Is it possible?

[phil_long]

Hey guys, car drove fine and all, but when i remote started it today at work and let it run, when i got in the car a code 42 was set. Is it possible that the remote start caused this?  Just curious.  I got home, reset the ECM, and it went away and the car appears to run normal.

[Steve Wood]

I would not think so.  That problem usually shows up on sorry assed aftermarket ignition modules altho it can happen on the GM module if it fails.

It was very common on the old Translator Plus that had the timing wire intersected.  I think a bad maf ground caused that one.

[phil_long]

I would not think so.  That problem usually shows up on sorry assed aftermarket ignition modules altho it can happen on the GM module if it fails.

It was very common on the old Translator Plus that had the timing wire intersected.  I think a bad maf ground caused that one.

Thanks Steve. I'll check it out. A year back when i got the car from the shop the mechanic claimed he didnt recognize what control module i was running.  Pissed me off because i purchased the control module and coil pack from NOS4GN.  He put another control mod on there but I DID keep the one that i bought. I dont think it was anything wrong with it.  I was thinking of putting it back on there.  it was the one that was pretty expensive.

[phil_long]

http://www.nos4gn.com/servlet/the-Ignition/Categories
I purchased the one that cost 209

[Steve Wood]

That is the correct factory module and the only one I suggest....You need to hang out with better mechanics

[phil_long]

That is the correct factory module and the only one I suggest....You need to hang out with better mechanics

  I'll switch it out and have the one in there right now as a spare.  Thanks Mr. Wood

[gnonyx]

I would not think so.  That problem usually shows up on sorry assed aftermarket ignition modules altho it can happen on the GM module if it fails.

It was very common on the old Translator Plus that had the timing wire intersected.  I think a bad maf ground caused that one.

Hi Steve, I notice reading that you claimed it might be a bad maf ground, but when I read this : http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/trouble_codes.htm in your opinion would the code #42 - C3I EST or Bypass Circuit Failure is related to a bad maf ground or is the code #42 something else?
I really don't know what is code 42 represent! Thanks

[Steve Wood]

When you start the car, the module uses a built in timing value while cranking.  When the car starts, the timing is handed off to the ecm via the EST bypass wire.

When the Translator Plus was installed, it not only allowed the use of a LS1 or LT1 maf, but, it also allowed the total timing to be changed via a knob in the Translator.  In order to alter the timing, the EST  line from the module to the ecm was cut and the timing section of the Translator maf was connected into the circuit.

For some reason, this often caused a code 42 to occur in which case, the timing went back to a default setting which affected performance.  The cure was often to ground the Translator Plus to the ignition module ground and then it usually worked properly.

Note that this was the Translator PLUS which has been discontinued and that this has nothing to do with the regular Translator so I am sorry for mentioning it.  Forget I brought it up

Usually when a car gets a code 42, it is a bad module, or a break in that particular wire to the ecm.  A lot of aftermarket modules seem prone to this problem.  Aftermarket modules have some differences from the factory unit.  If you put a Casper's coil tester on them, they will not show spark even when they will crank a car and run properly when installed.  More arcane information, I guess

[Steve Wood]

A on the module to B4 on the ecm is the EST line

B on the module to D5 on the ecm is the Bypass line.

A bad circuit on either of these two wires can trigger a code 42.

And, a bad ignition module which is the more common cause will generate a code 42


http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/coil.htm

http://www.vortexbuicks-etc.com/code_42.htm      Read the diagnostic page at the bottom of this link

[gnonyx]

When you start the car, the module uses a built in timing value while cranking.  When the car starts, the timing is handed off to the ecm via the EST bypass wire.

When the Translator Plus was installed, it not only allowed the use of a LS1 or LT1 maf, but, it also allowed the total timing to be changed via a knob in the Translator.  In order to alter the timing, the EST bypass line from the module to the ecm was cut and the timing section of the Translator maf was connected into the circuit.

For some reason, this often caused a code 42 to occur in which case, the timing went back to a default setting which affected performance.  The cure was often to ground the Translator Plus to the ignition module ground and then it usually worked properly.

Note that this was the Translator PLUS which has been discontinued and that this has nothing to do with the regular Translator so I am sorry for mentioning it.  Forget I brought it up

Usually when a car gets a code 42, it is a bad module, or a break in that particular wire to the ecm.  A lot of aftermarket modules seem prone to this problem.  Aftermarket modules have some differences from the factory unit.  If you put a Casper's coil tester on them, they will not show spark even when they will crank a car and run properly when installed.  More arcane information, I guess

Having an original MAF is it possible to get this code 42 even if the other codes 33 or 34 get activated?

[Steve Wood]

 Let me try it again.  The code has nothing to do with a maf.

It can happen with a stock maf, or a Translator/Maf.  It has to do with the timing control in the module.  But if you had an old Translator MAF PLUS....that had a total timing control in it..then you could get it with that too!  I tried to explain above the difference betwen a Translator, which has nothing to do with timing, and a Translator PLUS which allowed you to change full throttle timing with a dial in the box.

Codes 33 and 34 are a maf failure,  or a maf wiring problem in most cases.  Code 42 is a problem with the timing section of the module which can show up when the Translator PLUS was used.  Code 42 has nothing to do with the first two but you could have it along with with one of the first two if you have multiple problems but they are not related to each other

[Steve Wood]

Try this...

You have a stock maf.

It is very common to get a code 42.  This is probably more common on an aftermarket module than a factory module but either can throw one.  If it is not the module, then it is a wiring problem between the module and the ecm-specifically the wire that goes between terminal B on the module and D5 on the ecm.

You can also get a code 33 or 34 which is a maf problem.  Normally you will get one, or the other, but not both at the same time.  These codes are not related to code 42 and are a separate problem.  there is nothing to prevent you from having two different problems and having the 42 as well as one of the maf codes.

[earlbrown]

Another good habit to get into is to back the locking bolt out 1/8 of a turn or so.  I'm talking about the small bolt that retains the large wiring plug into the coil module.  When you tighten the shit out of that bolt, it keeps the small electrical contacts from finding their "happy place" and making the best contact.

[phil_long]

Another good habit to get into is to back the locking bolt out 1/8 of a turn or so.  I'm talking about the small bolt that retains the large wiring plug into the coil module.  When you tighten the shit out of that bolt, it keeps the small electrical contacts from finding their "happy place" and making the best contact.

I def tightened mine down a lot after the injector swap. Could be the case.  Great point. Im gonna throw in the one from NOS4GN and not tighten it down as much.  Last time i had this code, it was due to the chip not being seated properly in the ECM. I havent touched the chip since install and I know thats good which is why i didnt panic.  It was an extremely annoying drive home though. 

[Steve Wood]

I would not believe it was due to the chip not being seated....no way would I believe that