BodybyFisher Posted January 8, 2006 Report Share Posted January 8, 2006 Here is another installment from Autotap. Now I know that bbob said not to utilize anti-cease on the plugs and this article says to use it, see Jason's spark plug thread ( http://caddyinfo.ipbhost.com/index.php?showtopic=8184 ) for reference on the anti-cease compound. I would also not utilize the STP "total system cleaner" mentioned in the article. Here is the article from Autotap: Dear Michael, Hi again everyone. Mike Fahrion here back with more repair info for Do-It-Yourselfers. This week's email is from a reader that sent in a great troubleshooting story about a problem that *didn't* turn on the check engine light - as well as some valuable tips for keeping your OBDII vehicle healthy. Jerry writes - I have a 2000 GMC Sierra with the Vortec 5300 and about 31,000 miles on it. Although the MIL (Check Engine Light) can be very useful, you should let your readers know that there can be situations that do NOT set the MIL, or that can send you down the wrong path. Please read on. When my Sierra had about 4,000 miles the motor developed a very "lopey" idle, BUT the MIL did NOT turn on! The idle was so lopey it felt like a solid lifter high-duration cam in an old muscle car. That's a nice feeling in an old muscle car, not in a pickup with the luxury SLT interior, especially in stop-n-go traffic. According to my local dealer, the problem had to do with an emissions calibration for the ignition control. My Vortec has "coil per cylinder" or CPC spark control, so it's not like the older coil designs that use "waste spark." I'm thinking of the V6 used in Dodge minivans from the early to mid 90's, since my 1993 Dodge Caravan had this design. Supposedly, the GM CPC ignition controller was supposed to "double spark" the cylinder to ensure all combustion byproducts had been consumed. There was a bug in the algorithm to determine how quickly to double-spark. The technician had already downloaded the appropriate TSB from GM, so used his factory tool to reflash the PCM. That cured it. Then I managed to get a tank of bad gas (Very old/stale) while vacationing in Canada this year. That DID set the MIL, as the misfire was very pronounced. An examination of the "misfire history" datastream indicated a huge number of misfires in each cylinder. Siphoned out all the evil gasoline, changed the fuel filter, but there was still a variable misfire. The MIL would occasionally flash while the motor was running. Next obvious step was to change those very expensive platinum spark plugs. Had a very difficult time getting the old plugs out, as the cylinder heads are aluminum and it was quite obvious the plugs had been put on "dry" - no Loctite Never Seize used. Once out, the plugs were badly eroded with lot of pitting on the insulator. Applied Never Seize to the new plugs and installed them: ran like new. Another hint: if you reference the shop manual, GM recommends cleaning out the IAC and TB about every 50,000 miles. That's fine for constant Interstate highway driving in a warm climate. Since I drive in a very cold climate in winter, with short trips to the grocery store, the PCV and EGR system will blow a lot of contaminants into the intake manifold. That sort of buildup on the TB and especially on the IAC will cause poor idle quality and driveability problems, but the MIL will NOT set. You can clean the TB by having someone you trust keeping the accelerator floored - engine OFF - while you spray out the TB valve and the IAC passages. I prefer to use 3M Throttle Body Cleaner, the stuff appears to be very high quality, is safe for O2 sensors (Very important!), and works quickly, so you don't have to use a lot. If the buildup is VERY heavy, you may have to carefully remove the IAC and clean off the pintle valve. As the IAC in this engine uses a stepper motor, you must use caution not to stroke the pintle valve while the IAC is off the manifold. The shop manual warns about this. After cleaning out the TB and IAC, and after the adventure changing my spark plugs, there is something else readers should be aware of: you MUST do the "idle learn" procedure or the motor will develop very strange idle characteristics. This is also true if you happen to disconnect the battery. Bring the motor to normal operating temp, make sure all accessories, HVAC, and lights are off, then put it in Drive for 5 minutes with your foot on the brake. Then put it in Park for 5 minutes. Helps if you have a book or magazine to read during this process. After you're done, shut the motor off for 30-50 seconds then restart. The idle should be normal. Another big influence on idle quality, cold start, and driveability is deposits on the fuel injectors and combustion chamber. This problem will usually NOT set the MIL but you will have obvious problems and may even fail a smog check. I've had some luck with that STP "total system cleaner" if the deposits are light. Otherwise, the 3M Fuel Injection Cleaner kit works very well, as the motor runs on a mixture of gasoline and concentrated cleaner. It's supposed to be safe for O2 sensors and catalytic converters. So, there you have my comments. I enjoy reading your emails! ### Thanks Jerry! I learned some things from Jerry's story - I hope you found it educational as well! Happy Repairs, Mike Fahrion www.autotap.com Copyright 2004 B&B Electronics Manufacturing Co. