Electrical Problem??

[mickey4429]

I have a '92 Talon with problems that no one can seem to solve. The car feels like it is going to stall out but doesn't (the check engine light comes on) . It just seems to "stutter" almost hopping down the street. You can have the gas pedal to the floor and not go anywhere and then all of the sudden the car takes off. It doesn't do this all the time, or even everyday. The radio stations also seem to go out when this all starts too??? I have had it checked by 2 different people and no one can diagnose what is wrong. There are no codes stored to give us a hint either. Has anyone else had a similar problem that could maybe give me some insight before I spend big $$$$$ just trying to figure out what's wrong?
Thanks!!
mickey4429

[Talon007]

Find out what code it is and I bet you $500, you would find your problem. And if you dont know how to check your codes, go here to find out how http://www.myzero.com/electrical/code.html

[elhefe4]

try checking your ignition switch. something might not be making a good connection. Its worth a shot.

[MrZ]

Talon007;
Good link!

mickey4429
It's actually pretty easy to check fault codes on your ECM. Under your dash board, on the far left hand side you have your fuse panel. Right next to it on the right hand side is a receptacle which should have a cover on it. All you need is an analog voltmeter to check your codes.

This is how you do it; Get your voltmeter ready, have it set for 1-10 volts ( or 12 if it has that setting) and it helps to have a light under the dash so that you can see better. Turn the ignition key to the position it would be in if the engine were running, that would be one click past the accessory position. Put the postitive lead on the tab on your upper left side, the negative lead on the tab on your lower right side. Now you count the sweeps on your voltmeter. Single digit sweeps are short, the voltmeter will only go about half way through it's travel. Each long sweep (the meter will go all the way over then back) counts as 10 each. So, for example, 2 long sweeps with 2 short sweeps right after would equal code 22.

Bear in mind that the ECM stores most fault codes that it ever encounters, and will display them one after another and then start over again. So, you could have for example, a code 22, followed by a code 24, followed bya code 36, etc. If you had those 3 fault codes in your ECM, again as an example, it would display each, one after the other, then start over again at code 22 and do it again. I would suggest checking your fault codes, right them down, then disconnect the battery positive terminal for about half a minute or so. This will clear the fault codes from the ECM. Take the car out for a drive, come back home, then check them again. Reason I suggest this is because you could have had a fault as long as several years ago, which may have been corrected through some sort of mechanical repair, but it could still be in the ECM if the battery has never been disconnected in that time.

The ECM fault codes aren't perfect. Sometimes they will only point you in the direction you need to look, but it's a start.

Good luck!

Mark