Well I have been going through my car for the past week since it has been down. As I stated in a previous thread it was leaking gas around the #3 and 5 cylinders so I changed the fuel rail and injectors. Now thats resolved and I ran the codes. The first time I got the following codes: 22, 23, 32, 34, 42, and 45. Very crazy so I looked up a few and changed out a few things. I changed the TPS, MAF and swapped out the ECM with one from the bone yard. Since all the codes in the book state a defective ECM I thought it would be worth a shot. Ran the codes again and I got the following 22, 24, 42and 45. Changed out the O2 sensor and the code 45 went away but still wasn't sure so I dissconnected the battery for about 5 minutes and hooked it back up. Ran the codes once again and I got just a 42.

Now here is my question. On the 2.8s is there an electronic spark control sensor or something of the sort? Not too sure but I will be taking it to an electrical shop since I'm at a lost right now. Atleast I have it idling and now spraying gas all over the place. The car has no get up at all and its very sluggish.

Thanks in advance!

F.Y.I I did check the timing on the car and everything on that end is fine. I'm thinking a weak or bad timing chain but not sure.

 

I talked to one of the companies that do the replacement ecms for our machines and they really don't do anything special but replace the chips in them. So my question is what do you guys think about the jet performace chips. I'm going to the jy tomorrow and see if I can find me a replacement and maybe pop out a few chips in the meantime. I don't think I want to just buy another ecm if there really isn't anything wrong with mines just a chip or 2 needing replacing.

 

Any company that just pops out the chips and puts new ones in isn't worth what you are paying for the "rebuilt" ECM. Go to the J/Y and find SOMETHING with a 2.8, whether it be FWD or not, they ALL have the 302, as according to the Hollander Interchange. Heck, I have 2 in my garage I'm not using, and would gladly sell you one, but I don't remember which one has the permanent code 54 (in other words, it's bad but usable if you can stand the constant SES light and can pass inspection with it on, and you don't mind a LOOONG crank time to build oil pressure and turn the oil pressure switch on).

As for your other ???, the 2.8 system does NOT have a separate ESC module and such in the system. The only parts there are the module and the ECM. That's it. The V6 didn't get the advanced ESC until 90, with the 3.1. My service manual says to check the timing bypass wire (the one you disconnect the connector over the blower fan on to set timing) for being broken or grounded between the module and the ECM. I've found that the wiring on my 87 is getting rather brittle and such, so I would start with the 4-wire connection at the module. Keep in mind that, when you are running the resistance test on the ESC bypass wire, that the ECM doesn't like the voltage spike from your voltmeter and can be damaged.

:edit: BTW, when I bought my car, the ECM in it was recently replaced and was a rebuilt unit. The reason it had a permanent code 54 was that it had a driver transistor split neatly in half for some reason, and when it finally went, it didn't run at all.

 

First of all, have you done any mods? Headers for example will cause you to run rich and thus throw off a number of codes. Also, when was your last tun-up done? A search of the threads will give you some advice.

Looking at your list of threads would suggest that the ECM is going bad - but I would look at the sensors first! Track down the codes, track down the voltages, etc.. It ain't always switching the ECM that is the answer.

Go to www.helmsinc.com and find the manual for your car and order it. The diagrams and diagnostics are there.

It may sound convuluted, but there you go. Start with one code and work it through, then on to the next.

These cars are a learning experience and there is the fun in the hobby.

Enjoy!!

 

Thanks for the heads up will do!! On my way out there now and I was curious about the fwd ECMs so now I know.

 

Cool good info!!! Thats exactly what I did from the first post till now and the only code left is the 42. Everything is checking out just fine and the only thing left to replace is the ECM. So about to give that a shot and will fill you guys in later tonight after a journey to the candy store aka JY. LOL

 

Code 42 is a system lean code... Get your fuel pressure fixed and reset the system before you do anything else. It won't hurt to get another ECM, but since you're still having fuel pressure problems, I'd start there.

:edit: BTW, if the FWD car you are looking at in the yard has an electronically-shifted transaxle, move on. If the ECM is under the hood, move on. The ECM will be located in the space behind the glove box, which you obviously have to remove, if it's the right one. Look at the VIN of the car. VIN S (F-body, obviously) or VIN W (FWD) in the 8th digit is what you are looking for.

 

I think that code 42 is the EST malfunction. This code is also set when the BYPASS is opened to set the timing. Can wait for 50 good re-starts or do the battery cable dance to clear it.

Codes 13, 44 & 45 are usually for the O2 sensor.

RBob.

 

Just would like to thank everyone fo rthe responses, but I didn't have any luck at the jy today. Out of 11 gen 3 camaros none were 2.8 mostly 3.1 o r305s so I will wait on the ECM. I did get me a nice instrument panel though with the 110 speedometer for 5 bucks though.

So I will try again next weekend!

 

If you don't find an ECM by this weekend, let me know. I'll go through my spares and weed out the bad one. I have one with the original HNR code in it (87 model year Federal emissions chip, NOT CA emissions), but I'm not sure if that's the bad one.

Also, if you need a scan from a service manual, let me know. I can log onto another computer and scan the flowchart for you.

 

Well all was well with the car up until yesterday the light came back on with the same code. So if you can find the good ECM let me know how much you wantfor it and maybe we can work something out. The yards around here are full of v8s, 3.4s and 3.1 but I have yet to find a 2.8.

 

Well, all of my spare ECMs are good except for that one with the code 54, which I will keep as an emergency unit in case something happens to the HNL one I'm running (87 2.8 T5 code). Keep your factory PROM with your engine unless its corrupt. Especially because all of my spare ECMs are programmed for auto transmissions. You have no idea how hard it was for me to find one that wasn't (it took 2 years!).

Anyways, how does it run? Decent, or like crap? Other than checking the wiring I mentioned above, you can also slap a new ignition module in there ($40 at Advance Auto for one with a Lifetime warranty so you never have to pay for another failed one again!) and see if that helps. If not, well, you have a wiring gremlin somewhere in that tan/black wire. But, at least you'll know you have a good module in there.