ECU junk codes

[cathode26]

I have a 1992 Eagle Talon TSI and the car feels like it is driving through molasses. There is no check engine light. The mechanic looked for codes but what came was strange. These were not normal codes and after looking online for what they were, they appeared to be memory addresses.

The mechanic cleared the crazy codes and then the car was driving like normal again. But soon the problem comes back.

I have had this molasses problem for months and occasionally the the car even drives fine. On the days that the car drives fine it is always cool outside.

What would cause crazy codes?

 

[cathode26]

I borrowed a ecu from my mechanic. Ran with it for a week and it also came back with the same crazy codes.

 

[steve]

Not much to work with here. Perhaps one problem is with how your reading the codes.

Does your CEL turning on during bulb check (when you first turn the ignition on)? It should light for five seconds and turn off.

What are you using to read the codes?

 

[cathode26]

My mechanic said he is using a Snap-On Verus to read the codes. He is beginning to think his Mobile Universal Trailer Tester might be causing the issue with the crazy codes. The check engine light stayed on for about 2 seconds longer than the other lights.

I will be able to get the codes on Monday. My mechanic has them written down at the shop.

 

[steve]

The first question was to just make sure the CEL worked. Since it does and the CEL isn't on when the car is running it means there isn't an "active" fault but you may have stored faults.

Try the old school way, analog voltmeter across the data and ground pins on the DLC, 12v LED, or my favorite the 12v piezo buzzer from radio shack and count the pulses.

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You may need a 1G Datalogger to see what's happening while the car is "driving through molasses". You might be seeing knock or a problem with the sensor which will retard timing and make the car feel sluggish.

 

[cathode26]

Photos of weird codes:

First Ecu
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/41465783/20131104_143051.jpg

Second Ecu
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/41465783/20131104_143334.jpg

 

[1qkfwd]

And you've boost leak tested the car?

 

[cathode26]

The car did have boost leaks a few months ago and they were repaired. Checking the car again is on the list to do this week, just to make sure there are no new or missed leaks.

 

[1qkfwd]

I only ask because the first pic shows a mas code 12. Would kinda explain the sluggish feeling to. But knock retard can give you the same feeling.

 

[cathode26]

The car was tested for a boost leak today and the mechanic didn't find one. He also gave it a compression test and it was good. My ecu is being sent off to get socketed for dsm link.

 

[cathode26]

The car had really high knock sometimes over 20 with normal driving. The lifters were changed out and that cut the knock in half so I was around 10. Then I had my egr valve closed up and that cut almost all the knock out. I need to have at least 60 percent throttle to get low levels of knock now.