Check Engine Light CODE, can you help me figure it out?

[craig0ry]

Car is a 1984.

Got the code from the ECM today... this is what it did.

I jumped the proper connectors, and it flashed code 12 at me three times, as it is supposed.

Then I got this code:

(this is what it would look like represented graphically, if each "|" is a flash of the light)

|||| *pause
|||| *pause
|||| *pause
|||| *pause
|||| *pause
|||| *pause

Basically it flashed the light four times quickly, then a pause. It repeated this cycle six times before returning to flashing code 12.

I have no clue how to figure out what this code means though... anyone able to help me out here?

[ErnieN85]

Sound like your computer is mixed up, some times it happens. I'd try disconecting the battery for a min. or two. to reset everything then check it again after driving a while. kind of like rebooting your computer. I know my 85 is kind of ditzy (my car must be a blond)

[craig0ry]

Sound like your computer is mixed up, some times it happens. I'd try disconecting the battery for a min. or two. to reset everything then check it again after driving a while. kind of like rebooting your computer. I know my 85 is kind of ditzy (my car must be a blond)
This is possible, as the CEL comes on after the car has been on for 10/15 minutes, yet there is nothing I can detect in the exhaust note or anything, and all the fluids are definitely topped off.

[Ken]

I can't find a code with four flashes and a pause. The series of codes beginning with four flashes are: 4 flashes, a pause, 1 flash is a Code 41, Cylinder Select Error.
4 flashes, a pause, 2 flashes is a Code 42, Electronic Spark Timing
4 flashes, a pause, 3 flashes is a Code 43, Electronic Spark Control
4 flashes, a pause, 4 flashes is a Code 44, Lean Exhaust
4 flashes, a pause, 5 flashes is a Code 45, Rich Exhaust

[KOPBET]

Ken,


Isn't that |||| pause |||| a code 44 ??

[craig0ry]

4 flashes, a pause, 4 flashes is a Code 44, Lean ExhaustWouldn't that be my code? Because the error code repeats three times. So I had

4 flashes, a pause, 4 flashes

repeated three times!

So that has to be my code!

Exhaust wise, the car is running from the manifolds to a Y pipe to two flowmasters, it retains the stock cats. I am curious what would cause the exhaust to lean out? Do I have a timing problem or a fuel supply problem?

Also where did you find an index of the codes?

Thanks very much for the help!

[Ken]

Didn't you say in another thread that you had picked up a copy of the Haynes manual for your Corvette? I prefer the Helm (http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp) manual myself, but the Haynes book has a list of the codes as well. ;)

[craig0ry]

Didn't you say in another thread that you had picked up a copy of the Haynes manual for your Corvette? I prefer the Helm (http://www.helminc.com/helm/homepage.asp) manual myself, but the Haynes book has a list of the codes as well. ;)
I have the haynes manual, but it just lists what the codes mean. It says, for example,

Code 44 - Lean Exhaust

However! This is the important part - it doesn't tell you what code 4 flashes and a pause is! There is no way to tell what code the flashes signify, at least as far as I can tell! :)

Now I just have to figure out what the hell a lean exhaust means...

[KOPBET]

I have the haynes manual, but it just lists what the codes mean. It says, for example,

Code 44 - Lean Exhaust

However! This is the important part - it doesn't tell you what code 4 flashes and a pause is! There is no way to tell what code the flashes signify, at least as far as I can tell! :)

Now I just have to figure out what the hell a lean exhaust means...
http://home.t-online.de/home/O_Scholz/v6help/code44.html
http://www.c4vettes.com/ecm.htm#44
http://www.chevythunder.com/fuel%20injection%20troubleshooting%20pg%20A.htm#44

[craig0ry]

Thanks KOPBET! I really appreciate everyone's help.

btw, i think i understand how to tell what a code is from the flashes now... seems pretty rudimentary. first series of flashes is the first digit, after the pause is the second digit....

[jim coulter]

My 84 manual is a Haynes (#24041) and section 6-5 gives probable cause for code44-lean exhaust. It states check the wiring and connections from oxygen sensor to the ECM. Check the ECM ground terminal. Check the fuel pressure. Replace the oxygen sensor. Hope that helps.

[craig0ry]

turned out to be the o2 sensor wire touching the exhaust manifold! 5 minutes with a twisty tie and the problem was solved! I also reset the ECM... back up to about 16/17 mpg :)

All thanks to you guys!

[KOPBET]

turned out to be the o2 sensor wire touching the exhaust manifold! 5 minutes with a twisty tie and the problem was solved! I also reset the ECM... back up to about 16/17 mpg :)

All thanks to you guys!
Glad to hear it. At least it was something simple, and FREE!