Hi everyone!

If you saw my intro post, then you'll know that I just recently acquired a 89 corvette. I test drove it last weekend, ran great. Got it on Friday, ran great all day until it started having issues.

Throughout the day I opened up the throttle a few times but I drove it pretty lightly because I'm accustomed to driving my 2013 Cruze (also manual). The wife and I were heading out for a night drive when I opened up the throttle (in 1st gear) and suddenly we both jolted forward as if I had shifted into a lower gear causing high RPM's. Went into second, and it did it again while accelerating. I decided to take it back home. While heading back, I noticed that it didn't matter how hard I accelerated, once it reached a certain RPM, that's when it acted up. I also noticed some irregular idling while I had the clutch in at times.

I researched a bit and one of the things I learned is that if the engine gets too hot then something like this could happen. So I tried it the next morning and it ran pretty rough at idle as if it was struggling to get fuel until it eventually died. After reading through forums here and learning all the different possibilities, I decided to go ahead and change out the filter since it's a quick/easy task. No notable change. Now I can't get it to start. It is low on fuel and my driveway is a bit of an incline. I don't know if that would effect anything...

I learned about pulling diagnostic codes through the panel by shorting pins A and B together. The Service Engine light flashes 12 constantly which tells me there's no codes to report. However, the Service Ride Select flashes a code which I have not been able to find any info on. It also doesn't flash a code like I've read it should. It does 12x3, then FLASH,FLASH,PAUSE,FLASH,FLASH,FLASH, (repeat), 12x3. If that's the correct order of flashes then the code would be 23. I read on another post that by shorting pins A and C together you can get the codes for the Service Ride Select. But I also read that you use those same pins to clear the faults, which doesn't work btw for this fault. Resetting the battery won't get rid of it either.

Sorry for writing a novel... I've learned a lot reading threads here but still kind of unsure of the actions I need to take and still have a lot to learn. I still need to check fuel pressure. I'm hoping to get that done soon. I'm looking forward to the advice you guys have to offer. Thanks!

 

I have an early MT-2500 scanner with the old school GM hookups, that's what you would need to properly access the computer and get a live feed of the data.

I'd also say your suspension issues are unrelated to your problem, at least the engine performance issues.

Sounds like either a tune up or sensor issue. Obviously I can't pin-point it without further inspection but soon the rookies will be in here asking you to check the TPS, MAP, and a host of other sensors, they may get lucky, who knows.

What you describe sounds like a classic hesitation. Would that accurately describe your complaint?

 

[QUOTE= Now I can't get it to start.[/QUOTE]
Yep, classic hesitation....

 

Ok so I'll consider getting my hands on one of those scanners. I have been suspecting the O2 sensor and at one point the TPS but I don't want to just throw parts at it.

I would say that a hesitation describes it. Though I've never seen it happen on another vehicle so I'm not familiar with them.

 

Since we mentioned the TPS, would anyone by chance know the resistance values of the TPS?

 

O2s can do this and are normal maintenance. And yes low gas and on a angle will cause a no start they need gas.

 

Good to know, I'll get that taken care of!

 

So what I've taken from reading about fault codes associated with the Service Ride Select light, it involves the suspension system but it won't effect engine performance?

 

He said it's low on fuel...

Put two and two together.

Oh I wonder what it is!? LOL

 

lol allow me to explain, it was at a quarter tank when the hesitation happened. Now unless that's common at the level, then ok. Like I mentioned in my intro, I can fix all airplanes all day, but I'm working on expanding my knowledge on cars

 

Yes, it is VERY common for the early digital fuel readout to be inaccurate! VERY COMMON, as in I've dealt with this exact issue at least 5 times since 1984, before I even owned a Corvette myself. Very inaccurate senders, and even more so if it has ever been replaced with an aftermarket unit in its life.

Are you really telling us that instead of going to the gas station and buying 5 gallons of gas to see, that you rather start tearing things apart?

Wow. I love customers like this guy! Easy $100 for 5 gallons of gas! Might even be able to sell him a full on $700 fuel pump and sender replacement! LOL

 

Ok to be fair I did mention the fuel in my initial post and I had no idea about the inaccuracy issues of the indicator. My research never brought up the indicator. I know I mentioned that I have a lot to learn, but I know better than to throw money into a hole and just saying "ok" to replacing something because someone else said so, hence me saying I don't want to just throw parts at it. So sorry, but I'm not that type of customer you can make money off of. I'm here to ask questions and learn so that I don't have to tear it apart if I don't have to.

 

Honestly I was just being satirical when I spoke of cost involved in an easy diag. It is true that I have made $100 on people in the exact same situation and even more on others who had the money to make me their b1tch. It's a nasty job on a corvette pulling the tank.

But if you're low on gas, obviously its going to hesitate when you accelerate. I'm pretty sure you are just out of gas.

If it works you owe me $100 lol! Less the cost of gas. - That's a joke by the way. But only because I might need my airplane worked on! LOL

 

Ok, my apologies. I obviously need to work on my forum interpretation when it comes to sarcasm lol. I just got back with some gas. We'all see what happens!

 

Good luck! That's where I would start.

Worst case is you got 5 extra gallons of gas when it does get figured out.

 

No luck needed because it worked! Definitely learned an interesting lesson ot of this and how low fuel effect the car. A new note taken, a quarter full indication means you have an empty tank! So my last question for this thread, do owners usually do repairs to get the indicator more accurate or do owners typically just roll with it? And thanks for the advice. I know I got a little mean there but that was uncalled for so I do apologize again.

 

Sweet! I'm a sucker for a happy ending!

Ride on brother!

 

Good job and do not get scared off about the fuel pump or fixing the gas gauge. Very easy no need to pull the tank. just take the door off then the bib it pulls out the top.

 

Small world I went to school at Plymouth - Canton.

 

Woot-Woot!



Class of 93 here! Majored in Automotive! Best school in the COUNTRY!