Georgia Fiero Club Forum

All Things Fiero => Tech Tips, Tech Questions => Topic started by: Tha Driver on June 16, 2012, 10:57:13 am

Title: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on June 16, 2012, 10:57:13 am
How do you check the codes? The lousy haynes manual doesn't even list it (I hate haynes manuals), & I can't find it using a search here - & got wrong info when I did so at pff.
The Indy has running problems.
Thanks,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: TopNotch on June 16, 2012, 01:51:14 pm
Did you check this page (http://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/main.cgi?ECMCodes)?
Note: Your ALDL connector will probably be upside down compared to the picture.
Short A and B terminals. Turn key to ON but not Start. Watch for blinking of Check Engine light.
It should blink 12 (once and then twice) followed by a delay and repeat three times. Then it will blink error codes in the same fashion.
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on June 16, 2012, 04:07:48 pm
Did you check this page (http://www.fiero.nl/cgi-bin/main.cgi?ECMCodes)?
Note: Your ALDL connector will probably be upside down compared to the picture.
Short A and B terminals. Turn key to ON but not Start. Watch for blinking of Check Engine light.
It should blink 12 (once and then twice) followed by a delay and repeat three times. Then it will blink error codes in the same fashion.
Thanks for that.
I hate computer controlled cars. I got code 34 & code 44. I swapped out the MAP with a used one but I think it's from a V6 - it was screwed to some hard lines. Still doing the same thing: will start & idle but RPMs go up & down. When you give it gas it dies. It's getting gas & has a new made in U.S.A. ($30!) fuel filter.
Did I mention I hate computer controlled cars? ;)
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Roger on June 16, 2012, 11:19:38 pm
MAP/pressure sensors
There are several varieties of pressure sensors from GM: Map sensors in 3 varieties (1 bar, 2 bar, 3 bar), and a barometric pressure sensor.
1 Bar sensors are good for NA engines, they measure from 0 (vacuum) to approximately atmospheric pressure,
2 Bar sensors ares good for 15 PSI of boost (turbo),
and a 3 Bar unit is good for 30 psi of boost (supercharged).
They all share a common pinout, although the connector keying may be different:
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on June 17, 2012, 01:08:52 am
MAP/pressure sensors
There are several varieties of pressure sensors from GM: Map sensors in 3 varieties (1 bar, 2 bar, 3 bar), and a barometric pressure sensor.
1 Bar sensors are good for NA engines, they measure from 0 (vacuum) to approximately atmospheric pressure,
2 Bar sensors ares good for 15 PSI of boost (turbo),
and a 3 Bar unit is good for 30 psi of boost (supercharged).
They all share a common pinout, although the connector keying may be different:
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: TopNotch on June 17, 2012, 07:35:15 am
Have you checked the fuel pressure?
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on June 17, 2012, 03:12:27 pm
Have you checked the fuel pressure?
I don't see a fitting to hook up the gauge; how do I do that?
Thanks,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: TopNotch on June 17, 2012, 03:32:48 pm
You have to put on some kind of adapter. See one kind here (http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=1083.0).
An 84-86 car will be different, but the same idea.
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on June 17, 2012, 05:54:27 pm
You have to put on some kind of adapter. See one kind here (http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=1083.0).
An 84-86 car will be different, but the same idea.
Yeah... I don't have one of those & no money to buy one. :(
Did I mention I hate computer controlled cars? ;)
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on September 27, 2012, 03:09:48 pm
Well now I have the money to buy one ("T" fitting to test fuel pressure) & Actron says it's out of stock & no one else can get one (or even look it up on their computer in some cases) so I guess I'm SOL.
Anyone have one they want to sell? I'm tired of the Indy just sitting for months 'cause of a stupid little (I hope) malfunction!  >:(
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: TopNotch on September 27, 2012, 05:12:15 pm
You can check the unregulated pressure of your fuel pump by disconnecting the supply fuel line at the throttle body and connecting it to a gauge. Then apply 12v to the ALDL G connector to run the pump. You may have to jury rig the gauge connection, but I think you can do that.
If you can order from Amazon, you can get this (http://www.amazon.com/Actron-CP7817-Throttle-Injection-Pressure/dp/B0006V2BK0/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1348779972&sr=1-3&keywords=actron+fuel+pressure+tester).
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on September 28, 2012, 02:40:30 pm
Thanks for that but I don't have the money for the whole kit. I *can* get an inline T that replaces the fuel filter, but I don't want to run the car without it. But thinking about it yesterday I can probably get a fitting & use the T inline with the filter...
Thanks again,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 05, 2012, 03:28:59 am
Well I went back to get the T that replaces the filter, & they wanted over SIXTY BUCKS for it!!! Needless to say I didn't buy it. I still need a T if anyone has one they want to sell. REALLY tired of the Indy sitting - especially for what SHOULD be a simple fix...  :'(
Thanks,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 12, 2012, 02:13:46 am
OK got the kit mentioned in the other thread ( http://gafieroclub.org/bbs/index.php?topic=1083.0 ) & my Indy showed ZERO fuel pressure! Pulled the tank & it's clean & the sending unit & fuel pump look brand new.  However, the hose on the pump was very soft & swollen. I have the info from the thread on which hose to use so I'll get that & see what happens.
But I have another question: The vent line seems to be blocked. At least I can't blow or suck any air through it.  Wonder if that has anything to do with the problem? Before I pulled the tank I did try running with the gas cap off & it didn't make any difference.
Thanks,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Fierofool on October 12, 2012, 12:16:46 pm
I'm guessing the hose you're talking about is the one Don mentioned that you can get at NAPA that is submersible in ethanol.  There's one that's ethanol resistant, but that's just for the inside of the hose.

