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1988 Pontiac Firebird No performance engine with ESC code d

Tiny
LIONELCGZ
  • MEMBER
  • 1988 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 57,500 MILES
Hello.
I am French an I own a 1988 Pontiac Trans Am V8 5.0L 305 TPI with an automatic transmission.
I have a big problem with the engine :
The ESC code default comes intermittently and when the "engine soon" light turn on, the car doesn't not have any more power.
I have changed the distributor rotor, the park plugs, spark plug wires, the coil and the ESC (Electronic Spark Control module) and the knock sensor.
But I still have the same problem.
When I start the engine car cold, the engine turn nice, but when I accelerate gently, it's like if the engine suffocate.
When the engine is hot and when I kick down, the "engine soon" light turn on, sometimes, and the car loose power. It's like I drive an asthmatic car. So I turn off the engine and restart many seconds after, the trouble light is off and the engine find power again.
Do you have an idea? This trouble makes me crasy.
Thank you
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Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 5:05 PM

11 Replies

Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Cross th two top right terminals on the DLC under the center of the dash, then turn the key on. Count the flashes, a 22 will flash as 2 flashes then a short pause, then 2 flashes, if more than one code is stored, the pause will be longer. The codes will display three times and end with 12. Write them down and post here. This connector is right under the middle of the dash.
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Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 6:31 PM
Tiny
LIONELCGZ
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Hello.
Thank you for your answer.
I still did that and I found a 43 code trouble only.
The code 43 is : ESC or knock sensor failure.
That is why I have changed both.
Thanks
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Monday, June 8th, 2009 AT 11:36 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I will need the engine size, if carb or fuel injected.
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 AT 2:40 PM
Tiny
LIONELCGZ
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Check my first message, all is in.
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 AT 2:43 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
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Check white and black wires from esc mod, white should be the knock sensor, black to ECM spark control, one of them is broken or shorted. Check email will send wiring diagram, already sent flow charts for testing.
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
LIONELCGZ
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Thank you.
I will check the wires and let you know.
First of all, I am changing the EGR valve. Can you tell me if it's necessary to keep the EGR valve on the TPI or I can disconect and throw it away?
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
I dont remember exactly where yours is located, but I had a 79 TA and disconnected and made a plate to replace it. Otherwise there would have been a hole in my intake. No run!
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 AT 3:28 PM
Tiny
LIONELCGZ
  • MEMBER
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The EGR valve is between the block and the TPI and a diag switch is connected in.
I ask myself if I replace the EGR valve for a plate and let the diag switch connected, if the ECM won't find a trouble code?
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 AT 3:40 PM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
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Maybe, mine did not have an electrical connector, just vac, if memory serves.
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Tuesday, June 9th, 2009 AT 3:54 PM
Tiny
LIONELCGZ
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Hello :-)
I checked the wires from the knock sensor to the ESC module and from the ESC to the ECM and all is ok. I used a 12v lamp.
I ask myself if there is not a fuel pressure problem.
I saw on ebay many fuel pressure tester for injection engine, but it seems they don't work for TPI and GM throttle body.
Could you tell me what kind of fuel pressure tester I can use for my TPI 5.0L and where I can buy one who can be shipped to France.
Maybe one on ebay site?
Thank you.
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 3:16 AM
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Lack Of Power, Sluggish Or Spongy 1. Check air filter. Check for loose or leaking air duct between MAF sensor and throttle body. Check ignition timing. Check for fuel contamination, or restricted fuel filter. 2. Check fuel pressure. See appropriate A-7 FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART in COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROL section. Check ECM ground circuits. Check EGR operation. Check for restricted exhaust system. 3. Verify alternator output is between 9 and 16 volts. Repair or replace as necessary. Check ignition system. Check engine for worn internal components. 4. Check A/C operation. See appropriate C-10 A/C CLUTCH CONTROL CIRCUIT DIAGNOSIS CHART in COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROL section. Backfire 1. Check for loose wiring connector or air duct at MAF sensor. Check EGR valve mounting gasket or faulty valve operation. Check ignition timing and ignition system. 2. Check fuel system. See appropriate A-7 FUEL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS CHART in COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROL section. Perform injector balance test. See appropriate C-2A INJECTOR BALANCE TEST in COMPUTERIZED ENGINE CONTROL article. Check cylinder compression. If you disconnect the egr it should set a code.
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Saturday, June 27th, 2009 AT 8:51 AM

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