ECU error code, no garage can help me!

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luckycharms
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Joined: Fri Mar 16, 2007 5:26 pm

ECU error code, no garage can help me!

Post by luckycharms »

Hi I have a 2001 Lanos SE 1.4. Basically the car is juddering and very slow to accelerate and the check engine light is on. I've brought it to 2 garages so far (one being a Daewoo/Chevrolet dealer) and they couldn't help me. I've had the sparks changed but that didn't help either. The ECU is giving an error saying "est ignition circuit b ground short" and nobody seems to know what this means!

Help! :cry:
john_trickle
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ELECTRONIC SPARK TIMING (EST) FAILURE

Post by john_trickle »

CODE 42
ELECTRONIC SPARK TIMING (EST) SYSTEM

The HEI (EST) distributor uses a modified ignition module. This module has seven or eight terminals instead of the four used without EST. Different terminal arrangements are used, depending upon engine application.

To properly control ignition/combustion timing, the ECM (or PCM) needs to know the following information:

Crankshaft position

Engine speed (rpm)

Engine load (manifold pressure or vacuum)

Atmospheric (barometric) pressure

Engine temperature

Transmission gear position (certain models)

The EST system consists of the distributor module, ECM and its connecting wires. The distributor has four wires from the HEI module connected to a four terminal connector, which mates with a four wire connector from the ECM.

These circuits perform the following functions:

Distributor reference at terminal B. This provides the ECM with rpm and crankshaft position information.

Reference ground at terminal D. This wire is grounded in the distributor and makes sure the ground circuit has no voltage drop, which could affect performance. If this circuit is open, it could cause poor performance.

Bypass at terminal C. At approximately 400 rpm, the ECM applies 5 volts to this circuit to switch the spark timing control from the HEI module to the ECM. An open or grounded bypass circuit will set a Code 42 and the engine will run at base timing, plus a small amount of advance built into the HEI module.

EST at terminal A. This triggers the HEI module. The ECM does not know what the actual timing is, but it does know when it gets its reference signal. It then advances or retards the spark timing from that point. Therefore, if the base timing is set incorrectly, the entire spark curve will be incorrect.

An open circuit in the EST circuit will set a Code 42 and cause the engine to run on the HEI module timing. This will cause poor performance and poor fuel economy. A ground may set a Code 42, but the engine will not run.

The ECM uses information from the MAP or VAC and coolant sensors, in addition to rpm, in order to calculate spark advance as follows:

Low MAP output voltage (high VAC sensor output voltage) would require MORE spark advance.

Cold engine would require MORE spark advance.

High MAP output voltage (low VAC sensor output voltage) would require LESS spark advance.

Hot engine would require LESS spark advance.

Detonation could be caused by low MAP output (high VAC sensor output), or high resistance in the coolant sensor circuit.

Poor performance could be caused by high MAP output (low VAC sensor output) or low resistance in the coolant sensor circuit. Refer to the individual component tests in Driveability & Emissions Controls .

When the systems is operating on the HEI module with no voltage in the bypass line, the HEI module grounds the EST signal. The ECM expects to sense no voltage on the EST line during this condition. If it senses voltage, it sets Code 42 and will not go into the EST mode.

When the rpm for EST is reached (approximately 400 rpm), the ECM applies 5 volts to the bypass line and the EST should no longer be grounded in the HEI module, so the EST voltage should be varying.

If the bypass line is open, the HEI module will not switch to the EST mode, so the EST voltage will be low and Code 42 will be set.

If the EST line is grounded, the HEI module will switch to the EST, but because the line is grounded, there will be no EST signal and the engine will not operate. A Code 42 may or may not be set.




Trouble Code 42 indicates that there may be a malfunction in the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) system.

During cranking, the timing is controlled by the ignition module while the ECM monitors the engine speed. When the engine speed exceeds 400 RPM, the ECM sends a BYPASS signal to the ignition module which switches the timing to ECM control. The ECM calculates what the timing should be then "tells" the ignition module via the EST circuit.

An open or ground in the EST circuit will stall the engine and set a Code 42. The engine can be re-started but it will run on ignition module timing.

The conditions for setting this code are:

System in BYPASS mode but the ignition module is still controlling timing

- or -
Engine speed > 600 RPM with no EST pulses (ECM controlled timing) going to the ignition module for 200 msec.



