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Damm code 43!

munepit

munepit

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I have been having trouble with this code. I cant figure it out. I changed the ESC module. I can drive it for 15 minutes and then the check engine light comes on. Yesterday, after driving for a while, it turned on, then after a few minutes it turned off for a few miles then turned back on and stayed on. Went in to Costco, and it stayed on till I got home.

It seems to run like crap when the code shows up. I looked at the code manual and Im not to good with electrical, But I need to fix this. I will be taking this on a weekend trip to the mountains on New Years with 4 people and 2 dogs for 4 days!

I dont want to take it to a shop, But if I cant figure this out I will have to.
Do you think it is a bad wire or something. The motor has 500 miles on it with a new knock sensor. Thanks!
 
"43. Low voltage at electronic spark timing circuit"

This is the module in the distributor... could be wiring...
 
Thanks. I have been doing a lot of reading and research. I have a bunch of spare modules at home. When I get home today, I will change the one in the dist. and see if that fixes it. I hope that is all it is!!! Thanks!
 
That code is THE WORST code to track down the problem. I once had it and after removing the ESC connector and cleaning it and reconnecting it several times it finally went away and hasn't been back in 7 years.
 
my camaro had that... it was a sensor on the........... gahhhhhh brain fart.........
dagone it.. the air into the throttle body... the long air tube.......hahahaha i need more coffee... cant remember the part name... but i know it was $180!!!!!!!!!!
 
RootBreaker said:
my camaro had that... it was a sensor on the........... gahhhhhh brain fart.........
dagone it.. the air into the throttle body... the long air tube.......hahahaha i need more coffee... cant remember the part name... but i know it was $180!!!!!!!!!!
Click to expand...

Mass airflow sensor ?

good thing thats a different system, cause TBI trucks don't use 'em :D
 
I have to drive it for about fifteen minutes before it throws the code. I have backup sensors for almost everything. I am going to check all the wires and lines and switch the sensors. The knock sensor is brand new. See how that goes. I work today and the 4 days off. That should be enough time!
 
Something to check that through me for a loop! Check the wires that go into the connector that you disconnect to set the timing (tan/black stripe). Mine had the wires broken inside the insulation and looked like they was intact but was making intermitten contact. Might explain why it happens after it heats up. Check this at ALL connection involving the knock sensor including the single wire right at the knock sensor itself. Slightly pull on the wire and see if the insulation stretches if it does then the wire is broken inside. Its a longshot but thats just what mine was doing....:doah:
 
I think I found the problem. Would/could it be throwing the code if I can twist the dist. cap? It is loose! I need to go and pull someonne out of the mud right now but don't have a timming light!
 
The dist. cap bolt was loose. Timed it to 0* and tightened the bolt. Then it threw a code 42. Instaled a new ignition control module. No more code 42. Now its throwing a code 43 again! WTF. It has a new knock sensor(installed a few months ago). I pulled the starter to look at the wires because the wire loom looked burned by the header. It all looked good, so I put on a new plastic wire loom or cover. There is a ground wire on the back of the pass head that the wire is missing a very small piece of outer insulation but is intact. I hope thats not the problem. It is a brown wire. I cant figure this out.
 
I went to autozone to purchase a new knock sensor. They told me to bring in the one I had and they would exchange it under warranty. That save me $32.00. But didn't fix my problem. Its got to be wiring! :confused:
 
Isn't 43 the electronic spark control module, from reading up on things trying to diagnose some recent problems i had, that unit simply controls spark timing by reading the knock sensor readings.

SCOTT ??? :D
 
eagle mark said:
"43. Low voltage at electronic spark timing circuit"

This is the module in the distributor... could be wiring...
Click to expand...
This is what I have listed in FAQ but in the GM book it says ESC which is part of the knock circut...
 
The ignition control module is in the dist. I put a brand new one in there the other day. Yesterday I put in a brand new knock sensor. I have a few ESC modules. Can an outopart store test these? I have switched out a few of these to see if that's the problem, and I don't think it is. I still think it has to be a wire though.
 
I understand you replaced the ingition control module, but that doesn't control the spark timing from the signal aqcuired from the knock sensor.

I asked about the electronic spark control module when i had problems recently with mine, and they told me they cannot test those, only the ignition control modules.

Just so we're clear, the ESC is the little black box mounted at an angle on the passenger side of the intake, next to the throttle body.
 
Thats it. I have switched out a couple of those ESC modules. I dont think thats it, so Its probably wiring. I am hoping! I need to go through the wiring and check that. I do have a multimeter. It has a bunch of diferent modes on it. That is an ohm meter correct? I am hoping it just a ground wire or something. Thanks!!
 
One option to fix code 43 is in the PROM programming. Might not be the best option, but it will be a permanent fix for a code 43 from ever coming on again.

dave w

Error Code 43.jpg
 
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