This chart may help for future reference.
The following chart gives Code # and Description of Malfunction.
The Malfunction Code descriptions and troubleshooting steps were reproduced (with permission) from the TurboLink (by TDS Technologies) malfunction screens. The conditions for each error were determined by analysis of the actual 1986 / 87 turbo Regal ECM code.
Click on Error Code number or Malfunction Description to get detailed information.
ERROR CODE MALFUNCTION DESCRIPTION
12 ERROR CODE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY
13 OXYGEN SENSOR CIRCUIT OPEN
14 COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT (HIGH TEMP)
15 COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR CIRCUIT (LOW TEMP)
21 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) CIRCUIT (HIGH)
22 THROTTLE POSITION SENSOR (TPS) CIRCUIT (LOW)
23 MANIFOLD AIR TEMP (MAT) CIRCUIT (LOW TEMP)
24 VEHICLE SPEED SENSOR (VSS) CIRCUIT FAILED
25 MANIFOLD AIR TEMP (MAT) CIRCUIT (HIGH TEMP)
31 WASTEGATE SOLENOID ELECTRICAL SIGNAL FAILED
32 EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) CIRCUIT
33 MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) CIRCUIT (HIGH)
34 MASS AIR FLOW (MAF) CIRCUIT (LOW / NO SIGNAL)
35 CODE NOT USED ON TURBO CARS
41 CAM SENSOR CIRCUIT FAILURE
42 C3I ELECTRONIC SPARK TIMING (EST) FAILURE
43 ELECTRONIC SPARK CONTROL (ESC) FAILURE
44 OXYGEN SENSOR CIRCUIT (LEAN EXHAUST)
45 OXYGEN SENSOR CIRCUIT ( RICH EXHAUST)
51 PROM ERROR
52 CALPAK ERROR
53 WATER INJECTION
54 CODE NOT USED ON TURBO CARS
55 ECM ERROR
Return to Chart
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CODE 12
Trouble Code 12 is a special case code that is not logged into the ECM's Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) when detected. When the ignition is "ON" and the ECM detects no ignition reference pulses coming from the ignition module, it illuminates the Service Engine Soon lamp.
Code 12 is also used when the ECM is in Diagnostic mode (ALDL Terminal B grounded, key On, engine Off) to signal the beginning or end of a so-called 'diagnostic sequence'. This is when the ECM enunciates each stored code using the instrument panel Service Engine Soon lamp.
When in this mode, the ECM will begin by flashing code 12 (on the lamp) 3 times. This indicates the beginning of a diagnostic sequence. It will then flash any codes stored in NVM 3 times each before proceeding to the next code. When all stored codes have been displayed, the ECM will again flash code 12 to indicate the end of the diagnostic sequence. The cycle continues as long as the ECM is in Diagnostic Mode.
NOTE: The codes will not be displayed in order of occurrence but rather in numerical order.
