Help! Running like crap with code 32 and 43
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Gilbert SC
Help! Running like crap with code 32 and 43
If I gun the car, I hear what sounds like electricity and the car bogs down. Then the electric sound goes away and the car accelerates as normal. But then the check engine light comes on. Checked the codes. I'm pulling a code 32 and code 43. This is in a late aluminum head 86. Anybody know what's going on?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 5,107
Likes: 171
From: Dublin CA
Code 32 - Exhaust Gas Recirculation Circuit. Key word....CIRCUIT. Check the vacuum source and all vacuum lines. Check the system electrical connectors a the ECM (under passenger side dash) and EGR valve. Replace the EGR valve or ECM as necessary. More than likely the EGR valve, vacuum line or electrical.
Code 43 - Knock Sensor Circuit. Check connection to sensor replace sensor if necessary.
Start the car when it is dark. Unplug the lights on the hood or pull the fuse so this area is DARK Look for arching around the spark plug boots or the plug lines themselves.
Code 43 - Knock Sensor Circuit. Check connection to sensor replace sensor if necessary.
Start the car when it is dark. Unplug the lights on the hood or pull the fuse so this area is DARK Look for arching around the spark plug boots or the plug lines themselves.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10,036
Likes: 346
From: Anaheim CA
There are two ways to get a code 32 (I wish the engineers had split them into two error codes, but...).
1 - When the ignition is first turned on the ECM checks the EGR temperature switch to see if it is closed (it closes at high temperature so being closed when the engine is cold is a fault). This test is not done if the engine is warm. There are two ways to test for this problem. Use an ohmmeter to measure the EGR temperature switch terminal to ground. It should NOT be connected to ground -- you should see a high resistance, probably infinity (most meters show "OL"). The other way is to clear the error codes by disconnecting the ECM power connector for a second or so (see pic below), turn on the ignition without starting the engine, then check for error codes. If you have a code 32 then the EGR switch or wiring/connectors is bad.
The second way to get an error 32 is when cruising. The parameters require that the engine be hot, have been running for a minimum amount of time and maintaining a minimum speed for a certain time. Basically this usually happens when cruising along on the highway and the SES light comes on for no apparent reason. It will go off if you turn off the engine and then continue driving. This is a check of the whole EGR system, which includes the EGR solenoid, EGR valve, EGR temperature switch, wiring, connectors and vacuum lines. When the above mentioned conditions are met the ECM commands EGR by turning on the EGR solenoid. The EGR solenoid routes vacuum from the throttle body to the EGR valve, which opens. When the EGR valve opens hot exhaust gases go through the EGR tube from the exhaust manifold into the intake manifold. The EGR valve sends these gases through the EGR tube from the intake manifold to the plenum, where they are mixed with the intake air. When the hot exhaust gases flow through the EGR tube the EGR switch closes and that signal goes to the ECM. If the ECM does NOT see that switch closure it will set error code 32.
Reset ECM error codes by opening this connector (you DON'T need to disconnect the battery):
1 - When the ignition is first turned on the ECM checks the EGR temperature switch to see if it is closed (it closes at high temperature so being closed when the engine is cold is a fault). This test is not done if the engine is warm. There are two ways to test for this problem. Use an ohmmeter to measure the EGR temperature switch terminal to ground. It should NOT be connected to ground -- you should see a high resistance, probably infinity (most meters show "OL"). The other way is to clear the error codes by disconnecting the ECM power connector for a second or so (see pic below), turn on the ignition without starting the engine, then check for error codes. If you have a code 32 then the EGR switch or wiring/connectors is bad.
The second way to get an error 32 is when cruising. The parameters require that the engine be hot, have been running for a minimum amount of time and maintaining a minimum speed for a certain time. Basically this usually happens when cruising along on the highway and the SES light comes on for no apparent reason. It will go off if you turn off the engine and then continue driving. This is a check of the whole EGR system, which includes the EGR solenoid, EGR valve, EGR temperature switch, wiring, connectors and vacuum lines. When the above mentioned conditions are met the ECM commands EGR by turning on the EGR solenoid. The EGR solenoid routes vacuum from the throttle body to the EGR valve, which opens. When the EGR valve opens hot exhaust gases go through the EGR tube from the exhaust manifold into the intake manifold. The EGR valve sends these gases through the EGR tube from the intake manifold to the plenum, where they are mixed with the intake air. When the hot exhaust gases flow through the EGR tube the EGR switch closes and that signal goes to the ECM. If the ECM does NOT see that switch closure it will set error code 32.
Reset ECM error codes by opening this connector (you DON'T need to disconnect the battery):
