Midland/Odessa area..1986 GN..need help

[coldair85GN]

Please PM me.

 

[Chris McDade]

What kind of help?

 

[fast86gn]

I'm curious? What help? It won't start? It cuts out? Need help whipping that fiesty stang down the street??

Just trying to think of why the s o s?:biggrin:

 

[coldair85GN]

I have a buddy that moved to Midland/Odessa area from Dallas about 6 months ago who continues to have issues with his 86 GN. He needs someone to put a scantool on it and tell him what codes come up. He is a really nice guy but he really isnt the greatest car mechanic and his wife is giving him hell about the car and wants him to sell it because she says it always has something wrong. Someone that could help him figure out exactly what is causing the most recent problem..code 42 I think is what he said when he did the paperclip scantool..car starts up great but when he gives it gas in gear it bucks, pops and backfires and wont build any boost. I cant make it out there to help him with my laptop and I know there has to be SOMEBODY out there that could help him.
Im sure he would be willing to pay for a little help.

 

[fast86gn]

This is from the Gnttype website.

CODE 42

Trouble Code 42 indicates that there may be a malfunction in the Electronic Spark Timing (EST) system.

During cranking, the timing is controlled by the ignition module while the ECM monitors the engine speed. When the engine speed exceeds 400 RPM, the ECM sends a BYPASS signal to the ignition module which switches the timing to ECM control. The ECM calculates what the timing should be then "tells" the ignition module via the EST circuit.

An open or ground in the EST circuit will stall the engine and set a Code 42. The engine can be re-started but it will run on ignition module timing.

The conditions for setting this code are:

System in BYPASS mode but the ignition module is still controlling timing

- or -
Engine speed > 600 RPM with no EST pulses (ECM controlled timing) going to the ignition module for 200 msec.



Typical causes for this code include:

1) BYPASS line is open or grounded
2) EST line is open or grounded
3) PROM or CALPACK not seated properly in the ECM
4) Poor connections between ignition module and ECM
5) Poor routing of EST harness and/or poor quality ignition wires (EMI induced electrical noise)
6) Faulty or incorrect ignition module
7) Faulty ECM

If your wiring and calpack check ok change the Iginition module. This will more than likely fix your problem.
You can get them from O'Riellys for about $180.00

 

[SVORay]

Damn, and I put off ordering that Modual tester for a Cam sensor tool


Anyways, sorry for not replying sooner but I was out of town this weekend. I live in Midland Texas. I'm not an expert but the above mentioned about the coil being bad makes sence to me. I may know of someone who's got a good used one for sale in Dallas if you can't aford a new one. Tell your friend to give me a call if he wants... 432-352-2840


Ray

 

[coldair85GN]

David..I KNOW what a code 42 is and I've dealt with it in the past. The car is in Midland and I don't have access to it which is why I enlisted the help of anyone in the area that might be willing because as I stated..my friend is not that great at troubleshooting and repairing a fairly complicated car like a Grand National. If I had the car here I am sure I could quickly diagnose it and get it running good again. Not everyone that owns these cars is as knowledgable as many of you guys are. Thats why I asked for someone to help him that might be in the area. I will give him the number and hopefully he can solve the problem(s) plaguing his car.

 

[fast86gn]

I knew you know what a 42 is but it didn't look like he did? Change the Iginition module, I bet that solves the problem.

I just had the same exact problem on my car.

 

[SVORay]

David..I KNOW what a code 42 is and I've dealt with it in the past. The car is in Midland and I don't have access to it which is why I enlisted the help of anyone in the area that might be willing because as I stated..my friend is not that great at troubleshooting and repairing a fairly complicated car like a Grand National. If I had the car here I am sure I could quickly diagnose it and get it running good again. Not everyone that owns these cars is as knowledgable as many of you guys are. Thats why I asked for someone to help him that might be in the area. I will give him the number and hopefully he can solve the problem(s) plaguing his car.

You will diffenetly get a crash course in autotechnology owning a rare car...exspecaily in Midland Texas. There isn't much in the way of people I would say is qualified to work on these cars. So you pretty much have to figure it out on your own. Thank God for the internet:biggrin: I shouldn't discount the people already living here with GN/T-types. I just haven't met them and seen how well they are with these cars.

 

[fast86gn]

I'm no expert here not even close! But you do tend to learn a few things after 10 years of ownership.

All my mechanical work goes to Jack in Rowlett. :biggrin:

I would recommend changing the Coil Pack along with changing the Ign Module. You can get the CP from Jegs and the module from ORiellys.