chk engine light
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
It's likely an indication that some sensor is starting to fail. Since it stayed on for 5 minutes, it should have put a trouble code into the computer's memory. Do a "trouble code dump" to see what part of the engine is at fault and it might point to the possible sensor(s) involved.
If you don't know how to do that, just Google that process ['trouble code dump for 1982 Corvette]. It should provide instructions.
If you don't know how to do that, just Google that process ['trouble code dump for 1982 Corvette]. It should provide instructions.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
Just had the same problem this past weekend. The code extraction, my first time, was pretty straight forward per the shop manual and internet. You turn on the key and insert a bent paper clip to connect the A and B terminals (the two on the bottom left) under the ashtray and count the blinking pulses. Mine was code 44, "Lean Condition ". Turned out that one of the vacuum hoses to a headlight had somehow fallen off of the headlight actuator valve which I couldn't see until I was looking up from below while changing the oil. The things you see just by slowing down and paying attention for a second.
One other thing I recently noticed which the GM dealer must have done for the original owner (I know him, he did not do it ) was the insertion of a small ball bearing into the vacuum line where the hose enters the cold air valve. I have since removed the BB and replaced the blue thermic valve in the air cleaner (which the BB was blocking vacuum to). So, I thought I would share that dealer `trick of the trade' - you can PM me if you want more specifics, but it boiled down to blocking the vacuum to the blue thermic temperature valve in the air cleaner. The C3 engine warms up so fast that I never noticed the non-functional hot air bypass valve, but probably only replaced it to say that everything is working as original, anyway.
Now, I just wish I could figure out how to remove my windshield wiper blade assemblies to replace with new assemblies.
One other thing I recently noticed which the GM dealer must have done for the original owner (I know him, he did not do it ) was the insertion of a small ball bearing into the vacuum line where the hose enters the cold air valve. I have since removed the BB and replaced the blue thermic valve in the air cleaner (which the BB was blocking vacuum to). So, I thought I would share that dealer `trick of the trade' - you can PM me if you want more specifics, but it boiled down to blocking the vacuum to the blue thermic temperature valve in the air cleaner. The C3 engine warms up so fast that I never noticed the non-functional hot air bypass valve, but probably only replaced it to say that everything is working as original, anyway.
Now, I just wish I could figure out how to remove my windshield wiper blade assemblies to replace with new assemblies.
Last edited by Lakeside49; Jun 3, 2014 at 10:30 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 365
From: The Motor City
Its an orange light that should be green because it means that you're probably going to spend money and time figuring it out.
Butttt, a small tradeoff for having the top `o the technology of the era if you're into that thing. It was mind-boggling sophisticated and literally one step below rocket science stuff in its day; and it was the nation's/federal regulator's hopes for a smog-free society at the time. It was a good start. But, sometimes it seems that light should be green - though, knock on wood, 99% all good so far....
Butttt, a small tradeoff for having the top `o the technology of the era if you're into that thing. It was mind-boggling sophisticated and literally one step below rocket science stuff in its day; and it was the nation's/federal regulator's hopes for a smog-free society at the time. It was a good start. But, sometimes it seems that light should be green - though, knock on wood, 99% all good so far....
