Check Engine light, hard starting, blah, blah, blah

[SHO Nuff]

Guys,
I'm having a weird problem I hope someone can help me with. I'm getting a CEL, sometimes when the engine is warm and sometimes cold. As I drive on the highway it'll come on for a few minutes then turn off for a few minutes. Sometimes when trying to start it the starter kicks back when starting (like the timing is too far advanced). I can hear the fuel pump when this happens but it's not a clear whining, more like a gurgling. Funny thing is I can try it a a couple of more times and it starts fine. I just checked codes and I'm getting a 212 (IDM circuit failure / SPOUT circuit grounded), 214 (CID circuit failure), and a 647 which I'm not seeing details for.
I'm thinking it's that TFI-looking module on the side of the plenum but that's only a guess.
Any ideas or thoughts?
Best places to get the part?

Thanks.
Lou.

 

[projectSHO89]

The 214 refers to the cam sensor. The 212 might be due to a disconnected SPOUT connector. Check that.

Sometimes when trying to start it the starter kicks back when starting (like the timing is too far advanced).

This indicates that the system is not getting the cam sensor signal. When the cam signal fails, the system "guesses" the correct cam timing. It has a 1 in 3 chance of hitting it.

The gurgling is due to a worn out check valve in the fuel return line in the fuel tank. AFIAIK, that comes with a new fuel pump.

Steve
89

<small>[ September 08, 2002, 08:22 PM: Message edited by: projectSHO89 ]</small>

 

[fasteddie]

had a similar problem and I canged the fuel filter just because I was stumped and it seems to have worked. I canged the filter ran some lucas gas treatment 2 times and the light has only come on once, and I havent had any trouble yet starting. Quick and cheap repair $6.99 fram filter at murays and I been good for the last 2 weeks. hope it works for you

 

[sdpatt]

212 (M) Ignition TACH signal was erratic (module/wiring) or SPOUT circuit fault
214 (M) Error in Cylinder ID (CID) circuit or signal
647 (M) Transmission 3rd gear failure

The 212 and 214 codes reveal that the CID sensor is failing and causing the hard starts and the loss of your tach signal. Replace the Camshaft Position Sensor (CID) with a Wells F134 from AutoZone for $29.99. It is mounted to the passenger end of the rear bank exhaust camshaft with two 5.5mm (7/32") bolts.

I'm not sure how the EEC detects the transmission gear failure. How is your transmission working?

The gurgling from the fuel tank is probably due to a worn out fuel return line check valve. Search on that name to find the part number that I have posted before. This rubber valve fits on the end of the return line and keeps a small pressure in the line to prevent the fuel from vaporizing when the engine is hot. The bubbling you hear is the fuel vapor bubbling up through the fuel in the tank. It can cause a stumbling idle until cooler fuel is pumped to the return line. It is not a driveablility problem. This small part does not come with a new fuel pump.

A fuel filter replacement will not change the condition causing a CHECK ENGINE light as evidenced by the fact that it still illuminated after the new filter and fuel treatments. You must correct the faults identified by the codes to correct the problem and prevent the CE light from showing up again.

 

[SHO Nuff]

Thanks guys. I'll change the cam sensor and post the results.

Lou.

 

[SHO Nuff]

Changed the cam sensor and so far, so good. No CEL!
My transmission is hitting hard going into second gear. Sometimes. From what I hear it's a broken accumulator spring. Along with a motor mount.
Also, the gurgling from the fuel tank doesn't happen all the time, only when the car was hard to start. Wouldn't a bad check valve stay bad?
Thanks for all your help guys.
Lou.

 

[sdpatt]

If it was the check valve, you will likely only hear the gurgling noise when the engine has been restarted after a hot shutdown. After the fuel lines have heated from the heat soak of the hot engine. The gurgling will only cause a stumbling, low idle and not usually **** the engine.

Now, a worn out fuel pump will gurgle and cause hard starting if it is not able to pump up adequate fuel system pressure. A very plugged fuel filter can also cause a similar problem.