View Full Version : Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control)
VetteMed
03-09-2012, 09:59 PM
Got a check engine light today, code 43. Happened right after startup, when the motor was already fully warmed up.
Haven't done any troubleshooting yet, but the next time I started the motor, the code was not active. Seems to be running fine (though I took it very easy when the CEL was illuminated, due to the secondary port throttles being eliminated).
I did install an aftermarket knock sensor when I replaced the motor. Wondering if the ECM is not liking it...
Any thoughts?
Edit:
I found the diagnostic chart in the FSM, so I'll follow that tomorrow and see if I can narrow down the issue at all. I fear it may all check out normal, given that the CEL is not currently illuminated, so it may end up being a case where I buy a different knock sensor anyway...
VetteMed
03-10-2012, 12:22 PM
Well, following the diagnostic chart in the FSM, the system is working fine.
Using my Tech 1, I can watch the knock sensor detect knock when I rap on the cylinder head with a wrench. The spark is retarded accordingly, until the knocking is stopped, then retard goes back to 0 degrees.
Since there's no active code / no SES light, I'll just drive the car and see if the code comes back.
XfireZ51
03-10-2012, 12:48 PM
Pull the battery?
VetteMed
03-10-2012, 12:55 PM
Pull the battery?
Nah, I cleared the code with the Tech 1. Is there still a reason to pull the battery cable?
XfireZ51
03-10-2012, 01:01 PM
Nah, I cleared the code with the Tech 1. Is there still a reason to pull the battery cable?
Clear history which you have done. Gotta get one of this Tech 1s.
VetteMed
03-10-2012, 01:12 PM
Thanks, Dom. It's a neat little tool for sure.
captcorvette
03-10-2012, 01:25 PM
Have been trying to get my hands on a Tech I for a long time. But I have a budget imposed by The Boss and she cannot be argued with. Someone else has told of how many times the "snipers" have ruined their impending purchase on ebay. I have to join that group that looses out right in the last couple of minues or cannot even bid on the thing because of being overseas.
Good luch on finding an affordable Tech I:cheers:
VetteMed
03-10-2012, 01:29 PM
I scored mine as a Buy-It-Now for $350 a few weeks ago. Included a bunch of cartridges, and seems to work perfectly so far. It had only been listed a few hours prior -- so it pays to check ebay often, with "newly listed" being your sort criteria.
captcorvette
03-10-2012, 01:50 PM
Good advice. Will check more often. $350? Within my budget but have never been able to find one near that. Thanks for the heads up.:handshak:
mike100
03-10-2012, 03:57 PM
I bought a broken one (basically I got hustled) for $300. I had the oem rebuild it and that included a new cable...for $690 (!), but I have fixed 3 cars with it and used it almost 10 times for various things...I even did an old fashioned datalog under load to see knock counts and timing...it is useful.
threestar40
03-10-2012, 05:31 PM
I've had tons of trouble with this code and eventually had to have it disabled from my chip. The car will run a test at some point...If I remember tight when coolant temp hits a certain number and one other condition and if the car fails the test, it sets the code. It a pain in the butt that there is no solution to...You can read all my stuff if you search the archives on this forum, but it's a nightmare of a code. It ruined one of my races that I spent a fair amount of money to attend because as you may or may not know, it kills "full power" when you have CEL.
bad memories with this code. Almost sold the car over it. Hope you issue goes better than mine did...like I said Ron at Z-industries disabled the code from my chip and haven't heard a peep from it since.
Rick =/
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