Typical causes for this code include:

1) BYPASS line is open or grounded
2) EST line is open or grounded
3) PROM or CALPACK not seated properly in the ECM
4) Poor connections between ignition module and ECM
5) Poor routing of EST harness and/or poor quality ignition wires (EMI induced electrical noise)
6) Faulty or incorrect ignition module
7) Faulty ECM


Image
Locate Diagnostic Connector

Short pins 'B' & 'A'

Turn ignition key to 'ON' (Do not Start!)

Read 'CHECK ENGINE' light flashes for code indication

One flash, pause, two flashes = CODE 12

Three flashes, pause, one flash = CODE 31

also dome definations below for other dramas,
ECM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE DEFINITIONS
Quick Reference Guide


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12 In diagnostic mode - ECM functioning
13 Oxygen sensor signal problem or loss
14 Coolant sensor - high temperature fault
15 Coolant sensor - low temperature fault
16 System over voltage - over 17.1 volts
16 DIS fault
17 Crank signal circuit shorted (or bad ECM)
18 Crank signal circuit open (or bad ECM)
18 Cam/crank sensor synchronization error (DIS)
19 Fuel pump circuit shorted
19 Crankshaft position sensor fault (1988-1991)
20 Fuel pump voltage high, circuit open
21 TPS voltage high
22 TPS voltage low
23 M/C solenoid fault (Carbureted)
23 MAT sensor Low temperature fault (EFI/TPI/SFI)
23 EST bypass circuit fault (Cadillac DFI)
24 VSS loss of signal
25 MAT sensor High temperature fault (EFI/TPI/SFI)
25 Modulated displacement failure (1981 Cadillac V8-6-4)
25 EST circuit fault (Cadillac HT4100)
26 Quad driver circuit (3.8L)
26 Throttle switch circuit shorted
27 Throttle switch circuit open
27 Gear switch diagnosis
28 Gear switch diagnosis
28 PSM check (4l80-E Transmissions)
29 Gear switch diagnosis
30 ISC fault (Cadillac TBI)
30 RPM error (Cadillac MFI)
31 Turbo over-boost fault (Turbo only)
31 Park/Neutral switch fault (3.3L V-6)
31 MAT sensor circuit fault (Cadillac DFI)
31 Canister purge solenoid fault
31 Camshaft sensor circuit fault
31 EGR circuit fault (1988-1991 TBI)
31 MAP sensor circuit shorted
32 BARO sensor circuit shorted (Carbureted)
32 EGR circuit fault (EFI/TBI)
32 MAP sensor circuit open
33 MAP sensor voltage low
33 MAF signal low (EFI/TPI/SFI)
34 MAP sensor voltage high
34 MAF signal high (EFI/TPI/SFI)
35 ISC fault (Carbureted)
35 IAC fault (EFI/TPI/SFI)
35 BARO sensor circuit shorted (Cadillac DFI)
36 MAF sensor burn-off circuit failure
36 DIS fault
36 Transaxle shift control (1991+)
36 Closed throttle shift control (1991+)
36 BARO sensor circuit shorted (Cadillac DFI)
37 MAT sensor voltage low or shorted (Cadillac HT4100)
37 MAT sensor high temperature (1984-86)
38 MAT sensor voltage high or open (Cadillac HT4100)
38 MAT sensor low temperature (1984-86)
38 Brake input circuit failed (brake light switch)
39 TCC failure
40 Power steering pressure switch fault
41 EST circuit failure - no distributer pulses
41 Camshaft position sensor failure
41 Cylinder select error
42 EST circuit grounded (HEI module failure)
42 Front oxygen sensor lean error (Cadillac MFI)
43 ESC control failure, spark retard too long
43 TPS out of adjustment
43 Knock sensor signal
43 Front oxygen sensor rich error (Cadillac MFI)
44 Oxygen sensor lean error
45 Oxygen sensor rich error
46 Power steering pressure switch fault (4 cylinder)
46 VATS alert
46 Right/left fuel balance error (Cadillac DFI)
47 ECM failure
47 A/C clutch and Cruise Control circuit
48 Misfire diagnosis
48 EGR fault (Cadillac)
49 MAP sensor low error
51 ECM, PROM, or MEM-CAL failure
52 ECM or CALPAK failure
53 System over voltage - over 17.1 volts
53 EGR sensor fault, improper EGR vacuum (Carbureted)
53 Distributor signal fault (Cadillac HT4100)
53 VATS alert (5.0L TBI)
54 Fuel pump voltage low (below 2 volts) (EFI/TPI/SFI)
54 M/C solenoid failure (Carbureted)
55 ECM failure (poor connections or failed ECM)
55 Oxygen sensor failure
55 Fuel lean monitor error (Corvette 5.7L P)
56 Vacuum sensor circuit (Corvette Port throttle system)
56 Coolant level low
56 Quad driver B circuit (3.8L)
56 VATS alert (Cadillac)
58 PASS key fuel enable circuit
58 VATS alert
60 Transmission not in drive (Cadillac)
61 Oxygen sensor failure
61 Cruise Control vent valve solenoid fault (3.8L)
61 Secondary part throttle valve (Corvette Port throttle system)
62 Transaxle gear switch (3.1L V6, Quad 4)
62 Oil temperature sensor fault (Corvette 5.7L P)
62 Cruise Control vacuum circuit fault (3.8L)
63 MAP sensor voltage high, low vacuum/open circuit (2.8L)
63 EGR flow check (3.8L)
63 Right side oxygen sensor open error (Corvette 5.7L P)
64 MAP sensor voltage low - high vacuum/short circuit (2.8L)
64 EGR flow check (3.8L)
64 Right side oxygen sensor lean error (Corvette 5.7L P)
65 Fuel injection circuit fault (Quad 4)
65 EGR flow check (3.8L)
65 Cruise Control servo position sensor fault (3.8L)
65 Right side oxygen sensor rich error (Corvette 5.7L P)
66 A/C pressure switch low pressure (1991 +)
66 ECM fault
67 Cruise Control switch failure
67 A/C pressure switch low pressure (Chevrolet)
68 A/C relay circuit fault (Chevrolet)
68 Cruise Control system fault
69 A/C clutch circuit fault (Chevrolet)
69 A/C pressure switch high pressure
70 Intermittent TPS signal (Cadillac)
71 Intermittent MAP sensor signal (Cadillac)
72 Gear selector switch fault (Chevrolet)
73 Intermittent coolant sensor signal (Cadillac)
74 Intermittent MAT sensor signal (Cadillac)
75 Intermittent VSS signal (Cadillac)
80 TPS idle learn mode (Cadillac 4.6)
80 Fuel system rich (Cadillac)
81 Camshaft position sensor reference fault (Cadillac)
82 Camshaft position reference signal high (Cadillac)
83 *Reserved
84 *Reserved
85 Idle throttle angle too high (Cadillac)
85 TBI service required (Cadillac)
88 ECM fault ('85 & up)
95 Engine stall detected (Cadillac)
99 Power management, Cruise Control fault (Cadillac)
107 PCM /BCM data link defect
108 PROM checksum error
109 PCM memory reset (Cadillac)
110 Generator 'L' terminal circuit fault (Cadillac)
112 EEPROM failure (Cadillac)
131/132 Knock sensor failure (Cadillac)




