I could use some guidance and maybe even some diagnostic confirmation on a problem with my 1987.

I ran a diagnostic and got a Code 34 (MAF sensor) and a Code 42 (EST). I can check the MAF issue but am a little confused about the EST steps. In my Haynes, the text reads: "The ECM will set the EST at a specifed value when the diagnostic test terminal in the ALCL connector is grounded." Am I understanding correctly that it's not a matter of replacing a unit or a connector but rather a matter of resetting the timing by grounding the diagnostic terminal? Which I did in order to test it. Something tells me I'm missing something big time here.
Also, if I have to adjust the timing manually I have to disconnect the EST connector and I frankly can't tell from Haynes exactly where it is. Near the booster, I know. The VECI label describes it but is it readily visible/accessible.

For background, the symptoms were as follows: Several days ago, I began to notice a hesitation when the key was turned. The rrrr-rrrr one gets with a low battery, etc. At first it quickly kicked in and started. Over the next few days, the initial hesitation lasted longer sounding like an almost dead battery but then it would catch and turn over. And over and over. Then eventually start The last couple of times, it rrr-rrr'd even longer then turned over rapidly but didn't want to fire but finally did. Then yesterday, rrrr-rrrr, turned over and over and over for a long time. No start. I stopped cranking for a moment. Then cranked again and got nothing but a high whining sound which I thought might be the solenoid. There was no engine turnover whatsoever. Stopped cranking for a bit, then cranked again and got turn over and over, then slower and slower till - nothing. (At this point the battery surely was run down.)

What complicates this further, is that the battery reads fully charged and even when I put my charger/starter on it, it doesn't turn over at all. One single click is all I get. Can anyone tell or opine if this is just a matter of multiple separate problems or is there some interrelationship that anyone can see?

(All this serves me right. I've owned this car since new and not long ago I commented on how little had gone wrong with it over the last twenty years. Me and my big mouth!

Any info/advice appreciated.

Jim

 

Sorry, got a little lost there. It sounds like your starters gone, or its hanging up on the flywheel. You might be able to tap it with a hammer. As for the EST connector, its located between the brake booster and distributor. You have to disconnect it before you crank to set base timing. Like everyone else on this forum told me, Get the Factory service manual.

p.s. check your connections to the battery make sure there clean and tight and check the starter connections.

 

That ESC disconnect is indeed difficult to find without the service manual. Once you find it , you will remember it forever. I had the same problem.