Code 42 where are you....

[gbmidyear66]

I picked up my OBD 1 /II scanner today to help diagnose my idle problem (Innova 3120) - and discover that while it is an OBD I / II scanner, it will only read live data from OBD II cars. What a pain. Looks like I need to get an AUto Xray, or an Actron. I think a MAC or a Craftsman may work also.

The less then useful 3120 does however tell me I have a DTC 42 active - which is an electronic spark error (though no check engine light). Searching the forum tells me that I have either... a problem with my Ignition mod wiring (though all the wiring seemed to snap back together as it should - no bent pins visibe when I re-installed it) a bad ignition module or a bad ECM.

I am guessing this could also relate to my high idle? Would a live data scan tool help me pinpoint my issue?

[Hammer]

We had that code along with a code 32 (EGR) on a 93 when going to BG. We erased the codes and it never reset. The 32 did however and we thought that was due to the car not being driven.

So, have you erased the codes? Do it and see if it resets. Maybe, maybe not. GL

[gbmidyear66]

John

I did try the erase function - no luck. I think I will start by removing the rear connector at the ign module, inspect for any bent pins with a mirror and re-install.

Glenn

[Aurora40]

FYI, nothing beats a laptop for data recording. I have an AutoXray 6000 and the record mode is not that great, and it only holds 15 seconds of data at the fastest sample rate (2 fps vs about 10 fps and thousands of seconds with a laptop).

I sort of doubt any scan data will help with an ignition problem. Something like an oscilloscope might?

[DaveK]

FYI, nothing beats a laptop for data recording. I have an AutoXray 6000 and the record mode is not that great, and it only holds 15 seconds of data at the fastest sample rate (2 fps vs about 10 fps and thousands of seconds with a laptop).

How do you connect the laptop up? What software/hardware is needed?

Thanks

Dave

[Hammer]

John

I did try the erase function - no luck. I think I will start by removing the rear connector at the ign module, inspect for any bent pins with a mirror and re-install.

Glenn

Glenn,

All you have to do to erase the codes is disconnect the battery for 10-15 seconds. Either post works, I would recommend the negative. After that run the car and see what codes are set, if any. If the 42 sets again then you will need to look into it further to find out how to diagnose. As I mentioned, the code 42 did not reset on the '93.

[gbmidyear66]

John, yeah, the battery disconnect leaves no doubt, I'll do that tonight in case the scanner is not actually doing what I'm telling it to do.

If the DTC42 is still present, and if I didn't manage to bend a pin - this will be neither easy or cheap (New coils? new DIS? New ECM? yikes....)

Glenn

[Hammer]

John, yeah, the battery disconnect leaves no doubt, I'll do that tonight in case the scanner is not actually doing what I'm telling it to do.

If the DTC42 is still present, and if I didn't manage to bend a pin - this will be neither easy or cheap (New coils? new DIS? New ECM? yikes....)

Glenn

As mentioned, the code didn't reset or I might be able to help a little with the troubleshooting.

[gbmidyear66]

John, good call!

Code does not come back after battery disconnect. Strange that the scanner would not successfully remove it. Stopped and started the engine and did three separate reads with the scanner.

I am guessing that I originally managed to set it with my "binder over the air horn" test when I was checking for vacuum leak trying to solve my idle problem.

Thanks

Glenn