Code 44

[kenny]

CODE 44

Trouble Code 44 indicates that the O2 sensor is showing a persistently high exhaust oxygen content (lean), despite the efforts of the ECM to increase injector on-time (thus increasing fuel delivered). Integrator and BLM numbers may indicate > 128 by a substantial margin.

The conditions for setting this code are:

no Code 33 or Code 34 (MAF Error) present, and
the O2 sensor voltage remains below 250 mVolts, and
the ECM is in Closed Loop control, and
the above conditions exist for more than 50 seconds.



Typical causes for this code include:

1) O2 sensor defective or lead shorted
2) Lean injectors (dirty or blocked)
3) Water in fuel
4) Exhaust leaks upstream of O2 sensor
5) Fuel pressure or volume too low
6) MAF sensor reading lower airflow than is actually present
7) Vacuum leaks
8) Incorrect or poorly calibrated PROM

It's thrown the code three times now. All three times the car was idling for a minute or so.

I replaced the o2 sensor today (used the GNX one, Delco part #25162753).

It sounds like I have an exhaust leak. Since it wasn't the o2 sensor I'm assuming the exhaust leak would be the cause?

How much does an exhaust leak effect idle? It really idles like crap.

What's the best way of tracking down an exhaust leak? Normal places to look (sounds like its coming from the passenger side)?

TIA.

 

[turbosam6]

My car had the same problem, and it was the maf sensor coupled with a IAC adjustment problem. Is it not idling?

 

[d0n_3d]

i used to get that code 44 ALL the time....after letting the car idle for a minute the ecm goes into open loop and throws a code 44...when you hit the gas the error goes away instantly...

i had a inline check valve in the pcv setup and got rid of it and the code 44 went away...BUT now it has come back but ONLY does it when i first start the car up after sitting for a while and let it sit for a minute...otherwise when warmed up it never comes back...weird cars i swear...

i have just learned to deal with it now...i also can't seem to adjust my DP correctly because it is constantly banging on the frame...car runs like a beast otherwise

 

[Ray F.]

Do the cheap fixes first.

LIGHTLY tap the MAF. Does this effect the idle?

The header cracks usually occur between the pipes as they come together.

Check your fuel pressure and set it to your chip maker's suggestion. While your doing this, take note to how long your fuel pressure stays up after you shut her down. Consider a clogged injector or fuel filter OR a faulty FPR or fuel pump.

Check and change all your vac lines. They probably need it anyway.

Reset it with:

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/faq/IACreset.html

or

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/faq/IACresetscan.html

HTH

 

[kenny]

Originally posted by turbosam6
My car had the same problem, and it was the maf sensor coupled with a IAC adjustment problem. Is it not idling?

It idles, just not well. It had an off idle stumble, but the new o2 sensor fixed that (at least it fixed something, right? ).

Originally posted by d0n_3d
i used to get that code 44 ALL the time....after letting the car idle for a minute the ecm goes into open loop and throws a code 44...when you hit the gas the error goes away instantly...

i had a inline check valve in the pcv setup and got rid of it and the code 44 went away...BUT now it has come back but ONLY does it when i first start the car up after sitting for a while and let it sit for a minute...otherwise when warmed up it never comes back...weird cars i swear...

Sounds exactally the same as my problem. It goes away as soon as I hit the gas.

Originally posted by Ray F.
Do the cheap fixes first.

LIGHTLY tap the MAF. Does this effect the idle?

The header cracks usually occur between the pipes as they come together.

Check your fuel pressure and set it to your chip maker's suggestion. While your doing this, take note to how long your fuel pressure stays up after you shut her down. Consider a clogged injector or fuel filter OR a faulty FPR or fuel pump.

Check and change all your vac lines. They probably need it anyway.

Reset it with:

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/faq/IACreset.html

or

http://www.gnttype.org/techarea/faq/IACresetscan.html

HTH

Haven't had a chance to do the tap test yet, I'll do it as soon as I get a chance to mess with the car.

Would an exhaust leak before the o2 sensor cause it to idle like ****? I'm assuming that would have to be a big exhaust leak... my exhaust leak doesn't seem to effect spool/power.

Fuel pressure is correct. Fuel filter is new. IAC is new, set correctly. Car pulls fine, no loss of power, no weird readings on the Scanmaster. I'll make sure to check the vacuum lines.

Sounds like it might be a maf. I'm meeting up with a few other turbo Buick guys this weekend, maybe I can con one of them into letting me try their maf.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks for the help.

 

[d0n_3d]

i changed all parts regarding the maf, o2, header, exhaust leaks, etc...still have the same code 44...don't know what in the hell is still causing it...i must have a vacuum leak SOMEWHERE?

 

[kenny]

Did the tap test, car didn't stumble.

The bad idle isn't even consistent. Sometimes it will idle fine, other times it wants to stall.

How bad does an exhaust leak have to be for it to effect idle?

 

[Turbo Brian]

I just solved my code 44 problem. The gasket under the EGR valve failed and was not an obvious leak. The $1.50 spent for a new EGR gasket was "priceless.""

 

[MRW487]

What part number for the EGR gasket? I may need one too. What tools do I need to remove the EGR?