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GLOSSARY
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A/C Air Conditioning
BARO Barometric sensor (Carbureted engine MAP)
BCM Basic Control Module
CALPAK Calibration Package (early PROM substitute)
CTS Coolant Temperature Sensor
DFI Digital Fuel Injection
DIS Distributorless Ignition System
ECM Electronic Engine Control Module
EEPROM Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory module
EFI Electronic Fuel Injection
EGR Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve
ESC Electronic Spark Control (HEI ignition)
EST Electronic Spark Timing control
HEI High Energy Ignition distributor module
IAC Idle Air Control
ISC Idle Speed Control
MAF Mass Air Flow sensor
MAP Manifold Absolute Pressure sensor
MAT Manifold Air Temperature sensor
MEM-CAL Memory Calibration module (early PROM substitute)
MFI Multi-port Fuel Injection M/C Mixture Control servo
PCM Programmable Control Module
PROM Programmable Read-Only Memory module
PSM Pressure Switch Manifold
SFI Sequential multi-pot Fuel Injection |
TBI Throttle Body Injection
TCC Torque Converter Clutch
TPI Tuned-Port Injection
TPS Throttle Position Sensor
VATS Vehicle Anti-Theft System
VSS Vehicle Speed Sensor
Last edited by john_trickle on Fri Mar 16, 2007 10:32 pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Daniel
Expert
Posts: 1298
Joined: Mon May 03, 2004 8:28 am
Location: Belgium

Post by Daniel »

It's strange that the Daewoo dealer can't help you. Recheck the sprak plug wires layout but I would hardly suspect a bad ignition coil.

Daniel
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