Poor performance

[Devin]

My car has been running quite rough for a month or so and I pulled the codes and got these stored on KOEO:

177
181
219

Looks like I may have a bad O2 sensor, which is easily fixable, but the SPOUT one throws me off. Would the O2 sensor cause that code?

 

[luigisho]

I don't think so but I would clear codes and see what comes back. SPOUT is often wiring/pcm issue. I hate that code and haven't had to chase one in a long time so I would have to dig in to see what other components might trigger it like maybe DIS or wiring issue.

 

[Devin]

It is definitely running rough, especially after warmup so I'm going to replace the O2 sensor, but I can clear the codes after and see what comes back.

One had so many electronics issues I decided to get another X2J and see if that helps. I also have a spare harness I can try too eventually.

 

[luigisho]

Good plan. I would do the same

 

[BaySHO Performance]

I had a '92 in that had a code 219 which ran perfectly. Two years later I found the problem: fried wiring in the fuel injector harness.

 

[Devin]

I hope that isn't the case! I changed the O2s out and cleared the codes. Will get behind the wheel soon and see if they come back. I do have a spare harness but would like to avoid swapping anything out before I do the heads.

 

[BaySHO Performance]

I hope that isn't the case! I changed the O2s out and cleared the codes. Will get behind the wheel soon and see if they come back. I do have a spare harness but would like to avoid swapping anything out before I do the heads.

What are the exact symptoms of the rough running?

 

[Devin]

Low power, and the car shakes a little. When I press the accelerator there is nothing smooth about the acceleration, its choppy.

It was originally happening a few weeks ago after a longer drive, but now it happens anytime it is warm.

 

[BaySHO Performance]

Gentle acceleration choppy as well as hard acceleration?

 

[Devin]

Yeah, doesn't seem to be much of a difference. Feeling and sound.

 

[BaySHO Performance]

OK. Let's see how it is now you've changed the O2s.

 

[Devin]

OK. Let's see how it is now you've changed the O2s.

177 cleared. 181 and 219 are back. Also got a current code 116. Engine is cold btw.

I have the 1990 book but using a X2J, so it looks like this is code 49 for the older computers. The book says the following:

CONTINUOUS MEMORY CODE 49: P10 CHECK SPOUT CIRCUIT CONTINUITY
RESULT
service Code 49 indicates the spark timing has defaulteo to 10 degrees BTDC The has a variable duty cvcle with SPOUT signa amplitude from 0.4 volts to VBAT. In the event of a that varies tailure the DIS module will generate a fixed dwel SPOUT and constant spark angle based on CID and PIp (FMEM mode) sionals possible causes:
Yes
No
Faulty DIS module
Faultv SPOUT circuit.
• Kev off. wait 10 seconds
• Disconnect processor 60 pin connector. Inspect for damaged or pushed out pins, corrosion. loose wires. etc. Service as necessary
• Breakout box installed, leave processol disconnected.
• Processor disconnected
Disconnect DIS module (pins 1-6)
. DVOM on 200 ohm scale
• Measure resistance between Test Pin 36 at the breakout box and SPOUT circuit at the DIS module vehicle harness connector
• Is resistance less than 5 ohms?

That's a scan of the page. I don't have a breakout box. Is that an issue?

 

[BaySHO Performance]

177 cleared. 181 and 219 are back. Also got a current code 116. Engine is cold btw.

I have the 1990 book but using a X2J, so it looks like this is code 49 for the older computers. The book says the following:


That's a scan of the page. I don't have a breakout box. Is that an issue?

49 and 219 point to the same problem. I once had a client car that had a 49 that ran flawlessly for two years until I discovered the problem. Some of the fuel injector wiring had melted, of all things.

 

[Devin]

An injector threw the SPOUT code? Well that doesn't make me feel like it'll be easy to track down...

 

[BaySHO Performance]

True. But there could be other reasons as well. I suggest you drive it around some to see how it is behaving.

 

[Irish Pride]

Have you checked to see if one of the Spout connectors is missing? One on the harness near the camshaft sensor and the other is on the harness near the purge solenoid.

Do you have a spare DIS that you can swap on? Does it long crank when trying to start especially when the car is warm?

-Chad

 

[Devin]

True. But there could be other reasons as well. I suggest you drive it around some to see how it is behaving.

Badly

 

[Devin]

Have you checked to see if one of the Spout connectors is missing? One on the harness near the camshaft sensor and the other is on the harness near the purge solenoid.

Do you have a spare DIS that you can swap on? Does it long crank when trying to start especially when the car is warm?

-Chad

The one near the passenger side has been missing the entire time I've owned the car. It has a wirenut. I need to pull the intake to make sure the wires are still connected. Feasibly I could do a simple continuity test if I track down the wires.

The jumper near the ABS computer has never been pulled, but I could certainly pull it and test it and clean the contacts.

 

[Devin]

Do you have a spare DIS that you can swap on? Does it long crank when trying to start especially when the car is warm?

No problems starting warm. I may have a second DIS, I'll have to check.

 

[BaySHO Performance]

Badly

Can you be more specific?