Help! 1982 Trouble Reading Fault Codes

[charliebates]

I'm trying to start the engine after a rebuild and frame off restoration and I'm getting an Engine light on the dash. I'm trying to retrieve the fault code as advised on this web page. I'm trusting this picture is correct for the ground and diagnostic locations on a 1982 Corvette and placed the paper clip accordingly.

ECM troublecodes

Then turned on the ignition and all I get is the 12 code non stop.

I have found the list of codes here and 12 is the diagnostics code. How do get past this to get the problem?

GM Trouble Codes - 2 digit codes

Please advise. Thx in advance John

 

[Antz81]

I assume your only seeing the code with the diagnostic terminal grounded which is fine.
It's normal to see code 12. It only has meaning if the check engine light is coming on while the engine is running and it is the only code you see when you check.

So basically unless the check engine light is coming one with the engine running you don't have a problem that the codes can help you with.

 

[charliebates]

I assume your only seeing the code with the diagnostic terminal grounded which is fine.
It's normal to see code 12. It only has meaning if the check engine light is coming on while the engine is running and it is the only code you see when you check.

So basically unless the check engine light is coming one with the engine running you don't have a problem that the codes can help you with.

That makes good sense. But I can get the engine started and my reason to check the codes. If I ground the fuel pump will that tell me if it's working or has a problem?

I thank you for your help. John

 

[Antz81]

That makes good sense. But I can get the engine started and my reason to check the codes. If I ground the fuel pump will that tell me if it's working or has a problem?

I thank you for your help. John

If you can get the engine started then your fuel pump should be fine.

Do you have the FSM for your year?

If your getting a check engine light but only code 12 when you checked the codes then there's a problem.
Code 12 = No distributor reference pulse.

Make sure all of the connections out to the distributor form the ECM are clean and making a good connection.

 

[charliebates]

I got the fuel pump working. Believe it or not all I had to do was connect the tail lights.

Now I have fuel and it fires a little as soon as I turn the key. Then nothing. Once it tried to run backwards a little. I believe it's time for my mechanic friend to have a look at it.

Thx for the help my friend, much appreciated. John in Red Deer

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Are you sure the distributor rotor is not 180* off?

 

[charliebates]

Are you sure the distributor rotor is not 180* off?

It could b 180 degrees off. I don't know what else to check.

I have a mechanic friend coming to look at it tonight and will let you know.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

It could b 180 degrees off. I don't know what else to check.

I have a mechanic friend coming to look at it tonight and will let you know.

Did you install the distributor with the #1 cyl. on the compression stroke vs. exhaust?

 

[charliebates]

Did you install the distributor with the #1 cyl. on the compression stroke vs. exhaust?

That was right, but we had still had to move it to relocate the distributor by one tooth to get in line so the distributor cover would fit over. A vac line from the map sensor was on with cruise control so we changed that and it runs but still not right. We decided to put the rest of the car together because everything is ok {no check engine light) and fine tune when we can back it out of the garage into the fresh air. There was just too much pollution to breath when inside even with the OH door and man door open and furnace fan pushing fresh air.