How do I check the operating status of the 82 Computer?

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Tommy
1980 Project Corvette - (Need suggestions)
1982 "Ruby" (Ain't She Sweet!)

From the information I have Code 12 is normal operation, if your wires are shorting then that would be a big issue, make sure the plug wires are for HEI, not sure hoping some CFI guys will chime in but once the computer is reset it needs to run for a will to relearn the system. from the discription it sound like you hav some bad wires.

Code 12 is simply a code that lets you know the ECM is in diagnostic mode...it means nothing else.
I agree with the plug wires causing the problem, too. Do the usual tune-up stuff first, since you know there is a problem there. The ECMs don't fail all that often, but they usually create more problems than you are having.

You can get the wiring diagrams Here....er...well...you COULD. Seems Ben's server is down at this time...
I can e-mail you the '82 diagram if ya want....


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Did the problem just appear suddenly or was anything changed prior to the problem appearing?  My factory service manual shows "Code 12 indicats that the distributor spark-tuning reference pulses, which are generated by the pickup coil, are not being received by the ECM".  Double check everything at the distributor including the coil.  Not sure if the ignition module in the base of the HEI distributor could cause this problem or not but they are very prone to fail and can cause erratic engine or a no start / no run condition.  The forum does not have an official photo library that Im aware of  but if you will tell me what you need if its for an 82 Ill see if I have anything that will help.
Crossfire19822011-06-05 06:49:49

Having no Cat is not a problem, the O2 sensor is before the cat and works the same with or without the cat. I would start with a tune up with new wires, new coil & ign. module first. DaveM2011-06-04 17:55:47

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Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82

   

Thanks for the fast response - I'll keep checking in on the link you sent to catch it when it is back up.  And yes! I would really appreciate any diagrams you could share.

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Tommy
1980 Project Corvette - (Need suggestions)
1982 "Ruby" (Ain't She Sweet!)

It kinda came on suddenly - At first I thought it was weather temperature related (really had me puzzled) - it seemed as though the computer was confused and couldn't make up its mind trying to figure out how it was deciding to run. Then after about 5 mins of this foolishness it would settle down and run good.  once the weather got warmer things were good. Then I had a chance to wash the engine with my handy dandy electric pressure washers. Then it began to run rough. Then quickly running like it is now - seeming like it is running on 6 cylinders. It always starts easily - nut runs terrible, weak, and sneezing when I put a little too much toe into the throttle (way less then normal).  

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Tommy
1980 Project Corvette - (Need suggestions)
1982 "Ruby" (Ain't She Sweet!)

Cleaning an engine with a pressure washer is not a good idea when you have a lot of electronic components involved. It's possible that some of the electronics were damaged, and that caused the problem to get worse. The TPS(Throttle position sensor), MAP(Manifold air pressure) sensor, and others are very sensitive to moisture. Unless you carefully covered all of the electrics when pressure washing, you may have more than just tune-up related problems. I would definitely start with the tune-up first, for sure...it sounds like it needs it anyway.
Wiring diagram will be on it's merry widdle way shortly.


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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


(click for Texas-sized view!)             NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

I had the air cleaner chromed after looking for years for to find one.  I kept looking on ebay until I found one at a decent price and bought it, took it to a local chrome shop and they took care of the chrome work.   You have a PM
Crossfire19822011-06-05 06:52:07

Wow! 20 mpg?  Really?  What else have you done besides the Cat removal?  I have removed and cleaned the contacts on my 82 computer.  Not a bad idea.  I use Caig D5 contact cleaner.  The O2 sensor regularly flags on my 82.  It controls the enleanment and enrichen functions while in closed loop mode.  When it flags the system goes into enrichen and the limp home mode.  That is my understanding of it's function.

Keith


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Nobody ever waves when I'm driving the Explorer.
K Woody

Yes REALLY!  and I bet now that I gave her new E3 plugs, Accel wires, Accel corrected Dist. cap, Accel super duper coil, Moroso rotor, and a new ignition module. I bet she'll even do better on a long hwy trip.  That 20 mpg was 35%/65%  City/Hwy driving  (hwy cruising at 65-70mph average).  Its so mice to be able to push my toe into the pedal now.  She does seem to be running a little warmer then she use to though.

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Tommy
1980 Project Corvette - (Need suggestions)
1982 "Ruby" (Ain't She Sweet!)

Very Cool!  I'm working towards that but, here in Tucson I have to keep the Cat.  I'm just inside the emissions testing zone. (by 3 miles)  I have mostly been getting between 11 and 15 mpg.  I'm just before rebuilding the TBs and have just replaced the OEM fuel pump with a 85 model OEM pump. 
 
Keith



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Nobody ever waves when I'm driving the Explorer.
K Woody

[QUOTE=TommySSE]How do I check the operating status of the 82 Computer? [/QUOTE] sounds to me your off timming, back fire through the tb seems like timming related. when I did the top end of my 82 I didnt get the timming right to begin with and it also backfired through the tb's.

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OK - so I have an up date - I replaced the spark plugs with E3's (E3.42) - the spark plug wires with Accel 3000 series - the distributor cap with the Accel corrected cap, the rotor, the ignition module, and topped it all off with the Accel HEI in-cap Super Coils.  Didn't change anything else.   TommySSE2011-07-24 22:33:22

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Tommy
1980 Project Corvette - (Need suggestions)
1982 "Ruby" (Ain't She Sweet!)

Hey Tommy,

Glad to hear you have Ruby running good!...  I've had success with Baby too.  The MAP went bad on me after 8 months or so.  I've changed the plugs installed the 85 pump and set the timing to 10* from 12* and found that the cruise control vacuum circuit was leaking badly.  Life is a lot better now.  Idles at 850-900 rpm after start up to 1200.  In gear at traffic lights now 650-750 rpm.  AC still works while stopped at lights.  That is very important here in the desert. I'm getting 18.5 mpg hwy and 16.25 mpg mix 30%/70% hwy/city.  Baby is running very smoothly now.

All the best!
Keith


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Nobody ever waves when I'm driving the Explorer.
K Woody

Tommy,

Don't know if you have seen this:
http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/kb/questions/120/1982%3A+Service+Bulletin%3A+Spark+Plug+Fouling%7B47%7DDriveability


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Nobody ever waves when I'm driving the Explorer.
K Woody

KWoody,

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Tommy
1980 Project Corvette - (Need suggestions)
1982 "Ruby" (Ain't She Sweet!)

Hi Tommy, 

I have not checked  the number on my chip(PROM)  but, Baby was made the last week of Sep 82 so, it should have been part of production.  Mine will go into higher gear below 35-40 mph if I'm not stompin on her tail.

There were just over 600 C3s made after her.  I'll be pulling the back storage bins out soon to get to the windshield wiper controller so, I am planing to pull the ECM then to take a look. If I don't do that now during Monsoon season, I might not get to it until next year.  Does not rain much here. But.... When it rains, it really RAINS!

Keith
kwoody2011-07-27 16:10:17

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Nobody ever waves when I'm driving the Explorer.
K Woody

How do you find out when your car was made?  I think I would like to know when mine was made.

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Tommy
1980 Project Corvette - (Need suggestions)
1982 "Ruby" (Ain't She Sweet!)

Hi Tommy,

Look inside the driver's door frame around the top hinge. You will see a plate.

I can't find the picture I took of Baby's plate right now.  I'll add it later.

Use the Research Tab here at C3VR and click on C3 Build Dates. Decode using the information there.   And there you have it.

Have fun!

Keith 




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Nobody ever waves when I'm driving the Explorer.
K Woody