My wife's car is an 88 Grand Am turbo. today we got a SES and code 42. Car also ran really down on power and there were almost no brakes. I started it when I got home, and the SES was gone, back up on power and brakes, but on the test drive it completely dies and I roll into the driveway. I restart it and check it with my timing light, and sure enough, the timing isn't advancing with rpm.
I took off the dist. cap and checked all connections, they seem fine and all clean.
Does this sound like the Ignition module?
What else controls the timing besides the computer?
Thanks in advance if you can help please respond,
Jeff

 

ESC/EST

 

Thanks TPI, but did you have to write me a novel?
As it turns out, the previous owner ( my brother in law) replaced the ignition module about a year ago. Could it be anything else ?
I'm kinda broke right now and I don't want to start replacing things at random.
Thanks,
Jeff

 

Get a service manual, or have Autozone print you out a troubleshooting list for code 42.

 

Update: Turns out it was the module. Replaced it and all is fine now. Thanks for your replies
Jeff