code 12, now what?

[nickb]

Hi, I just finished doing the paperclip thing with the check engine light flashes. I recieved 3 code twelves, and then more code 12's. Where do I go from here? This is what gnttype.org says, whats my next step?

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.

 

[Slow91z]

12 just means the Computer is working properly...Since there are no other codes you do nothing, unless you have another problem which we would have to know about to help you with.

 

[nickb]

Well the car will start and run, but then after a minute maybee less it will start running rough and spitting and puttering smal amount of black smoke will come out of the exhaust. It might smooth out for a minute run fine then go back to running rough and stalling. I dont know if that helps any?

 

[SIXBANGR]

MAF

sounds like your mass air flow sensor. . Start it up and un plug it.

 

[Chuck Leeper]

Originally posted by nickb
Hi, I just finished doing the paperclip thing with the check engine light flashes. I recieved 3 code twelves, and then more code 12's. Where do I go from here? This is what gnttype.org says, whats my next step?

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.

3 12's says all's well in ECM code land. The fact it sees no ign reference pulses is due to the engine not being cranked, or running.....

 

[nickb]

I unplugged my mass airflow and the same thing still happens?

Chuck-"The fact it sees no ign reference pulses is due to the engine not being cranked, or running....."

Im not sure what you mean by cranked? and the car does run. When i start it the check engine light comes on imediately the car runs rough. It might smooth out and the light might go away, but only for 30 seconds tops? What should I check or replace next?

Thanks,
Nick

 

[Chuck Leeper]

???????????

Cranked = turning w/ the starter.
As for the SES lite on after it starts.. ECM is seeing a troublecode,
but is not storing it. [You said all you get is 12 when you check.]

Rough run could be a number of things.. You aren't starting it w/ the jumper in are you?

Try removing and reseating the chip.
Dump the ECM memory by unhooking the orange wire at the batt, and then see what happens.
Bottom line: get a scantool and report what you see.

 

[nickb]

Well I unplugged the orange wire checked my chip made sure it was seated correctly and after starting the car again it seems to run fine. I drove it up and down the street a few times and everything seems OK except a little black smoke comming out of the tail pipes when i spike the throttle a little. I dont trust the car to be driven yet though. I think if i start driving around whatever was wrong will show up again for sure. I will get a scantool hooked up and report back. Oh and its starting on its own power, no jumper.

Thanks for your help,

Nick

 

[Slow91z]

He meant the jumper in the ALDL...you know the paper clip.

Sounds like the computer just got scrambled, drive it around and see if the problems return...Sometimes they just need to get reset.

 

[nickb]

I'm gonna hook up a snap-on scantool today to see if anything happens. hard to understand why it did it, and if it will return but I guess only time will tell. Thanks to everyone for there help I will report back if anything happens.

Nick