I have a feeling it is supposed to turn constantly...



Its the top pully that is spinning intermittently.

 

It's oil pressure on the gauge in the car, I assume thats what you're talking about. It can vary a ton car to car, but I'm not an expert on it. Doesn't sound crazy to me. My car idles at 22-30 when warm 45-50 when cold, and pegs 60 when driving cold. If you're worried about it you can check the oil pressure with a mechanical gauge and see if the car is accurate. The one on the console isn't always very accurate.
That pully is your A/C compressor. That middle part is actually a clutch that is designed to only engage when a/c is running, otherwise it shouldn't be spinning.

 

Oh wow, I feel dumb. Thank you so much, you've been a big help!