1989 ground issue?
Thread Starter
2nd Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
1989 ground issue?
hi everyone. hope this is the right forum this time.
have a 1989 that wont run. took it timed. mechanic got it timed right, then cleared the codes from the computer, then it wont start. he checked what he had time for, says he is getting voltage to both sides of the injectors, no ground. had it towed home in case in need to remove dash to find the problem. could it be a bad ground to the computer? if so, which ground is tied to that. or did the computer itself go bad? any help will be greatfully appreciated. also, what tester do i need to hook up to read the codes, any recommendations?
thank you
have a 1989 that wont run. took it timed. mechanic got it timed right, then cleared the codes from the computer, then it wont start. he checked what he had time for, says he is getting voltage to both sides of the injectors, no ground. had it towed home in case in need to remove dash to find the problem. could it be a bad ground to the computer? if so, which ground is tied to that. or did the computer itself go bad? any help will be greatfully appreciated. also, what tester do i need to hook up to read the codes, any recommendations?
thank you
Last edited by boomy; Jun 11, 2021 at 02:44 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Ok I read your other post also where you had a little more information. On your 89 you do set base timing with a timing light and adjusting the distributor, then the computer controls it after that. So if he did it correctly it was running when this was performed and now it isn’t.
You say it stopped running after he cleared the codes. How did he clear the codes? What codes were showing before he cleared the codes? It sounds almost like whatever he did to “clear” the codes caused the car to no longer start. Is this mechanic a knowledgeable C4 Corvette mechanic or just a local guy who works on everything? If I brought a running car to someone to work on it, and it no longer ran after he “fixed” it, they would be getting it back to running on their dime.
Search this forum for checking codes and you will see that it can be done with a paper clip.
My concern is that he was not knowledgeable on these cars and may have created the issue you are now facing with the car not starting.
The other issues can be addressed but get the car running first.
Ok just checked and the information on checking codes is listed in the thread at the beginning of the C4 general section under the ultimate C4 DIY thread then at post number 18.
You say it stopped running after he cleared the codes. How did he clear the codes? What codes were showing before he cleared the codes? It sounds almost like whatever he did to “clear” the codes caused the car to no longer start. Is this mechanic a knowledgeable C4 Corvette mechanic or just a local guy who works on everything? If I brought a running car to someone to work on it, and it no longer ran after he “fixed” it, they would be getting it back to running on their dime.
Search this forum for checking codes and you will see that it can be done with a paper clip.
My concern is that he was not knowledgeable on these cars and may have created the issue you are now facing with the car not starting.
The other issues can be addressed but get the car running first.
Ok just checked and the information on checking codes is listed in the thread at the beginning of the C4 general section under the ultimate C4 DIY thread then at post number 18.
Last edited by Fiberbundle; Jun 11, 2021 at 08:13 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,274
Likes: 399
From: Tacoma WA
2024 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Sleazy Rider brings up a good point. Does the car just not fire but does turn over? Maybe your mechanic got the timing so out of time that you may need to bring #1 cylinder to the compression stroke, and set the distributor to firing number 1 as if you were just building the engine. This might get you to a starting point.
More precise information may bring additional information from forum members.
More precise information may bring additional information from forum members.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,383
Likes: 385
From: Leland , North Carolina
hi everyone. hope this is the right forum this time.
have a 1989 that wont run. took it timed. mechanic got it timed right, then cleared the codes from the computer, then it wont start. he checked what he had time for, says he is getting voltage to both sides of the injectors, no ground. had it towed home in case in need to remove dash to find the problem. could it be a bad ground to the computer? if so, which ground is tied to that. or did the computer itself go bad? any help will be greatfully appreciated. also, what tester do i need to hook up to read the codes, any recommendations?
thank you
have a 1989 that wont run. took it timed. mechanic got it timed right, then cleared the codes from the computer, then it wont start. he checked what he had time for, says he is getting voltage to both sides of the injectors, no ground. had it towed home in case in need to remove dash to find the problem. could it be a bad ground to the computer? if so, which ground is tied to that. or did the computer itself go bad? any help will be greatfully appreciated. also, what tester do i need to hook up to read the codes, any recommendations?
thank you
