Code 211 and 214

[Diameg]

Hey there,

I was driving on the highway yesterday and the engine started sputtering while the Check Engine light came on.
Considering I was going 90 miles per hour or so, it was a little concerning. Luckily, the light went out after a few seconds and it continued along normally.
This happened again about 20 minutes later in town.

I checked the codes when I got home and in the Continuous Memory it came up as 211 (Profile Ignition Pickup sensor fault) and 214 (Cylinder Identification circuit failure).

Are these the beginning signs to a CPS failure and eventual CPS/Water pump job?
If so, how long do I have before it craps out for good?

Or is it likely something else?

 

[HopefulSHO]

Sounds like your crank and camshaft sensors are in need of replacement.
Usually a failling cam sensor will do what you've described, but when a crank sensor goes it just dies. But it looks like you've got codes for both.
Only time can tell how long they have

 

[sdpatt]

The likelihood that both sensors are failing at the same time is remote. I would first inspect the common denominator: the DIS module. Check for loose electrical connectors and loose mounting bolts on the DIS module and the intake manifold - especially the two 12mm bolts that secure the intake's balance tube to the front and rear plenums. Also check for a solid ground path through the ground strap bolted to the passenger side, rear intake mounting bracket bolt.

 

[Diameg]

Thanks Scott.

I checked all those ground paths, took them apart and cleaned them up. DIS seems to be in good shape and connections are firm and clean.

I am still getting the same symptoms and it is happening more frequently. It starts off as erratic rpm fluctuation and then the check engine light comes on. It has at times been a very violent misfire. If I take it out of gear and coast or gently keep revving the engine it kind of corrects itself, sometimes quickly, sometimes not so quickly.

I am still getting the 211 and 214 codes in the continuous memory. I get no other fault codes with KOEO and KOER tests (but granted, I haven't been able to test the codes while this check engine light has been on).
I take it that it is not the CPS given that it doesn't die out completely and no loss of tach. Is Cam sensor my most likely culprit?

 

[HopefulSHO]

Shakes the **** out of the car eh? Sounds like a Cam sensor.

 

[Mr Anonymous]

Check the power feed to the coil pack.

 

[scotts93sho]

It's your cam sensor. Took me two months to figure mine out, but that is it. I think the sensor is about $16. Crappy little piece of plastice with a wiring harness clip.

 

[rangerj]

Try the DIS tests discussed under my signature. It gives you the tests for everything mentioned above. All you need is a digital Multi Meter and/or a LED probe. Do NOT use an incandescent or "coil" type probe, NOR an analog (swing needle) meter. rangerj

 

[Diameg]

Sounds like something to try but I can't see your signature.

Can you post a link to the test procedure?

 

[rangerj]

In the search function type in "DIS tests", then click on "GO". See the thread Intermitent Ignition Failure by Betty Davis. My response to the question has the specific tests for the DIS from the ECU to the coils through or in conjunction with the sensors, (CPS, CID, etc.) My signature is rangerj, so you could also search using that, but the above mentioned thread has the test proceedures you need. rangerj

 

[SHO_Diehard]

This exact same thing with the codes happened to me on the way to the convention last summer (at 1 a.m. no less). It was a slight surging feeling with the check engine light coming on. Checked the codes and got both cam position and crank position sensor codes. Both parts were less than two years old, so I really wouldn't expect either to be bad. I changed the cam position sensor, since that was the one I could get to. The car has been fine ever since.

I did remove the balance tube to get to the sensor, so it's possible there was a bad connection I inadvertently fixed. I didn't notice anything wrong when I disassembled it, although it could have slipped past me as I wasn't very happy about working in the McDonald's parking lot at 6 a.m.

When the cam sensor went out on the '89, it acted just as you are describing.

 

[dastuph]

Freaking 214!!!!

This is the last code I have and I can't shake it. I've replaced the CID unit and I still have the problem. Sometimes it runs fine, others not so much. When its running crappy you only notice it at idle when its shaking the **** out of the whole car.

Suggestions???? I really need to get this resolved. I've spent alot $$$$ fixing a ton of other issues that needed to be fixed and I have a list of others to attend to but I'm not moving on till I get this one.

HELP!!!!!!

 

[rangerj]

Assuming you have a good CID then you must have a problem in the wires or connections, the DIS module, or the ECU. See the DIS diagnostics mentioned above. Check all grounds and connections first. The two bottom screws that hold the DIS module to the intake crossover tube are "grounds", as are the 12mm bolts that hold the crossover tube to the heads.