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.