Engine Code 15

[at1212b]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anybody could help with some issues for my 89 Caprice 9C1 5.7L. As the title states, I'm currently getting engine code 15. Engine pretty seems week, 'sputters', and shuts off basically.


-Haven't really driven it since last year. Same as the year before (basically not driven for winter as I take if off insurance)
-Waterpump changed less then 5K miles ago.
-On top of the air cleaner, do notice oil or something sticky on it.
-very slight coolant on top of the waterpump (just below the hose).

Background:
-Started her up, and while idling, got really loud-fan noise, and a bit 'shaky'. When I drove her around, just shut off while at a stop. Seemed to basically lack the ability to 'keep going'. Even when trying to restart, didn't seem to fire, so had to struggle with that.
-Driving it, it seemed to 'sputter' again. Pushing gas initially helped, but even then, it lacked any 'top-end' power when accelerating.
-Temperature gauge showed overheating. Stopped near the plaza I was at. Let it cool off.
-Back at my place, right when I was pulling up, died again. This time, took several attempts to re-start (no refiring).
-Didn't smell any fuel.
-Back on the driveway, waited a couple of days and started. It had the very loud fan type noise again. But after a min or so, fan-sound went away (so its really quiet now).
-Engine started to shut down again so just turned it off.

The couple of earlier shut-downs, it didn't show the SES.
But it does show code 15.

When I just restart, the code shows up right away vs before, when it took awhile for it to show.

Is it possible that a simple replacement of the ECS would solve it?
Or other issues likely?


Some additional info: Was told awhile back engine needed valve stem replacement-has slight clicking noise while accelerating. Burns a bit of oil. Does 'spit out' smoke when starting up cold - whitish color. (symptom of coolant leaking into engine?).

Thanks!

[Blt2Lst]

Code 15 is a coolant temp sensor circuit.
Sounds like you have multiple problems.

Hope this helps

[at1212b]

Heh, thanks for the update... just to make it simple, I'm going to replace the temperature sensor.

I just picked up the sensor, but realized it needs a deep socket. I was trying to see which size it fits with an existing short socket but not able to determine. Does anybody know or Is there a way to confirm? (tried searching without success)

[Blt2Lst]

Originally Posted by at1212b

just to make it simple, I'm going to replace the temperature sensor.

Did your testing lead you to a faulty sensor or are you just throwing parts at the problem?

[at1212b]

Originally Posted by Blt2Lst

Did your testing lead you to a faulty sensor or are you just throwing parts at the problem?

I didn't replace it yet.. just bought it but can always return it.

The main thing is, I've got to get the existing one already in out (but do not have a deep socket to get out which I would need to find/buy.. I was trying to confirm the size but not able to confirm), to even try testing. But very good point, I should test it. At least if I find out it's not working properly, I have one ready and available.

[Blt2Lst]

You should be able to test it without removing it. You just need enough room to stick in the leads from your multimeter to read resistance.

Since you have the new part, just see what size wrench fits on it and then go get your deep socket.

[j cAT]

the 15 code is most likely the connection to the sensor..


your problem I would guess is a fuel issue...how much fuel stabilizer did you mix / gallon of fuel..before storing?

did you replace the fuel filter?

[Blue Bowtie]

You can test the resistance of the sensor and compare it to the approximate temperature range: