Constant Code 36 - 1989
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Heel & Toe
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 24
Likes: 5
From: Tennessee
Constant Code 36 - 1989
1989 - Stock
I have changed out the burn off relays twice now with new relays. The first time I went a week with no code then it sprung back up. I recently changed it out again and by my 3rd start up it threw the code again. I’m wanting to make sure that I am getting power to my relay 1st and foremost. It is with my understanding that the burn off occurs after engine shut down. (Please correct me if I am wrong)
How long does the engine need to run before it will open the circuit after engine shut down?
My question is what is the best way to test that I am getting power to my burn off relay? How much power should I be looking at getting for the relay to operate normally? Which of the 5 prongs should I use to see how much power I am getting?
I have changed out the burn off relays twice now with new relays. The first time I went a week with no code then it sprung back up. I recently changed it out again and by my 3rd start up it threw the code again. I’m wanting to make sure that I am getting power to my relay 1st and foremost. It is with my understanding that the burn off occurs after engine shut down. (Please correct me if I am wrong)
How long does the engine need to run before it will open the circuit after engine shut down?
My question is what is the best way to test that I am getting power to my burn off relay? How much power should I be looking at getting for the relay to operate normally? Which of the 5 prongs should I use to see how much power I am getting?
Safety Car
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 504
From: Indianapolis IN
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (stock) 2019
A quick visual check would be to look into the MAF immediately after shut down and see if the wire glows red. Do you have the FSM? If not you should buy one immediately just for issues like you are having now. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 385
From: Leland , North Carolina
You can replace relays until you are blue in the face but if you have a vacuum leak it will never go away. After you have replaced both relays and inspected the connections at the relays and verify you have power inspect all the vacuum lines. All of them . There are quite a few . If you have the smallest leak it throws off the code 36. Check the small 2" PVC hose that connects the tube to the intake. . Common leak point.
Don't feel bad I'm having the same problem. I have found and fixed a few leaks and still get the 36. I have narrowed mine down to the intake manifold drawing vacuum at the base.
Don't feel bad I'm having the same problem. I have found and fixed a few leaks and still get the 36. I have narrowed mine down to the intake manifold drawing vacuum at the base.
Last edited by TommyFox; Jan 12, 2020 at 04:44 PM.
