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-   -   85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12 (http://gnttype.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13592)

deus402 03-31-2010 08:38 PM

85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
like the title says, i have an 85 Grand National, it idles around 2000 RPM, and the engine bogs down under acceleration. I jumpered pins A and B on the ALDL, it flashes code 12, but no other DTC's were set. I have a mastach ALDL cable, so i decided to fire up WINALDL, so i could at least see what was going on where, but WINALDL doesn't recieve anything off of pin E of the ALDL connector.

at this point i kinda figured the ecm is smoked, but it does flash code 12 when the aldl jumpered, and when you unplug various sensors/engine controls it affects how the car idles... also, if you enter the service mode, it does switch from the fast flash to the slow flash like it's supposed to... but even when i unplug stuff that i know should set a DTC, it will not.the car will only flash dtc 12.

does all this mean that my ecm is smoked? if so can i just get another ecm and put my chip in it? if so is there a list somewhere of witch ecm's will work with my car? any other ideas what is going on here?

Keller 03-31-2010 10:55 PM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
First, WINALDL is somewhat of an odd piece of software. More importantly, the 84/85 ECM is an even odder piece of equipment.

There are many reasons a TR might bog: fuel delivery, ignition issues, etc. Anything from a clogged fuel filter, to a weak fuel pump, to a messed up ignition system, to a failing alternator...any of these might cause the issues you describe and never set a trouble code.

Now, the data you collect might tell a story, and help you determine the cause of the issue. Do the WOT MAF numbers look low? Do the O2 numbers at WOT numbers look low? Lots of knock retard?

The ECM can fail on these cars, but not often. I'd want to take a look at the hard data and not the codes (or lack thereof) before calling the ECM bad.

deus402 04-02-2010 02:10 AM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by Keller (Post 55706)
I'd want to take a look at the hard data and not the codes (or lack thereof) before calling the ECM bad.

I concur, but there is no data stream coming off the aldl either, so there is nothing to look at.


also, when i unplug stuff that i KNOW should set a code, it doesn't.

Keller 04-02-2010 03:35 AM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
That seems very suspect. What items are you unplugging? Are you doing it with the WINALDL connected or not?

deus402 04-02-2010 05:27 PM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
1 Attachment(s)
winaldl doesn't show any data at all, so i disconnected it. with nothing jumpered/plugged in to the ALDL (i.e. just how you would normally drive it) if i unplug the MAF sensor, the SES light does not come on, and after shutting off the car and jumpering the ALDL it still only displays code 12, when it should be throwing code 34 as well... ( MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) CIRCUIT (LOW / NO SIGNAL) )

i almost wish it wasn't throwing code 12 so i would know for sure that it was the ecm or at least the aldl wiring harness...

but like i said, when i unplug the MAF the idle changes...

also, if i enter the "Field Service Mode" (see attached pic) it _will_ start flashing once per second, which allegedly confirms closed loop operation...

deus402 04-02-2010 05:40 PM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
1 Attachment(s)
I am almost sure it's the ECM now, i'm going to pull it out and see if there is anything obviously wrong... seems like the "loss of trouble code" symptom is especially relevant...

again, anyone know what vehicles i can pull an ecm out of that will work with my EEPROM?

deus402 04-02-2010 07:46 PM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
Ignore all of the above, it started displaying codes.... maybe it's on it's way out or something, but right this second, i am getting codes now. weird.

deus402 04-03-2010 01:09 AM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
really weird, ecm has been working fine all day today, i was pulling my hair out yesterday trying to get it to do anything...

thanks for the tips anyways though, it really helps to have someone to bounce ideas off of, even though it ended up fixing itself. now to get back to the acual drivability problems...

deus402 04-03-2010 01:11 AM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
yikes, i just looked at my own attachments, apparently the board software isn't too great and converting png to jpg's...

Keller 04-03-2010 01:37 AM

Re: 85 GN Will not set DTC's but flashes code 12
 
Well, garbage in garbage out, so to speak. The files were small pictures. No reason it should scale them up, should it?

There were not many cars that use that ECM at all. I would highly suggest you consider using the ECM used in the 86-87 cars. Much better chance you will find one in a yard, you will actually get much better scan tool data, and the ECMs are found in many more cars. That way you can pick up spare ECMs at junkyards with some chance of finding one. And the instructions for the changeover are on this site.

Pretty sure the 84-85 ones were only found in the 84-85 TRs and the Turbo Rivieras. Good luck finding one in a yard. You might find someone selling one on our pages, however.


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