Doe anyone have the list of things that the onboard computer does during a normal startup and at aprox. the number of seconds / minutes into the process when the different events occur. It would help me with trouble shooting a startup / stall problem. Hopefully I would be able to isolate the function that is not working correctly.
Thanks for any help in advance !!
Actually, the sequence is pretty primitive. When you first turn the key to the "run" position the in-tank fuel pump should run. When you turn the key to the "start" position the main fuel pump should run and continue to run for 5 seconds if the engine doesn't start or as long as the engine is running and the ignition is in the "run" position. When the ignition is on (in the "run" position) power is applied to the entire ignition system, so you will get spark - initiated by the Hall effect sensor in the distributor - when the engine turns. Also when the ignition is on, the Idle Air Control (IAC) valve is opened some amount (all the way? it is not a servo mechanism, just a 1/4 rotation motor) and a preset amount of fuel is injected based on normal idle requirements and trimmed by a voltage level from the MAF sensor. That condition changes to a different algorithm when the throttle is opened slightly, but this description is at idle. When the engine fires, the ECU monitors the engine speed (ignition rate) and adjusts the IAC valve to maintain proper idle speed. The whole thing settles into the groove within a couple seconds of the engine firing up.
Have you cleaned the throttle body (and IAC valve as necessary) yet? That's what normally causes stalling at idle after a cold start. If it were not sensitive to the cold I'd recommend looking at the MAF (especially if it is not only at idle) and the fuel pump relay (especially if it was worse when hot in the car), but the cold stalling problem points strongly at the throttle body.
Mike
A vacuum leak in the intake system can cause similar symptoms, as the fuel/air-mixture is leaned out because some air is drawn into the combustion chamber without being measered by the MAF-sensor. Check all tubes for cracks.
Good luck.
Per Mathisen
-88 780 w/ SBC350TPI/TH700
"Michael Pardee" skrev i melding news:E7ednZBVs7TMkR_YnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@sedona.net...
There isn't much of a sequence, as far as you'll perceive, the processes all happen pretty much instantaneously.
Have you tried unplugging the air mass meter to see if that makes a difference? That and the wiring harness in pre-89 cars are the usual problems.
MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.