1982 VSS problems
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2007
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1982 VSS problems
I've recently bought a 1982 Silver Blue Corvette for my wife. She loves it but it stalls on her. I've run the codes and it shows code 24, variable speed sensor. The Haynes book shows possibly a TPS adjustment. I've done that and also replaced it. The next step according to Haynes is to check the ECM connection. I will do that today. Any more suggestions?
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 4,359
Likes: 57
From: Mundelein Illinois
I've recently bought a 1982 Silver Blue Corvette for my wife. She loves it but it stalls on her. I've run the codes and it shows code 24, variable speed sensor. The Haynes book shows possibly a TPS adjustment. I've done that and also replaced it. The next step according to Haynes is to check the ECM connection. I will do that today. Any more suggestions?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
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me again
I've cleaned up the ECM connections and the car no longer stalls out. I'm still getting a code 24, VSS circuit. I was told that the TPS should be set at .52 Volts. It is currently set at .60. I will try that tomorrow. Now the brake light is on. Got a hammer?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
Brake light on? Check the plastic valve at the front of the brake booster. Should be one way only...you may be leaking pressure...it could als cause a vaccum leak in the engine.
Pull the fuse by the ECM to clear codes. After You need to go for a drive 2-3 miles at 35 mph to reset the IAC's. Car will run weird for a bit.
Jim
Last edited by jdp6000; Apr 29, 2007 at 09:34 AM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
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Thanks for your help.
The brake problem was a leaking left rear caliper. That's done. I set the TPS at .53 volts. The car runs great and does not stall anymore but the Check Engine light still comes on. Same code. I've disconnected the battery and rerun but not like you have told me. I didn't know that the TPS was that sensitive. I will pay attention to the third digit. I will try again tomorrow. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
Likes: 3
From: Aurora Ontario
The brake problem was a leaking left rear caliper. That's done. I set the TPS at .53 volts. The car runs great and does not stall anymore but the Check Engine light still comes on. Same code. I've disconnected the battery and rerun but not like you have told me. I didn't know that the TPS was that sensitive. I will pay attention to the third digit. I will try again tomorrow. Thanks
Have you recently lubed the speedo cable? You may have grude on the VSS.? the signal goes to the ECM on the white connector. You may want to unplug and clean that connector.
The VSS seldomly goes. According to the shop manual its usually a connection. Or the photo cell needs cleaning. Looks like its a pain to get to. all components are in the instrument cluster(tach and speedo). Looks like three parts make the system work. reflective blade in the speedo spins an LED photo cell picks up the signal (this is the VSS) and sends it to the buffer circuit (part of the VSS) which sends it to the ECM. You may also need to check the connection at the buffer circuit (look up from underneath the steering column area you should see it).
If the front of the LED phot cell is dirty it won't pick up the signal.
If the reflector blade is dirty it will send a false signal.
If the VSS needs replacing i don't know where you can find one.
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
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From: St Augustine FL
If you need a VSS, you will need to post a want add on the forum here and keep watching ebay....you will find one from someone who has swapped over from crossfire to a carb. Good luck. By the way on the TPS, I have scanner that only reads to 2 decimal points and a 3 wont come up in the second decimal point so the scanner shows the TPS setting bouncing back and fourth between .52 and .54 so I am assuming it is set around .53. The car runs great but I would like to fine tune the TPS. BTW My car is the silver blue as well. Did you buy the one that was for sale in Texas by chance?
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
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From: Aurora Ontario
If you need a VSS, you will need to post a want add on the forum here and keep watching ebay....you will find one from someone who has swapped over from crossfire to a carb. Good luck. By the way on the TPS, I have scanner that only reads to 2 decimal points and a 3 wont come up in the second decimal point so the scanner shows the TPS setting bouncing back and fourth between .52 and .54 so I am assuming it is set around .53. The car runs great but I would like to fine tune the TPS. BTW My car is the silver blue as well. Did you buy the one that was for sale in Texas by chance?
Jim
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,154
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From: St Augustine FL
Jim, Does the TPS affect power at a stand still start or when cruising? Meaning if it is out of wack will it confuse the computer about the amount of fuel being put into the intake causing the computer to mis-adjust the system? I am sure it probably affects Idle speed.
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A bad VSS will cause surging at speed and issues with overdrive.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
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From: Aurora Ontario
Jim, Does the TPS affect power at a stand still start or when cruising? Meaning if it is out of wack will it confuse the computer about the amount of fuel being put into the intake causing the computer to mis-adjust the system? I am sure it probably affects Idle speed.
None of this has anything to do with the VSS.
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 2,740
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From: Aurora Ontario
Nope...its .007. Here is the range .518 to .532. Small margin for error .07 would put you at between .455 and .590...range is too big. I way back thought it was
.07 and couldn't figure out why the car didn't run right. Forgetting that extra zero makes a big difference.
Link to Tech article http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...ing/index.html
Jim
.07 and couldn't figure out why the car didn't run right. Forgetting that extra zero makes a big difference.
Link to Tech article http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...ing/index.html
Jim
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 18
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wow!
I appreciate all the response! There are truly people out there that want to help. I bought the car in Tampa from the original owner that came down from New Jersey. It has 50K miles on it. Please educate me on the VSS. The VSS is located on the speedometer cable behind the instrument cluster? Or is it on the transmission end? Good news is that someone said it rarely goes bad. Please help .. This is new turf for me now.