Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control) - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

VetteMed · 03-09-2012

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

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

Pull the battery?

VetteMed · 03-10-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteMed

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

Thanks, Dom. It's a neat little tool for sure.

captcorvette · 03-10-2012

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

VetteMed · 03-10-2012

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

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.

mike100 · 03-10-2012

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.

03-09-2012	#1
VetteMed Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,828	Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control) 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... __________________ 2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold) Last edited by VetteMed; 03-09-2012 at 11:05 PM.

03-10-2012	#2
VetteMed Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,828	Re: Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control) 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. __________________ 2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold)

03-10-2012	#3
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,709	Re: Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control) Pull the battery? __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX

03-10-2012	#6
VetteMed Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,828	Re: Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control) Thanks, Dom. It's a neat little tool for sure. __________________ 2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold)

03-10-2012	#7
captcorvette Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates Posts: 449	Re: Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control) 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

03-10-2012	#10
mike100 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: San Marcos CA Posts: 1,802	Re: Code 43 - ESC (electronic spark control) 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.