QuestionQUESTION: Hello! I am looking for some help regarding an issue that i
have with my 1988 LeBaron GTS. First of all, it's a non-turbo 2.5 liter TBI engine with a 3 speed automatic transmission. After a trip on a somehow bumpy road, after i got back on the tarmac i completely lost the illumination of the dashboard and the hvac commands (my car doesn't have AC), while the rest of the electrical system was o.k. After a few more miles, the engine suddenly stopped, and failed to start again. I towed the car back in the city and i started to look for a problem. Failed. The engine rotates, i have lights, hazard lights, horn, radio... but i don't have a spark. well, almost. I pulled out the central
wire from the distributor cap and held it against a good ground on the engine block and my brother cranked the engine. the result is that the spark occurs randomly, and it's rather reddish than blue in color. having a spark, i put back the central wire to the distributor cap and cranked the engine again. still, no start, but now the fuel runs continuosly in the throttle body while the key is in "ON" position. again, this occurs randomly. i have
removed the spark plugs and had them dry. still, no result. after more tests involving the ignition coil (mounted on another car and works perfect) and some electrical circuits that i had access to, i found a ground wire loose. it was previously attached to the engine body. fastened that wire in it's place. still, no start. i also checked all the fuses in the fuse box (the one in the glove compartment) and they are o.k.
As we speak, i am stuck with this problem and i don't know where to go next,so i ask you for some help. thanks very much in advance! Andy
ANSWER: Hi Andy,
Lets try the fault code readout of the engine controller memory using the ignition key. Turn it
"on-off-on-off-on and leave on" doing that in 5 seconds or less elapsed time. Then watch the check engine light, which remains 'on'. to begin to flash, pause, flash, etc. Count the number of flashes before each pause. Then repeat to be sure of an accurage set of flash counts. Then combine the counts in pairs to form the 2-digit fault codes. Then let me know what you got, or go to www.allpar.com/fix/codes.html for a code list. The last code should be 55 which means 'end of readout'. It still could be a disconnected supply wire but the codes are always helpful.
Fuses 5 and 12 are needed for the dashboard illumination function, so check that those are ok and that they have voltage on them (5 all the time, 12 when the headlamp panel rheostat is rotated through its range of motion).
The fuel pump continuing to run suggests that youe ASD relay is stuck closed. That is the one on the left inner fender, front-most one of several. Try substitution some other that is not crucial with the same part number, such as the fan relay in the third slot (there should be an empty slot which is used for the A/C clutch). Of course you will want the fan to run when you get it going again.
Roland
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QUESTION: Hello Roland!
I did the test procedure, and the only code i get is 33, which i know that is normal for a car without A/C. I disconnected the battery and tried to crank it once again to see if the ECM stores another set of codes, but then again, it showed also 33 and then 55. any ideas? i'm stuck...
AnswerHi Andy,
Because you have power to the spark coil doesn't mean you have spark at the plugs. So check that out by inserting the tip of a secrewdriver with a plastic handle so the tip touches the contact of one of the plug caps, then have your helper crank it over while you position the shaft of the screwdriver closed to the cylinder and test for spark jumping the gap. If none then it is the rotor or the distributor cap that is failing to deliver the spark.
If you are getting any sign of firing, then it is the mixture (perhaps an inaccurate MAP sensor), a failing injector in the throttle body. Try some starter fluid to see if will prompt some ignition.
Check the exhaust gas recirculation valve to make sure it is not stuck ajar.
Those are the possibilities...
Roland
