Brads CA Swap

[bradt]

I think the butterfly actuator is toast. I'm no expert on it though.

The car drives and exhibits limp mode symptoms, but 2 different ECU's tell me otherwise.... both throw 55.

However, in mode 5 diagnostic, it shows an issue with the MAF circuit. I do not know much about mode 5, but this is odd for it to show a MAF problem, but mode 3 says no malfunction?

[bradt]

OK, after doing some checks, I am ONCE AGAIN getting a code 12 and 34. Nothing with the MAF and knock sensor changed, so I dunno.

When I unplugged the vacuum hose that runs to my BOV, the car idles VERY smooth. So, there is definitely something wrong with the AFM circuit if it runs better with un-metered air....

[mod_mastaz]

If it idles better with a vac leak that would mean the air regulator is toast. That controls and regulates your idle as well as smooth driving operation. It basically opens and close to let air pass the TB to keep your idle normal.

Check it and clean it to see if you can still get it to work. I've heard of those failing very often on CA E motors due to age and sitting.

[mazikowski]

So it idles better, but what about above idle?

[bradt]

Revs smooth until limp mode hits.

After work I will be checking the regulator.

[bradt]

In my search for MAF bugs, I realized that the regulator hoses were wrong, fixed it up and it idled great with all lines attached, but still limping.

Code 12.....

Got out the volt meter, checked it, and WOW this is some kind of jacked up....

With MAF unplugged, I am reading 11.87 V on the power wire and 9.7 V on the signal. When I hook up the MAF, power drops to 2.8 V and signal down to .5 V.... What the hell???

[Shusaka]

whoa that is all sorts of jacked up, maybe you could find a CA18DET MAF and see if that fixes things...

[bradt]

I did. I get this result with 3 different MAFS.

[bradt]

OK, after running a new ground to the MAF, power was 12 V and signal was 1.2 V at idle. Ran a new signal wire and wired it to the ECU and it sees proper signal, however it is still in limp mode. I am going to try to re-run a whole new MAF harness later. Hopefully it will work.

[ca18detgabby]

stupid question.........

you sure the ECU is good and stock map?

[bradt]

Lol, it's not stupid.

Yes, 3 ECU's tested, 1 bone stock, 1 Nistune with stock map, and 1 Mines (not using for testing now though, because if its bad it wont help me).

[mazikowski]

I'm tempted to come over and try one of your ECU's on my car, just to rule out that the ECU's are all somehow farked.

[bradt]

YES! That would be awesome if you could. My room-mate asked if anyone else here had a CA, and I said you and Tim, but Tim has Megasquirt. I am about to make my own damn harness if I can't figure out this issue.

[mazikowski]

That would be loads of fun I wanna get another pulsar and rewire teh whole damn thing... make it my project car and whatnot

[bradt]

Well, I isolated the MAF wiring, and when I unplug it will idle and start fine, plug it up, and it dies.

3 different sensors, same result. 1 sensor is bad though, because when I plug it up nothing changes (still cant rev pas 2ish).

Megasquirt is really inviting right now......

[float_6969]

If you plug it in while it's running, it will die. Does it start back up afterwards?

[bradt]

Haven't gotten it to yet. I'm getting my laptop back from the office tomorrow and hooking up the Nistune to see if it will give me any more insight.

[mazikowski]

does it do that with all your ECUs? if so, i suggest running brand new wires (shielding the signal wires as necessary) from the AFM to your ECU. It sounds like it's somewhere in the path from the AFM to the ECU... possibly a broken ground somewhere?

[bradt]

Ran a new, isolated ground wire. Power coming from original plug, and getting a shielded wire to run for signal. We shall see....

[Shusaka]

how is the nistune working for you? Did it help isolate your problem at all? also what are the results from that birds nest that was on your kitchen table that you call a MAF test harness lol

[bradt]

Rain is preventing me from testing right now. My Innovate LC-1 wideband is coming in today, so I am going to hook that up before I mess with the Nistune.

Hooking up my harness eliminated the MAF trouble code. Still getting a knock code, but oh well.

[mazikowski]

told ya

now the knock thing... thats no fun.

[bradt]

Going to run a separate knock wire as well. I replaced the knock sensor and started getting that code the same time I got the MAF code. I have a feeling something got jacked up in the harness.

[mazikowski]

so we get to make a custom harness?!?!? yay

[bradt]

Yeah, pretty much, lol.

[bradt]

OK, got it running somewhat smooth. Adjusted the MAF and K Constant in Nistune and I have it in the ballpark, just need to make some fine tweaks. I just ordered an Innovate LC-1, so I will be hooking it up tomorrow and making some adjustments.

[Shusaka]

does it rev??? Is it in limp mode??? Can i ride in it???

[bradt]

It revs until you put a load on it. The timing maps need serious adjustment.

And no, no limp mode.

[Shusaka]

Cool, can i ride in it?

[bradt]

OK, so the car was starting great the other night, then yesterday afternoon it refused. IDK what that is all about. Maybe cold motor issue.

Also, when I give it more than 1/4 throttle it hesitates BAD. AFR's look good, so I believe I have fuel.