opti spark question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
opti spark question
My opti jjust died on me and I am wondering if there is a way to test which part failed on the opti spark (points and trigger or optical sensor or both). I am looking into doing a coil per cylinder conversion so I need to know if my optical sensor is still ok because if it is then that's one less thing I need
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
There is an indirect way to measure if the optical portion is putting out pulses to drive the PCM. This will mainly check the low resolution drive (pulse). If you get an output from the PCM, then the opti has to be basically working. Here is how to check it.
Measure the PCM output by removing the ICM connector and measuring pin B (white wire). Crank engine, set meter to AC volts and see if it measures between 1-4 VAC. If there is proper voltage there then the opti is working. If there is nothing there, then the opti is not working or there is another problem.
If it is running now, then you are assured all systems are working and the test that you do should have valid results. But if it does run now, that’s about as good as you can do anyway for a optical opti test. If it does not run at all, then that test might not tell you any valid information.
Measure the PCM output by removing the ICM connector and measuring pin B (white wire). Crank engine, set meter to AC volts and see if it measures between 1-4 VAC. If there is proper voltage there then the opti is working. If there is nothing there, then the opti is not working or there is another problem.
If it is running now, then you are assured all systems are working and the test that you do should have valid results. But if it does run now, that’s about as good as you can do anyway for a optical opti test. If it does not run at all, then that test might not tell you any valid information.
Last edited by pcolt94; May 26, 2010 at 04:19 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,354
Likes: 2,279
From: Central Maryland
Did the engine quit running completely? The engine will run (although not optimally) if the high-resolution signal from the Opti is absent, but it will not run if the low-resolution signal vanishes.
Check for stored DTCs.
FSM for 1994 states this about DTC 36:
-----------
Distributor Ignition System (faulty high resolution pulse or extra low resolution pulse detected).
DTC 36 will set when: 40 low resolution pulses occur before any high resolution pulses are detected.
DTC 16 is: Low resolution pulse (7200 high resolution pulses before any low resolution pulses).
DTC 36 almost always indicates a failure of the high-res sensor.
----------
DTC 16 almost always indicates a failure of the low-res sensor.
But either could result from wiring harness issues, etc.
If you have either code stored, one or the other of the optical components in your Opti is probably faulty. If neither code is stored, the optical section of the unit SHOULD be okay (but I won't promise you this).
Hope this helps.
Live well,
SJW
Check for stored DTCs.
FSM for 1994 states this about DTC 36:
-----------
Distributor Ignition System (faulty high resolution pulse or extra low resolution pulse detected).
DTC 36 will set when: 40 low resolution pulses occur before any high resolution pulses are detected.
DTC 16 is: Low resolution pulse (7200 high resolution pulses before any low resolution pulses).
DTC 36 almost always indicates a failure of the high-res sensor.
----------
DTC 16 almost always indicates a failure of the low-res sensor.
But either could result from wiring harness issues, etc.
If you have either code stored, one or the other of the optical components in your Opti is probably faulty. If neither code is stored, the optical section of the unit SHOULD be okay (but I won't promise you this).
Hope this helps.
Live well,
SJW
Last edited by SJW; May 26, 2010 at 08:24 PM.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
Well the opti finally dried out and the car runs normal again no codes.... I am still looking at the LTCC system or the delteq. I am trying to get some feedback on them and I will do one of them in the near future
Racer
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 408
Likes: 0
http://www.eficonnection.com/24x/default.htm
This completely replaces the opti. (your engine controller also) The other systems mentioned still use the optical portion of the opti. Not a cheap option, but I've read about many performance benefits, not just replacing the opti.
This completely replaces the opti. (your engine controller also) The other systems mentioned still use the optical portion of the opti. Not a cheap option, but I've read about many performance benefits, not just replacing the opti.
