1988 Delta 88 ECM Code 41

[Ron AKA]

I have been getting the Service Eng Soon light on an intermittant basis for serveral months. At first it was coming up only after driving for about an hour on the highway and then only when slowing down after that drive. Over time it has been coming on sooner and more frequently. Now it comes on after only about 10-15 minutes of city driving. It most often comes on when I am slowing down, and often goes out again when accelerating away from a stop light. I cannot relate any kind of engine performance problem to this light. The engine seems to run just fine. My only issue with it is hard starting when cold (below freezing). However this light has been coming on in mid summer and only comes on when the engine is warmed up.

I have checked the ECM codes and got a 41 which according to my Haynes manual is one of the following:

- No distributor signals to ECM, or faulty ignition modules (carbureted models)
- Cylinder select error - MEM-CAL or ECM problem (fuel injected models)
- Cam sensor circuit (3.8L engine)

I have fuel injection and a 3.8L engine, so I would assume the first one does not apply.

Does anyone have more specific information on what the 41 code means for the 1988 Delta 88 with the 3.8L engine? Or, any ideas on what could be causing this intermittant light and I presume 41 code to be set?

Thanks in advance for any help on this.

Ron

[Alibi]

I feel sorry for you. 41 is one of THE biggest PITA codes to deal with.

Since the code is for a circuit and not just a part, you have to check on several things.

1. Buy a chiltons.

2. Find your Cam sensor on your engine block (above harmonic balancer). Remove via 10mm wrench. Spin the harmonic balancer and look into the hole that the CAM sensor covered. watch for a black magnet in a plastic housing or a recessed hole with possibly plastic bits in it. If you still have a magnet, then your CAM sensor is prolly dead. Otherwise, you have already found your problem.

The magnet is clipped in from behind the camshaft sprocket so you'll probably have to take it to a mechanic unless you feel like removing the balancer and front cover of your engine.

3. If both check out good, start looking for faulty wiring or bad electrical connectors between your cam sensor and your ECM.

Just on a hunch: did the code start up after hitting a pothole or a big speedbump? Both could have knocked out your magnet.

Well, good luck! HTH

[Ron AKA]

I did a search of the forum and found one thread where the symptoms were almost identical in that the Service Eng light does not come on right away, and is intermittant. Unfortunately there was no final post saying what the problem was.

I pulled the sensor this PM and I think by pure luck the magnetic part was right opposite the sensor. Or, at least I think that was it. It looked like a round orange plastic part. The plastic appeared to have a wide crack in it, but other than that, it seemed all there. I did not rotate the engine, so I don't know for sure that was it??

In any case I replaced the sensor. My rationalization was that if it depends on engine temperature, perhaps it was electrical. Will find out tomorrow AM if that did any good.

No recollection of hitting any pothole or speed bump. The light first occured on slowing down after a 1 hour highway drive.

Ron

[Ron AKA]

Good news so far. I made it to and from work today with a black dashboard - no flashing Service Eng Soon warning lights. Also checked for codes when I got home tonight and there were none. Next test will be an extended highway drive, but is is looking like replacement of the sensor solved the problem.

Ron

[Alibi]

I'm glad to hear that you lucked out and didn't have to have the magnet replaced.

[raybo100]

my servic engine light has been coming on and off for years told it was the cam sensor and it was not worth to try and find problem if you keep up with proper maintenance

Originally Posted by Ron AKA

I did a search of the forum and found one thread where the symptoms were almost identical in that the Service Eng light does not come on right away, and is intermittant. Unfortunately there was no final post saying what the problem was.

I pulled the sensor this PM and I think by pure luck the magnetic part was right opposite the sensor. Or, at least I think that was it. It looked like a round orange plastic part. The plastic appeared to have a wide crack in it, but other than that, it seemed all there. I did not rotate the engine, so I don't know for sure that was it??

In any case I replaced the sensor. My rationalization was that if it depends on engine temperature, perhaps it was electrical. Will find out tomorrow AM if that did any good.

No recollection of hitting any pothole or speed bump. The light first occured on slowing down after a 1 hour highway drive.

Ron