A couple of years ago Don was having problems with his 86 shutting down and after it would sit for about 5 minutes he could start it and continue on down the road.  Never any pattern to it quitting.  He thought that it might be the gas cap and replaced it but it didn't help, so his suspicions were then that it was the fuel pump overheating and shutting down.  He eventually found that it was the Evap Canister.  He totally disconnected it from the tank and he said he was glad that he did.  When he blew it out there was all kinds of junk came out of the line that would have gone into the tank.  While you have your tank out, you might want to check out the canister and also remove and clean the foam rubber filter underneath the bottom of it. 
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 13, 2012, 07:48:43 pm
Thanks Charlie, will do.
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 22, 2012, 03:12:22 am
Well I'm having trouble getting the submersible hose. At least there are no NAPA stores near me & none of the stores that are can get it. I may have to drive 35 miles or more one way to go to NAPA & get it. If I do, I'll buy extra in case anyone else needs it.
I also found a split in the hose that was on it once the swelling went down...   ::)
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 25, 2012, 04:05:14 pm
Well even the NAPA stores "near" me don't have the hose.  :'(  I checked all of the used sending units I have & the hose is dry rotted.  :( My Indy has been down for MONTHS now all because of a 3" piece of freakin' HOSE that I can't get!
On top of everything, my BMW radiator came loose & hit the fan, so I have no way of going...
Can anyone check the NAPA stores near them for me? Need SAE spec J30 R10 hose.
Thanks,
Paul
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Fierofool on October 25, 2012, 05:21:47 pm
What is the inside diameter? 
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Roger on October 25, 2012, 08:27:38 pm
I found this on Pennocks. They say it runs ~$15 per foot.
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 25, 2012, 11:32:32 pm
Nice find Roger.  Still no luck on the NAPA website even with the part number....
Yeah Charlie it's 5/16" I.D.
Anyone have any?
Thanks,
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 28, 2012, 08:20:02 pm
Got it running! My friend Jerry pulled the sending unit out of a spare Fiero tank to see if the rubber hose was still good, & it had a milky-white piece of neoprene (I think that's what he called it) hose/line & he had some of that so I used it (he said it was available at Home Depot). I took a photo & will add it when I get time to upload it from my camera.
To conclude:
1) I hate computer controlled cars!
2) I hate computer controlled cars that send you a code telling you it has a bad MAP sensor when it needs a freakin' FUEL HOSE!
3) I hate in tank fuel pumps!
4) I hate when you CAN"T GET a simple piece of submersible fuel hose to repair a bad one.
5) I HATE that our freakin' GOVERNMENT has allowed the big oil companies to add methanol into our gas that ROTS the damn FUEL HOSE THAT YOU CAN'T GET!
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)

Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: HarryT on October 29, 2012, 12:36:56 am
Paul;
Pickey, Pickey, Pickey  ;D ;D ;D
HarryT
Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Tha Driver on October 29, 2012, 09:06:09 am
In addition...
6) I hate computer controlled cars that don't come with a schrader valve.
7) I hate that you can't get an inline schrader valve without buying a whole kit including a pressure gauge.
8 ) I hate that you can't get any of the above that's not made in freakin' china.
BTW; it's showing 10 lbs. of fuel pressure now. I always thought that fuel injection needed more to run. Since it was idling with the gauge showing zero pressure, I believe the china made gauge is crap (what else is new?).
~ Paul
aka "Tha Driver"

Custom Fiberglass Parts (http://angelonearth.net/customfiberglass/)

Title: Re: Checking codes.
Post by: Donster on October 29, 2012, 11:05:42 am
Now tell us how you really feel about all of it Paul. ;D

\D