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85 Rough running. Please Help!

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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 10:51 PM
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Default 85 Rough running. Please Help!

Lately when I go to turn my vette on, it just clicks. There is no power to anything, not the lights, ignition, or even the security light. But if I shake the battery, it would start. But this last time, it wouldn't. So I disconnected the battery and put it back on. Ever since that, my check engine light has been on, it dies 3-6 before it will continue to run, and full throttle gives 2500rpms at most... What could this be?
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Old Mar 7, 2012 | 11:05 PM
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You need a new battery first of all! your battery may not be charging properly due to age, how long it sits, weather your alternator is working properly etc. Start with a new battery. Take that one out, put it on a trickle charge for 24 hours. then have it load tested. You will know pretty quick if its junk. GL
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 07:52 AM
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What 78 said for starters. Next check the Tech Tips for instructions, pull codes and list them here.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by Muffin
What 78 said for starters. Next check the Tech Tips for instructions, pull codes and list them here.
I went ahead and bought a battery. The alternator should be fine because I get 14.5 volts when its running. But anyways, I haven't had a chance to get the battery in yet... I will this weekend. But while I was getting my battery, the couldn't scan for codes because my car is too old. The only did 96 and up.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 05:11 PM
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First find a better parts house. Second your 85 can be scanned using a paper clip. Auto Zone, Advance and I am sure others will do a scan for free. With the battery swap all stored codes will be erased, run the car until the SES light comes on, then pull codes.
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Old Mar 8, 2012 | 05:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Muffin
First find a better parts house. Second your 85 can be scanned using a paper clip. Auto Zone, Advance and I am sure others will do a scan for free. With the battery swap all stored codes will be erased, run the car until the SES light comes on, then pull codes.
Auto zone is where I went. They didn't run the test because they said it can't.
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Old Mar 9, 2012 | 01:16 AM
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They didn't run the test because they're stupid.

You can do it quite easily yourself. I thought there was a tech tip on here on how to do it but I couldn't find one. I do have this link:

http://corvettephotographs.com/c4vettes/codes.htm

The traditional way to short pins A & B together is with a straightened paper clip.
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Old Mar 9, 2012 | 08:55 AM
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Found one.
http://www.extreme-check-engine-light-codes.com/GM OBD1 Decoder.h

Try this.
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Old Mar 11, 2012 | 04:14 PM
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Originally Posted by Muffin
Found one.
http://www.extreme-check-engine-light-codes.com/GM OBD1 Decoder.h

Try this.
I had the battery put in, but it didn't do anything, still has the same knocking and throttle problem. I tried the paper clip thing but couldn't understand a code out of it. Thanks for the help. But I guess my only options is to drop it off at a shop and spend a bunch to have it fixed.
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