1981 C3 computer…..

[Carlospsalazar]

I need help. Working on a mostly stock C3. I would love to take this computer and carb and float it down the river but alas I am in California and need to make it work.

My problem is I am getting code 23 and the air fuel mixture is not clicking. When I plug my scanner in or ground E and D it does click. I have followed the code 23 guide from the book.

I noticed there is no RPM signal making to the computer. The “mostly stock” is that it has a non computer controlled distributor and the plug is undone. Would no RPM signal make the whole thing not work? I ran the diagnostic to the end and it said the ECU was bad. Swapped out the ECU and having the same problems. I don’t want to keep throwing parts at it. You guys seam to know a ton about these cars. Can someone help me with the answer to this specific question? I really appreciate the help.

 

[douglasamariani]

The distributor is where it gets its signal. If you have the original distributor reinstall it plug it in and you should be fine.

 

[Carlospsalazar]

The distributor is where it gets its signal. If you have the original distributor reinstall it plug it in and you should be fine.

Thank you for responding. A more specific question is does the lack of RPM signal actually cause problems with the computer? I would rather NOT put a stock distributer back in.

 

[douglasamariani]

No it won't hurt the computer ,but the computer is not performing the way it was intended.

 

[Carlospsalazar]

No it won't hurt the computer ,but the computer is not performing the way it was intended.

Thank you.