Intermitent code 42
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Hannibal, Missouri
Intermitent code 42
My 84 will sometimes go for days without a problem, then one day the check engine light will come on and it will start to run a little crappy. Not too bad to drive, but enough to know something is wrong. It will only do this when it is warm. I won't get the code when its cold. Once its warmed up, everytime I start it, the light will come on. Once it cools down, like over night, and I restart it, its fine. Once it warms up, I might get the light and I might not. I know the code is 42, electronic spark timing, but how can I tell what needs to be fixed? Please keep in mind that I am not a mechanic, I just can't afford one at this time. I was hoping it would be something I could fix myself.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
I wish someone would answer your Q.
I have the same prob with my '87, Code 42, ignition module. I paid $60 for a Borg-Warner Nascar Select module. No difference. Still gets intermittant Code 42.
BIG JIM
I have the same prob with my '87, Code 42, ignition module. I paid $60 for a Borg-Warner Nascar Select module. No difference. Still gets intermittant Code 42.
BIG JIM
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 22,209
Likes: 12
From: OBAMA IS HITLER
Originally Posted by BIG JIM 54
I wish someone would answer your Q.
I have the same prob with my '87, Code 42, ignition module. I paid $60 for a Borg-Warner Nascar Select module. No difference. Still gets intermittant Code 42.
BIG JIM
I have the same prob with my '87, Code 42, ignition module. I paid $60 for a Borg-Warner Nascar Select module. No difference. Still gets intermittant Code 42.
BIG JIM
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: Hannibal, Missouri
Originally Posted by SilverBeast
If it starts to run crappy, THEN the light comes on , it's probably ignition module.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
I had an intermittent 42-b4 that a 32, so I replaced the EGR switch, which plugs in down and behind the dist.So I actually had to pull the dist. to replace the switch. When I reinstalled the dist. the car ran fine, but seemed to lack the previous power and thru a code 42. I went thru the diagnostics to the point I felt it was either ECM or module. Guess what-when I reinstalled the dist. I crimped a wire on the 4 way plug under the dist.Boneheaded move-but that's what caused mine 
If I remember correctly code 42 usually comes down to a bad module or ECM, but hey, it's worth checking the 4way plug. 
If I remember correctly code 42 usually comes down to a bad module or ECM, but hey, it's worth checking the 4way plug.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 7,839
Likes: 22
From: San Diego, Ca
Did you time it recently and not get the bypass reconnected securely? I'm assuming your '84 is the same set up as the L98'S - bypass is the brown or tan wire on a barrel plug near the battery. Disconnect it to set the base timing and if it's coming loose I think you might get an intermittent 42.
