ECM code 36????? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

Dds1990 · 10-09-2016

Took my 90 out for a drive yesterday and it ran great....no issues. Possibly made a mistake. I usually run Shell 93 octane in it and fill it up after each drive. I was not close to a Shell so I went to a nearby Harvest Land Coop. I saw that they had 91 Octane Ethanol free so I put about 4.5 gallons in it. Ran fine the 5 mile drive home. Took it out again today got about 3-4 miles from home and had the SES light came on briefly 3 times in the first 6 miles then no more. But the secondarys would not work. I drove it for about 60 miles and then put 3.5 gallons of Shell 93 in it. Could it be the gas or something else??? It had new injectors installed in June. Used Cliff's code reader and got Code 36 from the ECM.

Dds1990 · 10-10-2016

I could not get code to clear til I unhooked the negative on the battery and let it sit for about 20 mins. Reconnected battery and checked and code was gone. I took it for a test drive and ran great secondarys working as they should. Still would like to hear if anyone has had this happen and if it could be fuel related....Only Shell 93 in mine from now on...

rush91 · 10-10-2016

All I run is Shell 93 octane, nothing ever else. I believe gas has a huge effect.....Is your car running the stock chip? I am, and until I get a chip to where I can run lower octane fuels, I'm not messing with any other grades of gas. But that is just me. I'm glad you got your beast running back to normal.

Dds1990 · 10-10-2016

Thanks. Yes I am running the stock chip and planning on getting a new chip also. Im with you Shell 93 from now on for me.

G8nightman · 10-10-2016

I think code 36 is DIS Fault Line/Missing or Extra EST Signal

Dds1990 · 10-10-2016

Yes that's what I got too. Can you or anyone translate it??

Roadster · 10-10-2016

I'll do the best I can.....my scanner is not working at the moment.....

DTC 36
ELECTRONIC IGNITION (EI) SYSTEM CIRCUIT
(MISSING OR EXTRA IC SIGNAL)
5.7L (VIN J) 'Y' CARLINE (SFI)

Circuit Description
The EI fault line is a discrete output signal from the ignition control module to the ECM. The ECM constantly monitors the voltage on the EI fault line (CKT 1310). The EI fault line circuit voltage is normally between 6.0 volts and 7.4 volts with the engine running and approximately 50% of battery voltage with the ignition switched "ON."
When the engine is running in the IC mode (greater than 400 RPM), and the IC signal is not present at the ignition control module for two crankshaft revolutions, the ignition control module switches itself back to bypass mode with retarded ignition timing. The EI fault line will go low (0 volts) to signal the ECM a problem exists. The ECM will respond by taking the 5 volts bypass line low (turned "OFF"), and then it looks for the ignition control module to return the EI fault line to a high voltage (6.0-7.4 volts). If the EI fault line is low, the ECM will turn "ON" and turn "OFF" the bypass line a total of 10 times. If the EI fault line does not return to a high voltage (between 6.0 and 7.4 volts) during the 10 re-sets, the ECM determines that it can not re-establish the IC mode and will set DTC 36.

Test Description: Number(s) below refer to circled number(s) on the diagnostic chart.
1. DTC 36 will set when"
*engine running
*IC enabled (greater than 400 RPM).
*Ignition control module does not sense the correct IC signal from the ECM.
*The ECM does not sense the EI fault line voltage high (between 6.0 and 7.4 volts) after 10 attempts to re-enter IC mode of operation.

2. This test will check for a short to ground on CKT 423.

3. This test will check for an open on CKT 423. Use J 35636-A tool kit to probe harness terminals, so that you do not damage them.

Diagnostic Aids:

Check IC wiring for routing too close to secondary ignition components or other components that may induce Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) on to the IC signal wire that may cause a false IC signal to the ignition control module.
The EI fault line will be in the low state anytime that the ignition control module detects a fault that forces the ignition control module to go back to bypass mode.
An intermittent connection can cause an extra IC signal.

Hope this helps somewhat, this is from the 94 Service Manual Book 2.
If I can get my scanner to work, I'll scan the diagnostic chart later..
Good luck......

Dds1990 · 10-10-2016

Wow...Thanks, I hope the problem doesn't occur again. It seemed fine after disconnecting and reconnecting the ground on the battery, no code, and ran very good. So with all that said it sounds like some type of electrical problem and not related to the fuel.

DRM500RUBYZR-1 · 10-10-2016

If your battery was not on a trickle charger, and if it went just a hair below 12.0 volts, that could have been a causative factor.
Particularly if it had not appeared before now, and then this one time.
Before searching the known universe, I would put the battery on a charger to get it FULLY charged.
A short drive for fuel, with a stop and start cycle could have easily put a slightly weakened battery at 11.9, which would have invoked the code.
We sometimes worry just a bit too much!
If it happens again, take note of the battery voltage digitally.
Good Luck!

Marty

Dds1990 · 10-10-2016

Thanks Marty that makes me feel alot better....If it happens again Ill start with the battery.

10-09-2016	#1
Dds1990 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: INDIANA Posts: 86	ECM code 36????? Took my 90 out for a drive yesterday and it ran great....no issues. Possibly made a mistake. I usually run Shell 93 octane in it and fill it up after each drive. I was not close to a Shell so I went to a nearby Harvest Land Coop. I saw that they had 91 Octane Ethanol free so I put about 4.5 gallons in it. Ran fine the 5 mile drive home. Took it out again today got about 3-4 miles from home and had the SES light came on briefly 3 times in the first 6 miles then no more. But the secondarys would not work. I drove it for about 60 miles and then put 3.5 gallons of Shell 93 in it. Could it be the gas or something else??? It had new injectors installed in June. Used Cliff's code reader and got Code 36 from the ECM.

