VP Commodore Engine Trouble Codes

Here is a list of ECU error codes for the VP commodore. These are read by shorting the black, and black/white wires that go to the ALDL connector under the dash near the glove box. Short these wires, turn the ignition on and the check engine light will flash the code.

12 Normal Operation
13 Oxygen sensor voltage not changing
14 Engine Coolant Temp Sensor Voltage Low
15 Engine Coolant Temp Sensor Voltage High
16 Engine Coolant Temperature
17 ECM Error
19 Throttle Position Sensor Stuck
21 TPS Voltage High
22 TPS Voltage Low
23 Manifold Air Temp Sensor Voltage High
24 Vehicle Speed Sensor Fault
25 Manifold Air Temp Sensor Voltage Low
26 Intake Air Temperature
31 Theft Deterrant Signal Missing (where fitted)
33 MAP Sensor Voltage too High
34 MAP Sensor Voltage too Low
35 Idle Speed Error36 Vacuum Leak
41 No Crankshaft Reference while Cranking
42 EST Circuit Fault
43 Knock Sensor Open or Shorted
44 Oxygen Sensor Voltage Low (exhaust lean)
45 Oxygen Sensor Voltage High (exhaust rich)
46 No Reference Pulses while Cranking
51 Memcal Error
54 System voltage unstable (surge)
55 Analogue to Digital Error
56 Running Lean under Load

Injector pintle caps

I've noticed a few posts and things on the net regarding pintle caps on injectors, and whether they can be left off. I dropped one of my injectors while trying to get the new o-ring on over the pintle cap (I cut the old ones off) It is very difficult if not impossible to get the seal on over the pintle cap, and they need to be renewed if they are removed. When it hit the ground the pintle cap broke off, so I decided to remove them all. The information I had told me that they are there to stop the injectors getting dirty, and to stop fuel from drying on the pintles after switch-off, leaving a residue. I figured since I am getting a new set in a few weeks, they should be fine. They are, the car runs, and it doesn't seem to be a problem. I don't think they have any influence on spray pattern as the fuel doesn't touch the pintle cap. I'm saving up for a set of exchange injectors from Aznew. These are available from most Repco stores on an exchange basis for about $250 for a V6 Commodore.
I'm up for a new Lambda (Exhaust gas oxygen content) sensor, as the car is running worse when it's warm than it is when it's cold.

Replaced the o-rings on the injectors today

I put the injector seal kit in today, and ended up breaking one of the plastic covers on the end of the injector through dropping it trying to get the new seal on. It was pretty much impossible to get the rubber seal on over the plastic injector end-caps anyway. The injectors looked old and dirty, so I decided to remove all the plastic end caps as I will get a set of reco injectors next week anyway. The car seems to run fine, markedly smoother with no vacuum or fuel leaks anymore, although it is evident that the injectors need replacing, and the induction system needs to come off for cleaning. The check engine light came on and off when I was test-driving it today, It's not engine oil or transmission fluid, and it's not overheating at all, so I will have to look into the cause of that. Hopefully the manual I have has a list of reasons why the check engine light can come on. I might have a look on justcommodores.com first, I'm sure someone else has had the same hassle. The transmission did get pretty hot as I was driving pretty hard. The injectors seem to be working fine, but I'm sure they are still dirty. The car was not driven for two years before I brought it, and it wasn't exactly garaged or looked after so new injectors next week.

Fuel injectors leaking on the Commodore

I've just realized that the fuel injection system in the Commodore is leaking. The injectors have rubber o-rings to seal them into the inlet manifold, and also to seal the fuel rail to the top of them. I was messing around with them yesterday, moved one a bit and fuel started coming out from under the fuel rail. I then realized they were all loose, and if the top ones are loose, then the identical bottom o-ring seals must be stuffed aswell.
The engine has been idleing a bit rough, and sometimes doesn't start instantly (takes a few seconds of cranking). I'm now sure it's a vacuum leak getting past these seals, and probably low fuel preassure caused by the fuel leaking from the fuel rail. Interestingly enough, the fuel leaking from the rail is not visible unless it's a large leak, as when the fuel comes out under pressure it vapourises instantaneously and is hard to detect. It's easier to listen for.
I went doen to Hunter Holden (These guys are great, never not had a part in stock) and for $27.95 got a Bosch injector and fuel rail seal kit. It has all the injector o-rings, and also some for the cross part of the fuel rail.
So tomorrow, the whole lot is coming off, getting cleaned, and put togeather with new seals. I'm just hoping that all the injectors are okay, although I'm looking at getting another set and having them reconditioned.

