Code 41, engine dies

Well, this has me pulling my hair out......1989 Caprice Classic wagon with the dreaded Y engine code (Olds 307 carb).
While driving along it will suddenly die as the check engine light comes on. I've pulled the codes and get the "normal" 12, followed by code 41.
The only thing I was able to find on trouble codes for this vehicle didn't even list code 41, it went from 34 to 42.
Anyone know what 41 is on this car and what the possible causes are?
I know TPI F body codes and troubleshootng by heart...I HATE carbs.

Thanks in advance.

You could give this site a try http://www.geocities.com/dann8785/serviceenginesoon.html According to that site a code 41 is the cam sensor. Hope that helps.

code 41 cam sensor failure, cylinder select error,tach input error -no reference pulses during engine run--- I would check my coil or pickup coil

code 41 has nothing to do with the coil,

The cam sensor is needed for the eletronic spark control. If that is bad, the engine does not know when to fire the spark because it does not know the position of the engine.

The ignition module uses the Cam Sensor signal for timing the spark firing. The ignition module also passes this signal to the ECM to enable sequential fuel injection. The inability to properly determine engine position from the Cam Sensor will generate Code 41.

The engine will continue to run if the signal is lost from the sensor, however it will not restart after shut down. If the Cam signal from the ignition module to the ECM is lost while running, the ECM will switch to the simultaneous fuel injection mode. The engine can be re-started but will continue to run in the simultaneous mode as long as the fault is present.

The conditions for setting this code are:

the engine is running, and
the Cam Sensor signal is not received by the ECM in the last 1 second interval



Typical causes for this code include:

1) Loose or misadjusted Cam Sensor
2) Defective Cam Sensor-to-ECM connections
3) Defective ECM

Cam sensor installation and adjustment procedures call for very exact tolerances. It is for this reason that it is recommended that the service manual be consulted while performing any adjustment or replacement of the Camshaft Sensor.

code 41 has nothing to do with the coil,

The cam sensor is needed for the eletronic spark control. If that is bad, the engine does not know when to fire the spark because it does not know the position of the engine.



The engine will continue to run if the signal is lost from the sensor, however it will not restart after shut down. If the Cam signal from the ignition module to the ECM is lost while running, the ECM will switch to the simultaneous fuel injection mode.

Ok, thanks..But I didn't think this engine had a cam sensor...Also, the engine dies when this code pops...BUT it WILL restart right away. And...it is a CC carb, not FI.
I'll look into weather it has a cam sensor and go from there.

Code 41 on your engine is NO DISTRIBUTOR REFERENCE SIGNAL so forget to check the coil but DO CHECK PICKUP COIL resistance also if it runs check your MAP sensor by running then shut down and between wires white and purple/white on EST connector at dist you should get a 1 volt drop if is good if not check wiring and ground If the ECM see's the same volt reading in MAP as engine running it will set the 41 code Hope this clears things up a bit COIL[senior moment]

sorry, I thought it was a EFI car. I did not even realize they used feedback carbs in 89... you learn something everyday :icon16:

There is no extra lead on module's either the extra lead was for fuel injection and costs an extra 90 bones

sorry, I thought it was a EFI car. I did not even realize they used feedback carbs in 89
Only on the puny 307's...140 HP in a full size wagon is a sad joke.
It may be time to put a 350 in it and make the dragin' wagon.

A 454 might be a better choice

A 454 might be a better choice
I don't believe it will bolt up to the trans, a 200R4. The 200R4's can be made to handle an extreme amount of HP, so it is a keeper.
And while thinking BB...I'd go all the way...572cid

Update....Ignition module, Tango Uniform...Happened to have a spare one from the IROC, swapped it out and all is well.

Thats good you got it guess you have a tach wire on that dist make sure it's in good shape as if it grounds it takes out the module You did put the dietectic grease on the bottom of mod when you swapped it [just checking]

Thats good you got it guess you have a tach wire on that dist make sure it's in good shape as if it grounds it takes out the module You did put the dietectic grease on the bottom of mod when you swapped it [just checking]
No tach wire. The ECM reads the pulse directly from the module (one of the pins on the 5 pin end) Of course I put dialectric grease on it :biggrin: ...too bad GM didn't do the same :banghead: No grease on the old one, nor was there any on the dist. side.