10-10-2016	#2
Dds1990 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: INDIANA Posts: 86	Re: ECM code 36????? I could not get code to clear til I unhooked the negative on the battery and let it sit for about 20 mins. Reconnected battery and checked and code was gone. I took it for a test drive and ran great secondarys working as they should. Still would like to hear if anyone has had this happen and if it could be fuel related....Only Shell 93 in mine from now on...

10-10-2016	#3
rush91 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Carterville Illinois Posts: 854	Re: ECM code 36????? All I run is Shell 93 octane, nothing ever else. I believe gas has a huge effect.....Is your car running the stock chip? I am, and until I get a chip to where I can run lower octane fuels, I'm not messing with any other grades of gas. But that is just me. I'm glad you got your beast running back to normal.

10-10-2016	#4
Dds1990 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: INDIANA Posts: 86	Re: ECM code 36????? Thanks. Yes I am running the stock chip and planning on getting a new chip also. Im with you Shell 93 from now on for me.

10-10-2016	#5
G8nightman Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: NYC Posts: 1,185	Re: ECM code 36????? I think code 36 is DIS Fault Line/Missing or Extra EST Signal __________________ 90 Chevy ZR1 LPE #2315 'SOLD' 90 Chevy ZR1 LPE #2774 'SOLD' 91 Chevy ZR1 Callaway aerobody 91 Chevy ZR1 #1512 91 Chevy ZR1 #951 95 Chevy ZR1 #338 'SOLD' 91 BMW 850i 94 BMW 850csi 95 BMW 850csi 94 Lotus Esprit S4 07 Benz CLS550 06 BMW M5 "SOLD"

10-10-2016	#6
Dds1990 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: INDIANA Posts: 86	Re: ECM code 36????? Yes that's what I got too. Can you or anyone translate it??

10-10-2016	#7
Roadster Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Warrington PA Posts: 1,914	lecr I'll do the best I can.....my scanner is not working at the moment..... DTC 36 ELECTRONIC IGNITION (EI) SYSTEM CIRCUIT (MISSING OR EXTRA IC SIGNAL) 5.7L (VIN J) 'Y' CARLINE (SFI) Circuit Description The EI fault line is a discrete output signal from the ignition control module to the ECM. The ECM constantly monitors the voltage on the EI fault line (CKT 1310). The EI fault line circuit voltage is normally between 6.0 volts and 7.4 volts with the engine running and approximately 50% of battery voltage with the ignition switched "ON." When the engine is running in the IC mode (greater than 400 RPM), and the IC signal is not present at the ignition control module for two crankshaft revolutions, the ignition control module switches itself back to bypass mode with retarded ignition timing. The EI fault line will go low (0 volts) to signal the ECM a problem exists. The ECM will respond by taking the 5 volts bypass line low (turned "OFF"), and then it looks for the ignition control module to return the EI fault line to a high voltage (6.0-7.4 volts). If the EI fault line is low, the ECM will turn "ON" and turn "OFF" the bypass line a total of 10 times. If the EI fault line does not return to a high voltage (between 6.0 and 7.4 volts) during the 10 re-sets, the ECM determines that it can not re-establish the IC mode and will set DTC 36. Test Description: Number(s) below refer to circled number(s) on the diagnostic chart. 1. DTC 36 will set when" engine running IC enabled (greater than 400 RPM). Ignition control module does not sense the correct IC signal from the ECM. The ECM does not sense the EI fault line voltage high (between 6.0 and 7.4 volts) after 10 attempts to re-enter IC mode of operation. 2. This test will check for a short to ground on CKT 423. 3. This test will check for an open on CKT 423. Use J 35636-A tool kit to probe harness terminals, so that you do not damage them. Diagnostic Aids: Check IC wiring for routing too close to secondary ignition components or other components that may induce Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) on to the IC signal wire that may cause a false IC signal to the ignition control module. The EI fault line will be in the low state anytime that the ignition control module detects a fault that forces the ignition control module to go back to bypass mode. An intermittent connection can cause an extra IC signal. Hope this helps somewhat, this is from the 94 Service Manual Book 2. If I can get my scanner to work, I'll scan the diagnostic chart later.. Good luck...... __________________ Tom 1994 ZR-1 #009 "captured test fleet car" 1974 LS4 454 Vert 1974 L-82 355 Vert. 1982 L83 CFI...now a retired "dd"....Sold WAZOO Member

10-10-2016	#8
Dds1990 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: INDIANA Posts: 86	Re: ECM code 36????? Wow...Thanks, I hope the problem doesn't occur again. It seemed fine after disconnecting and reconnecting the ground on the battery, no code, and ran very good. So with all that said it sounds like some type of electrical problem and not related to the fuel.

10-10-2016	#9
DRM500RUBYZR-1 Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Mullica Hill, NJ Posts: 2,613	Re: ECM code 36????? If your battery was not on a trickle charger, and if it went just a hair below 12.0 volts, that could have been a causative factor. Particularly if it had not appeared before now, and then this one time. Before searching the known universe, I would put the battery on a charger to get it FULLY charged. A short drive for fuel, with a stop and start cycle could have easily put a slightly weakened battery at 11.9, which would have invoked the code. We sometimes worry just a bit too much! If it happens again, take note of the battery voltage digitally. Good Luck! Marty

10-10-2016	#10
Dds1990 Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: INDIANA Posts: 86	Re: ECM code 36????? Thanks Marty that makes me feel alot better....If it happens again Ill start with the battery.