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 17, 2006 Well, I ordered Autotap today and I will have it on Wednesday. I can't wait. I got the USB Auto Diagnostic Tool with 4 foot cord and the Table of Enhanced Parameters for GM, so it will service both my wifes Monte Carlo and my Deville. I don't know what CAN is yet, I think the CTS uses it, but it is CAN capable. I think CAN is a communication protocol. The real time data will be exciting to see for diagnostics. Look at this list of real time data that I can access on GM OBD2 cars: http://www.autotap.com/enhanced_parameters_gm.asp I guess not a lot of individuals buy this program. Their Sales Department asked me for my company name about 5 times.. Check out their library http://www.autotap.com/obdii_library.asp Will advise how this program works. I bought an ACER 4202 laptop last week, so I am ready to go... Summary: Powerful Display – Text displays with lots of data, Easy-to-read views with multiple parameters, Graphs to show short-term logs, and Gauges for at-a-glance readings. Multiple screens can be configured with a mix and match of all display types… all in colors that can be optimized by the user. Quick Troubleshooting – DTC’s can be checked immediately on startup, giving you the critical info you need in the shortest time possible. Turn off that pesky Check Engine Light – Did you know something as simple as a loose gas cap can make your trouble light come on? Use the AutoTap scanner to retrieve codes and their descriptions and turn off your Check Engine Light. You can save big bucks by avoiding a trip to the dealer! File Logging and Playback – Have an intermittent problem? Log data during a test drive or dyno pull. Play it back right on the Palm. Or, export it to AutoTap for Windows, Microsoft Excel® or any spreadsheet program. Save DTC and Freeze Frame Information – Eliminates guesswork and time wasted jotting incomplete information into a notebook that you may never find again! Fast Data Updates – Using a Windows based PC, AutoTap will update and log over 40 parameters per second on some vehicles! Save multiple configuration files – With so many powerful methods of displaying data, you’ll want to make use of them all! Setup and save different displays for different cars, driving conditions, etc. Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 I don't know what CAN is yet, I think the CTS uses it, but it is CAN capable. I think CAN is a communication protocol. . Mike, This reminds me of a really great resource I keep bookmarked right at the top of my "Favorites." It's http://www.acronymfinder.com . When you run up against an acronym you're uncertain of, a quick trip to that site will almost invariably point you in the right direction. A few clicks of the "Back" button and you can resume reading that which prompted you to go to the site in the first place. I highly recommend a bookmark for this site. I expect you'll go ga-ga over your new toy. Please try to contain yourself when you report back to us on its use. Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 Warren, let me tell you how excited I am about it (I can see you know me well). I am driving to Norfolk, Virginia from Long Island this weekend with it to diagnose my cousins 96 SLS! She is getting the following codes: P0139 - Heated Oxygen Sensor (HO2S) Slow Response Bank 1 Sensor 2 (CURRENT) P0603 - Control Module Long Term Memory Reset (history) P2511 - ECM/PCM Power Relay Sense CKT Intermittent (history) AC1312 - Airconditioning High Side Temp Sensor Open Circuit (CURRENT) I think I am going to buy a new O2 sensor and O2 sensor socket and replace the sensor. She has had this code for about 6 months. I am sure the car is running like do-do... I might let my laptop sit in the passenger seat for the entire ride analyzing my car and have the GPS going at the same time! COOL! By the way since you live so close, you benefit from my purchase also if you ever need detailed analysis.... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 Warren, let me tell you how excited I am about it (I can see you know me well). I am driving to Norfolk, Virginia from Long Island this weekend with it to diagnose my cousins 96 SLS! . . . . I think I am going to buy a new O2 sensor and O2 sensor socket and replace the sensor. She has had this code for about 6 months. I am sure the car is running like do-do... I might let my laptop sit in the passenger seat for the entire ride analyzing my car and have the GPS going at the same time! COOL! By the way since you live so close, you benefit from my purchase also if you ever need detailed analysis.... Mike, Even though we haven't met, it frightens me to think that I *DO* know you so well! I've noted that: a) you reserved the passenger seat for the computer. Apparently a human companion wasn't even considered! your car is running flawlessly such that you have to travel hundreds of miles to find a broke car. c) you don't even *have* the thing yet. d) you're offering its services to "locals." AND . . . . . e) Bon Voyage! Say "hello" to your lucky cousin for us. Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 18, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 Bahaaaaa! Very good Warren! Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikeal1892 Posted April 18, 2006 Report Share Posted April 18, 2006 3M Throttle Body Cleaner! I love that stuff ! Michael - Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 19, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2006 Ahhhh.... It arrived.... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted April 19, 2006 Report Share Posted April 19, 2006 Ahhhh.... It arrived.... Well . . . . It's been over an hour and a half now. No word? Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 19, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2006 soon.... I am working on an affordable housing apartment building assignment in Westbury that has to be completed today Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 20, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2006 Well I hooked up up last night in the dark. It interfaced with my computer and gave me a plethora of information and three codes that I need to look into that did not illuminate the CEL. I will play with it more today in the daylight... