CEL Question
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 43
From: Illinois
Yes, I will try to read the code, but the CEL usually pops up when I'm going about 60mph on a highway and shuts off in about a minute afterwards. Next time hopefully I will have a convenient place to pull over and check the code before it shuts off. Does the CEL have to be on to see the trouble code?
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,667
Likes: 3,122
From: Shamong, NJ
On 82 Corvettes, codes are saved for 50 restarts, or until the battery is disconnected, which ever occurs first. If you still have the original ETR radio, you can do a quick check for any codes by removing the ashtray, and jumping posts A & B in the terminal under the ashtray. Any stored codes will be displayed on the digital face of the ETR radio.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 1,185
From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...
On 82 Corvettes, codes are saved for 50 restarts, or until the battery is disconnected, which ever occurs first. If you still have the original ETR radio, you can do a quick check for any codes by removing the ashtray, and jumping posts A & B in the terminal under the ashtray. Any stored codes will be displayed on the digital face of the ETR radio.
Last edited by Buccaneer; Sep 17, 2019 at 08:05 PM.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,232
Likes: 1,232
From: PHX AZ
Jack mine did the same thing...would Light the CEL, then go off a minute later with no codes.
Yes, first check the OXS and wiring.
Second, run the codes by probing the ALDL.
Very sensitive to vacuum leaks esp. the huge manifold.
Run engine vacuum test.
Edit; Buccy is right (he always is, er ahem, annoyingly! lol) the code reads off of the CEL light.....blinks successively three times....for those of us who are slow to count!
If you post up the codes....you can look them up on the net or probably here....We'll help you interpret.
Let us know.....
Unkahal
Yes, first check the OXS and wiring.
Second, run the codes by probing the ALDL.
Very sensitive to vacuum leaks esp. the huge manifold.
Run engine vacuum test.
Edit; Buccy is right (he always is, er ahem, annoyingly! lol) the code reads off of the CEL light.....blinks successively three times....for those of us who are slow to count!
If you post up the codes....you can look them up on the net or probably here....We'll help you interpret.
Let us know.....
Unkahal
Last edited by L-46man; Sep 17, 2019 at 06:30 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 1,185
From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...
You-a-funny-guy! You know I'm always right, right? LOL
Wha, I only took five weeks vacation. 
I may be at Pav Saturday, not completely sure yet. I still have the headers uncorked, so I have to put the exhaust back on just to drive out there, but it would be impressive to roll in uncorked.
Wha, I only took five weeks vacation. I may be at Pav Saturday, not completely sure yet. I still have the headers uncorked, so I have to put the exhaust back on just to drive out there, but it would be impressive to roll in uncorked.
Last edited by Buccaneer; Sep 17, 2019 at 07:38 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 43
From: Illinois
Well I tried checking the codes. I viewed several videos on how to check the codes. All I get is the "1-1-2" continuously. Not sure what's going on. I feel confident that I'm doing it right. Supposed to have "1-1-2 three times, then the code, but all I get is "1-1-2" continuously.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 1,185
From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...
That doesn't make sense. Are you sure you are not getting an 11 or 22 code? 22 would be your TPS which would make more sense that you would get it while moving vs. an 11 code which is IAC. Check your TPS with a meter. Key ON, engine off. See if it reads .525V. If not post what it reads. Also, while at it slowly move the TPS sensor while watching the meter. If it goes "open" or some crazy wild reading while moving it, the TPS is bad. You do have a GM 82 corvette service manual, right? If not, get one, you will need it.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 42
Likes: 43
From: Illinois
That doesn't make sense. Are you sure you are not getting an 11 or 22 code? 22 would be your TPS which would make more sense that you would get it while moving vs. an 11 code which is IAC. Check your TPS with a meter. Key ON, engine off. See if it reads .525V. If not post what it reads. Also, while at it slowly move the TPS sensor while watching the meter. If it goes "open" or some crazy wild reading while moving it, the TPS is bad. You do have a GM 82 corvette service manual, right? If not, get one, you will need it.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,532
Likes: 1,185
From: Arizona - If you don’t know CFI, STOP proliferating the myths around it...
Not stupid, but it is located on the rear or drivers side TB and has three wires coming out of it. Two screws lock it down. I would highly suggest that you get a GM service manual before trying to trouble shoot your car in the future. It is definitely worth having on a car that is 37 years old and getting older. You can find them on eBay as well, but most are now kind of expensive. Code 21 is also a TPS fault.
Last edited by Buccaneer; Sep 23, 2019 at 06:54 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: SW Florida.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Crossville TN
If no trouble codes are retained, then your problem is an 'out of tolerance' sensor or an intermittent sensor. The Service Manual for your model year should have diagnostic test to help you determine which sensor is the problem. If you have installed an aftermarket CAT, it could be that the replacement does not have the same capacity as the original unit.
