EST Issues

[dBaseD]

Hey guys, I am new to Syclones, and just encountered an issue that I need a little input on.

The check engine light came on while I was driving the truck, and the Datamaster said the code was 42 for the EST being in bypass mode.

I found the EST wire and it was connected, so I pulled it apart, started the truck, checked the timing (it was at 0) shut the truck off, cleared the ECM memory, put some dielectric grease in the connector and reconnected it, started the truck back up, and it was fine (timing light showed it idling around 25 degrees or so). The next morning, I started the truck up and the CE light was on again, throwing the same code. (timing was back at 0)

I know for sure the EST wire is connected, and I dont see anywhere in the main wiring harness that the wire is broken or brittle. Any other suggestions for diagnosis before I change the distributor out?

Thanks
Jason

EDIT: The truck has an Ostrich chip running code59 on it as well. Thinking it might be a failure with the stock chips ignition controls, I tried using a different chip (another stock chip as well as a kenny bell one) attached to the ostrich adapter, with the same results. So I am pretty sure the problem is not with the ECM.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: EST Issues

I know for sure the EST wire is connected, and I dont see anywhere in the main wiring harness that the wire is broken or brittle. Any other suggestions for diagnosis before I change the distributor out?

You can repalce the ignition module in the distributor rather replace the whole distributor. If that doesn't I would guess its a wiring issue or a bad ECM or memcal. (EST circuitry is on the chip)

 

[dBaseD]

Re: EST Issues

Cool. I am pretty sure its not the chip since it throws the code on 3 different chips. I will see if I can get by the parts store to get another ign module today and try it out.

Thanks for the help, and my apologies for the newbish post. I am 100% new to all things GM, as my avatar might tend to indicate =)

-Jason

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: EST Issues

Cool. I am pretty sure its not the chip since it throws the code on 3 different chips.

The EST circuitry is on the memcal (Blue Chip) which you might be piggy backing on the chip adapter.

 

[dBaseD]

Re: EST Issues

The EST circuitry is on the memcal (Blue Chip) which you might be piggy backing on the chip adapter.

Yep, that what I meant when I said I had tried 3 different ones. I had and extra stock one as well as an old Kenne Bell one that the preovious owner had given me when I bought the truck. The code was thrown no matter which one I had installed on the chip adapter.

I opened up the ditributor, and the ignition module is a replacement brand from Discount Auto Parts, so that is likey the culprit. I will head over tonight and get a new one and update the post if thats what the problem was.

Thanks
Jason

 

[dBaseD]

Re: EST Issues

Bingo. Switched the IGN module out and it's runing properly once again.

Thanks
Jason

 

[Timbo]

Re: EST Issues

Ignition module is typically the culprit on code 42. The truck I'm working on seems to be having trouble with the white wire (Ignition module to computer), though it doesn't look visually bad.