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 22, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 22, 2006 Well I am in Norfolk, Va. The trip was 500 miles and a lot longer than I anticipated it took all my efforts to stay awake, thank heavens for coffee. I averaged 55 MPH with traffic and heavy rain and 24.5 MPG with many WOTs. A long trip is great for these engines, when I pulled into the parking garage the engine sounded great. Before I left home I cleaned my throttle body and it was shining like a diamond. I did that because I have been having intermittant high idle after long runs, where my idle is 1000 in gear at a light. Last night when I arrived that happened again, high idle at 1000 and then it slowed down to normal at the next light. I have not determined if this is a mechanical problem yet. I have an IAC I think, I did not pull it when I cleaned my TB. Any ideas? Mike Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted April 22, 2006 Report Share Posted April 22, 2006 When the engine is idling too high, verify that the throttle plate is fully closed - it may be binding on something or the cruise cable might not be adjusted properly. If that checks out, the IAC passage and pintle may need cleaning or the IAC may be binding or stuck. Sometimes the IACs become crudded up and need to be cleaned. You might be able to exercise the IAC with the Autotap software in order to fully clean the shaft and the seat. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2006 Thanks Kevin, I will look at the IAC and its associated passages when I get home. I replaced my cousins Pre-Cat O2 Sensor and the code is gone. The old O2 sensor came right out with NO problem. She was getting a code and a Service Emissions Message. I don't know the car to be able to know if its running better, but she tells me that its running so much better and has much more power. Either way, she will get much better gas mileage. Easy Fix. Autotap didn't help all that much with this repair, but its pretty cool so far.. Thanks for your help with the O2 sensors guys Back to NY in the morning Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted April 23, 2006 Report Share Posted April 23, 2006 Mike, Did you drive from NY to VA to change an O2 sensor? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KHE Posted April 23, 2006 Report Share Posted April 23, 2006 Hopefully you are not drowsy on the way back to NY. When I drive long distances, I always run the CB radio - it is a riot tracking the cops and it keeps me awake and alert. Kevin '93 Fleetwood Brougham '05 Deville '04 Deville 2013 Silverado Z71 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 23, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 23, 2006 Mike, Did you drive from NY to VA to change an O2 sensor? Well..... yes I did, but it was a very relaxing weekend, I needed the downtime. I love to drive also. Let me tell you a funny story my cousin has been telling me that she has a SEVILLE...... When I got to her house.. the ADDRESS was right, BUT..... there was a 96 DEVILLE in the DRIVEWAY! She has a DEVILLE like me, not a SEVILLE, glad we got that straightened out.... Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted April 23, 2006 Report Share Posted April 23, 2006 Mike, Did you drive from NY to VA to change an O2 sensor? Mike performs this service for select clients only. I 'm told, however, he gets $0.50/mile and requires home cooked meals in addition to a doggy bag (or several) for the trip home. Cousins of Mike on the west coast will likely find it cheaper to visit their dealership. Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ranger Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Maybe $0.50 per mile on the trip down, but as fast as gas prices are climbing, I'm sure the charge was adjusted for the return trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenJ Posted April 24, 2006 Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Maybe $0.50 per mile on the trip down, but as fast as gas prices are climbing, I'm sure the charge was adjusted for the return trip. Yep, musta been a helluva doggy bag! Regards, Warren There is no means of avoiding the final collapse of a boom brought about by credit expansion. The alternative is only whether the crisis should come sooner as the result of a voluntary abandonment of further credit expansion, or later as a final and total catastrophe of the currency system involved. - Ludwig von Mises Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BodybyFisher Posted April 24, 2006 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2006 Hopefully you are not drowsy on the way back to NY. When I drive long distances, I always run the CB radio - it is a riot tracking the cops and it keeps me awake and alert. Actually as a result of your CB stories when you picked up the car, I bought a Midland CB on the trip the other day. Thanks! Mike, Did you drive from NY to VA to change an O2 sensor? Mike performs this service for select clients only. I 'm told, however, he gets $0.50/mile and requires home cooked meals in addition to a doggy bag (or several) for the trip home. Cousins of Mike on the west coast will likely find it cheaper to visit their dealership. Regards, Warren Maybe $0.50 per mile on the trip down, but as fast as gas prices are climbing, I'm sure the charge was adjusted for the return trip. No question, gas went up $0.25 a gallon over the weekend! Overall I got 23.7 MPG on 980 miles. Quite a bit of NJ TPK traffic.. I have to get a look at my rear knuckles soon, I am all over the road on bumps from the rear and its getting worse.. I think I am going to grab some from my junk yard at $300 a side new Pre-1995 - DTC codes OBD1 >> 1996 and newer - DTC codes OBD2 >> https://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/gm/obd_codes.htm How to check for codes Caddyinfo How To Technical Archive >> http://www.caddyinfo.com/wordpress/cadillac-how-to-faq/ Cadillac History & Specifications Year by Year http://www.motorera.com/cadillac/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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