Top Dead Center Sensor

Kyrrah · #1 09-30-2004, 03:25 PM

I have a 1993 Del Sol S model with the check engine light on, I have diagnosed the problem to be code "8" Top Dead center sensor.
Could anyone explain to me what I need to do to correct this problem? I have done numerous searches on the internet and now I'm more confused than before I started. Do I need to replace the sensor or the distributor or is the sensor in the distributor? Please help.

Also another question, this car was just bought and I noticed that I have water coming into the trunk during rain storms. I checked the thread that said "read this before asking questions" one of the items on that thread mentions the water in the trunk issue and lists a link to correct this common problem. Well, the link is dead, does anyone have another link to address this problem or can someone point me in the correct direction?

Thanks so much!

Mendari · #2 09-30-2004, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyrrah

I have a 1993 Del Sol S model with the check engine light on, I have diagnosed the problem to be code "8" Top Dead center sensor.

Search for "Crank Position Sensor". Drive your car very, very gently until the problem is fixed. But don't ignore this problem, it is a serious issue.

Kyrrah · #3 09-30-2004, 09:52 PM

I'm still very confused, has anyone else had this problem with the Top Dead Center Sensor? I purchased the Haynes repair manuel for the Del Sol and no where does it mention this sensor that you brought up.
Nor did it say that I would damage the car if I should continue to drive the car with this problem.
But what do I know I'm just a mom who want to fix her sons first car up before giving it to him.

Can anyone supply me with an active link for the trunk leak repair?

Any additional information on these two subjects would be greatly appreicated.

Thanks!

Mendari · #4 10-01-2004, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyrrah

I purchased the Haynes repair manuel for the Del Sol and no where does it mention this sensor that you brought up.

You will want to invest in the official Honda Factory Service manual published by Helm, Inc.

http://www.helminc.com

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyrrah

Nor did it say that I would damage the car if I should continue to drive the car with this problem.

Haynes is a grossly abridged manual. It also won't contain the torque specification for every single bolt in the del Sol (there are hundreds of bolts), but those specifications do exist.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyrrah

Can anyone supply me with an active link for the trunk leak repair?

What is the condition of the rubber gasket surrounding the trunk? Are there any tears?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyrrah

Do I need to replace the sensor or the distributor or is the sensor in the distributor?

The 1993 del Sol engine doesn't have a distributor. It uses a computer to control the spark to each cylinder.
Try http://www.HowStuffWorks.com to get a brief tutorial on engines. It will help you communicate the problem with your mechanic. Knowing the technical terms will also save you money because you won't be swindled by a fast talking creep. Good Luck.

Kyrrah · #5 10-01-2004, 01:32 PM

Thanks for your response I will check into the manual you recommend.

As far as the trunk seal, that was the first thing I checked, by the way it is in great shape. I assumed it would be something else, if so many people ran into this problem, you would think Honda would have put out a recall on the weatherstripping. Did they install it wrong on the factory line, bad batch of weatherstripping, or poor design.

As far as the fixing of the problem, your talking to the mechanic. I have to fix everything since I am on a limited budget. I can fix about anything if I have enough information on the subject. Thanks why I came here asking for help. I was hoping that someone else may have experienced this problem and fixed it.

Thanks for your time.

GScivic7 · #6 10-01-2004, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mendari

Search for "Crank Position Sensor". Drive your car very, very gently until the problem is fixed. But don't ignore this problem, it is a serious issue.

Isn't that the sensor that goes out or is faulty on 2nd gen Eclipses, reason why they are notorious for crankwalk?

About the leaky trunk. You could try adjusting the trunk if you know what side it is leaking from. Also, make sure that it isn't your taillights that are leaking water into the trunk. The link in that thread isn't complete, the ... needed to be typed out when he posted it in the thread, but it looks like he just copy and pasted it. I'll try to get the link for you.

Kyrrah · #7 10-01-2004, 01:49 PM

thank you, thank you. I need all the help I can get.

GScivic7 · #8 10-01-2004, 01:51 PM

http://www.teamdelsolwa.com/howto/trunkleak.htm
http://www.teamdelsolwa.com/howto/trunkleak2.htm

there's two of them, each have different solutions to fixing it, hope it helps.

Mendari · #9 10-01-2004, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GScivic7

Isn't that the sensor that goes out or is faulty on 2nd gen Eclipses, reason why they are notorious for crankwalk?

The crank walk on turbo eclipses is due to the extreme power they produce and its effect on the crankshaft bearings.

The Crankshaft position sensor informs the computer of the position of the crankshaft relative to Top Dead Center.
A faulty sensor effects the timing of the spark in the cylinder.
A spark firing at the wrong time can be catastrophic if the engine is under extreme load ( i.e. fast acceleration ). If the car is driven slowly, then the engine just shakes violently.

GScivic7 · #10 10-01-2004, 04:25 PM

oh, I thought I remembered something about a sensor or something like that. Thanks for the info.

Mendari · #11 10-02-2004, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GScivic7

oh, I thought I remembered something about a sensor or something like that. Thanks for the info.

It's related, a faulty Crank Position Sensor (under hard acceleration) may cause the engine's connecting rods to collapse or break completely and puncture the engine block.

Kyrrah, I hope you're still reading this. I would hate for you to have to buy a new engine.

Kyrrah · #12 10-02-2004, 05:18 PM

I'm still reading.

I fixed the problem today, I had to replace the distributor, which cost me about $ 175.00. I did what they said to do in the Haynes manual, which was to check the sensor at the distributor with an Ohms meter, I think the Top Dead Center sensor was at the C & G prong, if there was no reading (which there wasn't) replace the distributor. I replaced the distributor and removed the fuse to clear the check engine light. Then I replaced the fuse and started the engine, the light did not come back on, yeah! I also checked the timing which your supposed to do when you change the distributor and it was dead on, another yeah! This fix also eliminated the sluggish start of the engine I had been experiencing.
It starts perfect now, my son will be so happy.

Thanks for all your help though.

PS - I was in a rush to get this fix done so the car can be inspected.

gunnmen01 · #13 10-03-2004, 02:50 AM

tdc sensor is in the dizzy, its not serviceable nor is it replaceable..... replace the dizzy..............

gunnmen01

Mendari · #14 10-05-2004, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyrrah

I'm still reading.

I fixed the problem today, I had to replace the distributor, which cost me about $ 175.00. ....

Sorry for sending you on a Wild Goose Chase. I thought that Honda had switched to Solid State Ignition.

How's the trunk leak problem coming along?

Kyrrah · #15 10-05-2004, 11:31 AM

No problem, it all worked out good. As far as the trunk leak, I still have to determine where it is coming in, I know of the leak because the spare tire cover is totally warped and felt some dampness. It's on my to do list. I was just made aware of a possible thermostat problem, I have to look into replacing that. Does anyone have first hand experience with it?

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