Low voltage at electronic spark timing circuit
or
Electronic spark timing (EST) circutir - Low voltage detected
or
Electronic Spark control (ESC) -circuit problems.

These are the three definitions I found for the code 43.

I am thinking it has something to do with the plugs and the wires, but thats just a guess. Can someone explain what CODE 43 means so I know what I gotta fix?

------------------
Jeff
92 Camaro V6, mods: K&N, modified air box, JET chip 2,Dynomax Cat & Cat Back System
www.camarors.4t.com

 

Did you set your timing lately? That code usually pops while setting the timing and stays stored for awhile. If that is it then just ignore it and it will go away.

Dale

 

I haven't touched my timing ever.



------------------
Jeff
92 Camaro V6, mods: K&N, modified air box, JET chip 2,Dynomax Cat & Cat Back System
www.camarors.4t.com

 

Check your connections first. Usually thats all is a loose connector. After that get the volt guage and do it the hard way.

 

Thanks to an Archive search I found this from spearson

Code 43 -- ESC electronic spark control module. Electronic spark control is accomplished with a module that sends a voltage signal to the ECM. When the knock sensor detects engine knock, the voltage from the ESC module to the ECM drops and this signals the ESC to retard timing. The ECM will retard the timing when the knock is detected and rpm is above about 900 rpm. Code 43 means the ECM has been low voltage at CKT 485 terminal "B7" for longer than 5 seconds, with the engine running or the system has failed the functional check. This system performs a functional check once per start up to check the ESC system. To perform this test the ECM will advance the spark when when coolant is above 95 degrees C(194 Degrees F) and at a high load condition ( near WOT). The ECM then checks the signal at "B7" to see if a knock is detected. The functional check is performed once per start up and if a knock is detected when the coolant is below 95 C then the test has passed and the functional check will not be run. If the function check fails, the SES light will remain ON until the ignition is turned OFF, or until a knock signal is detected.
Ok to test the stuff out to find what is wrong do this.1.

· Clear Codes
· idle engine for 1 minute or
until a SES light comes ON
· read new codes


No code 43This test will dtermine if the system is functioning at this time. Usually a knock signal can be generated by tapping on the right exhaust manifold. If no knocksignal is generated, try tapping on the block next to the area of the sensor. Follow the following steps.

· run engine at about 1500 RPM
· trans in park/nuetral and at normal
operating temp
· tap engine block in area of knock
sensor and check for rpm drop

If the RPM drops the problem is intermittent, if there is no rpm drop then there is no problem But if you do get a code 433.with the engine idling check terminal B7 with a VOLTMETER to a ground and note the voltage If over 6 volts it is a faulty connection at ECM terminal B7 or ECMIf under 6 volts do the following

4. Ignition on, but engine stoppedrecheck the voltage at ECM terminal B7If over 6 volts change the ESC moduleIf under 6 volts do the following 5. Ignition offdisconnect ECM "A-B" connectorturn ignition on and recheck voltageIf over 6 volts Replace the ECMIf under 6 volts do the following

6. Disconnect ESC module. check voltage from ESC connector terminal B to ground.It should read battery voltageIf not OK repair open in CKT 439If OK do the following Check for open or short to ground in CKT 485. If not open or shorted to ground, it is a faulty esc connection or ESC module. I hope some of that can help ya. I also got the code once but it was from some bad gas.