Hyundai Repair: 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEL STALLING, odbii scanner, using a multimeter


Question
Hi Sorry about my previous typos..I think my keyboard is failing, along with my car! I appreciate your advice..what exact type of meter can I buy..I am using a multimeter with a needle that swings to the right and left, but it's hard to decipher..I know this year car does not use a ODBII scanner..is there any other brand you know that will read these codes or do you have to use a multimeter? aslo, what makes you think it could be a coolant sensor? thanks
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-----Question-----
Hi PLEASE email me asap..I have a 1992 HYUNDAI EXCEl, standard, 1.5 liter, fuel injectted model..recently after shutting the car off..when i would go to RETSRT it, it would idle REALLY high (ONLY WHEN WARM) with my foot off the gas..it would keep idling high for 5-10 mins..it did NOT do this when the car was cool. NOw, a new problem, the car stalls..sometimes it will run for a few minuts and then just cut out..no waring..I replaced plugs, coil, cap, rotor..car has new timing belt..how do I READ the caodes and what do u think is wrong..I cannot drive it to the shop. Someone said TPS or MAP sensor..PLEASE help..I have a lift of CODES..don't know how to read them or what kind of meter to use..i know where to hook meter up
thanks..GAIL
-----Answer-----
To read the trouble codes, you'll need an analog voltmeter on a scale suitable for 12 volts.  In the diagnostic connector, you'll want to connect the voltmeter to the pins in opposite corners.  If you're not clear on which pins, you can look at the diagram in the shop manual at www.hmaservice.com.  You'll need to register for a free account, and the site requires Internet Explorer.  The trouble code is indicated by a series of long sweeps by a series of short sweeps.  For example, two long sweeps followed by one short sweep would be a code 21.

It's possible the throttle cable or one of the components on your throttle body is out of adjustment, or that the coolant temperature sensor is giving incorrect readings.  This year and model car has also had problems with a ground splice in the engine wiring harness.

The ideal method of diagnosis would be a scan tool capable of reading the car's data stream to check and make sure everything is within proper specification.  If you're to the point of spending money on guessing, it's probably better to spend the money on a good diagnosis from a competent driveability technician with a tool that can read the data stream.

Answer
You've got the right kind of meter, then.  Analog means it has a needle.  Digital has a digital readout.

The coolant temperature sensor came to mind because you say it idles fast when hot.  If the coolant temperature were reading an abnormally cold temperature, this could fool the computer into choosing a fast idle.  It's not a great enough possibility that you should just put one in.  But I do think it's something worth checking.