West Ryde Council rangers - Causing problems for the working community.

Parking is next to impossible in West Ryde. There used to be a multi-story carpark, which has been demolished. The council proceeded to put "no parking" signs all over the place, and send their "Rangers" in white utes to book people as they go about their working day. They are making an absolute fortune. There are two large (usually half empty) carparks near the train station. I saw a ranger the other day booking the three cars that are in the carpark for overstaying the 3 hour limit. The only place to park which is unrestricted is along the residential back streets. They are always lined with cars, to the point where two cars cannot pass. This is legal, but it is illegal to leave your car in the empty carpark.

I just got booked, because I was picking up some boxes from the back of our premisis. It is a no parking zone, but we have been told by one of these "Rangers" that it is okay to be there to load up. My boot was open, and the car wouldn't start, so I had to change a battery terminal, so the car was there for five minutes, and I was with it the whole time. I was this useless excuse for a human being (Council Ranger) drive passed. He didn't stop, or say anything to me. I figured that he would see that I had obviously broken down as the hood was up. The other day I get a $70 fine in the mail. This gutless tool didn't even stop, didn't leave a ticket on the windscreen, nothing. Because he knew he would be up for an argument.

Now, If I want any kind of come back, I have to go to court. Well, I will pay the fine. But every time I see that council "Ranger" I will be lodging a formal complaint to both the council and police about where he is parked, his behaviour, and just about everything I can find that he is doing inappropriately. I will be circulating his number plates, and issuing warnings to other business owners and workers in the West Ryde area to be sure to lodge a complaint about this guy.

People say "they are just doing their job". I say what job? What would be worse if this man was sacked tomorrow and not replaced (other than the cashflow of the council, of course.) Anyone who takes a job like this, which is nothing short of sanctioned, legalized theft, deserves any anger and abuse they get from the community, and probably more. Maybe if their lives are made difficult enough, the council will not be able to find people to rip off the public for them.

Finally a weekend off

Well, I'm about to get a full two days off, one after the other, for the first time I can remember. It's going to be great, I've been pushing myself for the last few months. Working tomorrow, and I have Sunday off as I normally do, and Monday is a public holiday, which I have decided not to work. It will be nice to do a few things around the house, do the washing, change oil and fuel filters on the car, plus fix a few other things I haven't had time to pay attention to since I brought it, like the heater fan speed resistor is dead, roof lining sagging, and of course, I want to hook up the ALDL datalink with my new laptop. I also have a leaking transmission which I have to look at. At the moment the underside of the car is filthy, so I'll gurney it all off on the weekend and have a good look. I hate leaking cars. Even if it is an auto. The auto gear box has it's writing on the wall, I'm currently looking for a T5 manual transmission to replace it with.
I was going to mow the lawn too this weekend, but it doesn't need it. It's that dry that even though I haven't mowed it for 5 weeks now, it's only grown about half a centimeter. Suits me fine.

Testing a thermostat - New hot EFI engines

Just tested the new thermostat for the Commodore. My old RX-7 had a 80 degree thermostat, and I could test it in a coffee mug by pouring water onto it from the kettle and watching it open. The commdore is fuel injected and runs hotter, and the thermostat is rated at 91 degrees. Pouring water from the kettle over it just doesn't get enough heat into it to get it opened up. You need to boil some water on the stove and dip the thermostat into it on a piece of string. It will open in half a second or so. As soon as I finish this shift in the shop, it's going in.