How do I test my ESC ?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,506
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver,Wa.
Re: How do I test my ESC ? (Corvette0096)
Here is a write up about it. https://www.corvetteforum.com/techti...D=99&TopicID=2
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: waxahachie texas
Re: How do I test my ESC ? (Corvette0096)
Thats what I'll probabbly do since I don't know how to test that one out. I was told you can unplug it and start the car and it will just use factory settings in the ecm but I haven't tried that. I'll just get a new one and install it. That was some great info there, I'll be sure to get that exact GM P/N
Thanks
[Modified by Davidsvette85, 11:27 PM 9/8/2003]
Thanks
[Modified by Davidsvette85, 11:27 PM 9/8/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,674
Likes: 751
From: NEwhere Ohio
Re: How do I test my ESC ? (Davidsvette85)
If your ESC is bad, and throwing a code 43 with the service engine light on, your car will run slow. Real conservative.
This happened to mine, every time you push the gas pedal you will see a couple degrees spark retard with a scan tool.
The problem is a code 43 service engine soon light lit doesnt tell you if its your ESC unit or knock sensors. Last year I got the light and replaced the ESC unit. It went out. It came back on this year, so i replaced both knock sensors and everything works a-ok.
I know i didnt answer your question, but i hope you find my post useful.
Oh , I should add I have a 93. Which does not have a knock sensor chip mounted next to the chip - Like some people here install LT4 knock modules.
When I refer to ESC i am referring to the finned plate like with a connector thingy the ignition coil mounts to.
This happened to mine, every time you push the gas pedal you will see a couple degrees spark retard with a scan tool.
The problem is a code 43 service engine soon light lit doesnt tell you if its your ESC unit or knock sensors. Last year I got the light and replaced the ESC unit. It went out. It came back on this year, so i replaced both knock sensors and everything works a-ok.
I know i didnt answer your question, but i hope you find my post useful.
Oh , I should add I have a 93. Which does not have a knock sensor chip mounted next to the chip - Like some people here install LT4 knock modules.
When I refer to ESC i am referring to the finned plate like with a connector thingy the ignition coil mounts to.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: waxahachie texas
Re: How do I test my ESC ? (dizwiz24)
Yea the Electric Spark Control , the check engine light is not staying on but it came on once and went back out. the only code it has stored is the ESC is not working correctly. It still drives good but I noticed it is really sucking gas driving normal (not heavy footed) says its getting 14.5 mpg. :eek:
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: waxahachie texas
Re: How do I test my ESC ? (Corvette0096)
After checking into the GM P/N that was recommened in the site as an upgrade that GM part# 16038331 comes out to a 4.3 liter Z28 does that matter? :confused:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Re: How do I test my ESC ? (Davidsvette85)
Don't know of any 6 banger Z28's. You really need a scanner to determine if it's a problem. Sounds like it had a one time failure of the functional test. On each start up, once it hits about 194 degrees and it gets close to WOT, the ECM advances timing until it knocks. If it fails, the light goes on until the ignition is cycled and the code is stored in memory. If it knocks below 194 degrees, the functional test is passed and not run again. A scanner will tell you what's going on, but check the connection at the knock sensor.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: How do I test my ESC ? (Davidsvette85)
While at Carlisle this year Gordon told me that P/N was for a Camaro but I didn't ask the vintage.
Anyway, it cured my false knock problem and has worked well for otheres on this Forum too.
It cost me $55 at my local Chevy dealer.
Anyway, it cured my false knock problem and has worked well for otheres on this Forum too.
It cost me $55 at my local Chevy dealer.
