Last fall my Check Engine light came on. I figured it was probably related to the emissions control, so I didn't worry about it.

my scanner will read my 90 and is supposed to be able to read the cars back to 1980. it will recognize my friends 88 but will not connect with the computer. just received an older cartridge from joel and will try it out this weekend.

it might be a good idea to try a new oxygen sensor instead of a used one. also if you have the gm service manual they usually give you the way to check all the connections, etc.

good luck. working on these computer controlled cars can be a real learning experience.

by the way, if you are going to paul's (lukesvette) bbq and still need it let me know and i will bring it and we can try hooking it up.

dave
eddie208752008-04-11 18:41:41

I'm pretty sure all you will get is the trouble code from that computer, a scanner will give you the same thing. Those computers only gave you a hint of where to look, trouble shooting them is no fun, I will not miss mine . I hope you get a lot of these things worked out before the trip, good luck. DaveM2008-04-11 20:41:33

If the O2 sensor is good, try disconecting your battery. This should clear your code.

I've scanned codes for my LS1 many times, have no experience with the CrossFire though (yet).  But if the code is a lean condition, it's not something that I would want to drive to Arkansas and back with.  Sounds like possibly an exhaust leak (didn't you install a new exhaust not too long ago?) reading too much air at the O2 sensor.

DW - check for air leaks around the base of each throttle body.  That was one of the (many) problems with Pete's '82CE when we drove it back from California last May.  With the engine idling spray some carb cleaner around the bases and if it smoothes out a little you have a leak.  A propane torch with a short piece of rubber hose on the end will do the trick also (no flame - just gas). Norsky2008-04-11 21:53:22

The code only says the ECM thinks the engine is lean. This could be for many reasons, including a vacuum leak, or an exhaust leak before the O2 sensor.
The EGR could also create a "lean" condition, if it is not opening correctly. The ECM will lean out the fuel when the EGR is operating, as the EGR should be introducing unburned fuel into the cylinders. If it is not opening, or not opening enough, the mixture will be lean, because the ECM is still leaning it out, thinking the EGR is doing it's job.
You can have a dirty injector(s) that will cause a lean exhaust code, too.
Of course, the O2 sensor may be reading wrong, too.
I may have some troubleshooting info here, I don't know. We have a Club meeting today, so it will be later this evening before we get back, but I will look to see what I have, and send it to ya if ya need it.

I did replace the exhaust over the winter, but I believe everything is tight and not leaking. Plus this problem started last fall. After I changed the O2 sensor, I did disconnect the battery to reset the code, although I'm not sure it was off for the recommended 10 seconds. More like 5. But the light still came on, so I believe the problem is still there. And I am only getting one trouble code message. I don't believe it is running lean. Everything looks and sounds normal. I know I have vacuum leaks and the gaskets probably need to be changed. I'll do the carb cleaner test to check that part. I have a complete kit of gaskets and seals that DaveM gave me, but I don't want to take it all apart now. I will bring all the parts and tools with me to Hot Springs. Maybe we can have an '82 Crossfire Injection tech session while we are there.

Everything in my alldata says it's the o2 sensor circut.  the most common thing we find here is that it dropps out a ground.Huss6919812008-04-12 14:18:13

I hope that's all that is wrong.