flickering check engine light
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,968
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flickering check engine light
i started my '85 pos today for the first time in about 2 months, when i parked it (out of frustration)it ran like crap, now it barely runs, farts and misses, its horrible.
the C/E light just flashes very quickly now, is that i code? i thought that meant the computer was pooched. :confused:
any ideas boys?
the C/E light just flashes very quickly now, is that i code? i thought that meant the computer was pooched. :confused:
any ideas boys?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: flickering check engine light (atotalnincompoop)
flickering SES? That does not sound good... not at all.
there is a port under the dash... jump A and B (and I have no clue on an 85) and start to read the flashes... it will code out a message.
12 means you have accessed the diag mode: (5 times)
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
Then the code: lets say, 33, just to throw a number, I am not sure of the codes in the 85s. repeats 3 times:
<flash> <flash> <flash> short pause <flash> <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> <flash> <flash> short pause <flash> <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> <flash> <flash> short pause <flash> <flash> <flash> long pause
12 will flash again, then the next code, or, a repeat of the first, of there is nothing else. after the last code, the first will display.
you know... I have a great suggestion... unarse 100.00 and get a helms manual! That will help a ton!!! :D
there is a port under the dash... jump A and B (and I have no clue on an 85) and start to read the flashes... it will code out a message.
12 means you have accessed the diag mode: (5 times)
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> short pause <flash> <flash> long pause
Then the code: lets say, 33, just to throw a number, I am not sure of the codes in the 85s. repeats 3 times:
<flash> <flash> <flash> short pause <flash> <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> <flash> <flash> short pause <flash> <flash> <flash> long pause
<flash> <flash> <flash> short pause <flash> <flash> <flash> long pause
12 will flash again, then the next code, or, a repeat of the first, of there is nothing else. after the last code, the first will display.
you know... I have a great suggestion... unarse 100.00 and get a helms manual! That will help a ton!!! :D
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Re: flickering check engine light (atotalnincompoop)
I haven't see one flashing like you discribe. As has been suggested, pull the codes and see if any have been stored. This site: http://www.c4vettes.com/ecm.htm has some good information and procedures.
Good luck.
BTW - how you making out on the targa latch?
Good luck.
BTW - how you making out on the targa latch?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,968
Likes: 0
Re: flickering check engine light (bogus)
thanks andy, i just talked to my chip burner guy, he said that a fast flicker means either a bad computer or a bad chip, i'm almost ready to pour gas on this piece of crap and light her up :mad
anyways, thanks again :cheers:
anyways, thanks again :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 1
From: Shelton CT
Re: flickering check engine light (atotalnincompoop)
thanks andy, i just talked to my chip burner guy, he said that a fast flicker means either a bad computer or a bad chip, i'm almost ready to pour gas on this piece of crap and light her up :mad
anyways, thanks again :cheers:
anyways, thanks again :cheers:
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,968
Likes: 0
Re: flickering check engine light (MrNuke)
:iagree: Could be a bad chip. I jsut tested putting my bone stock '85 vette chip back in the car and I get the same thing you describe. A wierd quick blinking CE light (Looks more like the bulb is shorting and thus flashing a few times a second). Put my current chip back in, everythign back to normal.
the guy who does my chips is 2000 miles away, i'll have to box up my unit and send it to him(computer and chip)
i really hate this car, i am so frustrated with it, i bet that i have only driven it about 1000 miles in the last 3 years, i just can't get it to run right :mad
give me a chevelle with a holley anyday :yesnod: :cheers:
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
Re: flickering check engine light (atotalnincompoop)
give me a chevelle with a holley anyday :yesnod: :cheers: