Check Engine Light How To!!!!!

[wagon_basher]

So I got a 1988 Gl-10 wagon. Well it started having problems starting. It would just turn over for about 40 seconds and then put slowly sputter to idle. It would idle down when started and then idle up to normal idle. What this could be I dont know. If anyone has had this problem let me know what it was. Also I havn't been able to find good info on what connectors to connect for my car. I think there is green and clear ones under the dash near the ecu. Which ones do I connect to check the cel. If anyone could walk me through this it would be awesome. Thanks

[hooziewhatsit]

http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/USRM2/mick-usrm/electrical/ecucodes.html

 

basically, you connect the clear/white connectors, turn the key to on, then start counting pulses from the LED in the computer. The connectors will either be under the dash like you mentioned, or under the hood by the wiper motor.

 

Your problem sounds like it may be related to the coolant temp sensor (CTS). Is it hard to start all the time? Just when it's cold or hot?

 

When was the last time it had a tuneup (plugs, wires, cap, rotor)?

[wagon_basher]

Its hard to start all the time. I just put new plugs and wires. But yeah all the time. You could drive it and it would be at normal operating temp and turn it off and then try to start a second later and you would have the same problem. I cant figure it out!!

[subiemech85]

for "U-CHECK" mode, do NOT connect connectors

 

for "D-CHECK" mode, connect GREEN connectors

 

if you are in "D-CHECK" mode, the ecs or check engine light will blink

 

you MUST be in "D-CHECK" mode to set timing

[wagon_basher]

Mine just stays on so what should I do hook the white connectors?????

!!!Update!!!Driving Along and the check engine light goes off. But after a couple minutes it begins to studder under boost. A couple minutes later it turns on and then no longer studders. What the hell. I m confused.!!!Update!!!

 

Also another question the factory a/c tensioner bolt broke so i removed the belt and since then the car has been idleing high like 1800. Would this be caused by the belt removal or something else. Thanks for the help!!!

[NorthWet]

My guess would be the CTS. My TurboWagon would flicker the CEL while driving, accompanied by the stumble as the light transitioned each way. I think it is just the ECU going into a fallback/limp mode when it loses a good CTS value.

[wagon_basher]

Where is the cts located on the motor????