TCU code 23 after collision

[diggler1971]

I've got a 92 legacy awd (my son's car) that was in a wreck recently. It was hit in the drivers front side, my son pulled out in front of someone. Since the accident, the car will start up just fine, but runs for only a couple seconds then tries to die. You can rev and feather the throttle and sort of keep it running, but it continually tries to die. The car was hit pretty hard, bending the strut and wadding up the fender. I have replaced the strut and removed the fender, and I'm looking over the wiring looms that run down that side (under the fender) looking for crushed, pinched or shorted wires, but everything looks good so far. I noticed that the power light is flashing, so I checked the codes, and for current codes got a 23 (engine revolution signal). For the previous codes I got 23, 32,33. The 32 and 33 are VSS 1 and 2. I did put a tranny in this car about a month ago, so the VSS codes may have been from then, however I don't remember the power light ever flashing before.

 

So, does the engine revolution signal code refer to the crank position sensor or a cam position sensor? or both? It seems like either of these would produce this kind of effect, but I would think that the CEL would be on, and it's not, so far. So I'm not sure if this is a tranny problem or an engine problem.

 

I'm gonna continue to troubleshoot, but thought I would try to get some advice from you guys. So, any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks

[OB99W]

[...]So, does the engine revolution signal code refer to the crank position sensor or a cam position sensor? or both? It seems like either of these would produce this kind of effect, but I would think that the CEL would be on, and it's not, so far. So I'm not sure if this is a tranny problem or an engine problem.

[...]

I'm not sure how the ECU derives the engine rev signal that it sends to the TCU. The signal loss detected at the TCU could be due to a disconnect between the ECU and TCU, but given the engine running problems I'd be more inclined to think a sensor feeding the ECU is the problem.

 

Are you sure that there are no stored codes in the ECU? Perhaps the CEL is out since the impact -- can you verify that it lights when the ignition is turned on, just to make sure the lamp works?

[diggler1971]

Yes, the CEL is working when the ignition is turned on. But it is not coming on while the car is running. What I don't really understand is, if the engine rotation signal is not showing up, then how is it running at all. Unless the sensor is sending the signal to the ecu, but the tcu is not getting it, and trying to shut it down. It runs sorta like when your running out of gas. Choppy like that. If you don't keep it revved it dies straight away. I was however, able keep it running sort of steady when I had it revved at about 2200 rpm. When I ran it a few minutes ago, it ran the same as it has, but the power light is not blinking. I think the power light was only blinking when I was trying to drive it. But it still show the 23 code as current.

[OB99W]

The info I'm looking at on TCU code 23 is for a '95, so it might not be totally applicable to your '92. It says that the symptom related to a code 23 would be lack of lock-up after the engine is warm. The procedure is to first check for the signal getting from the ECU to the TCU -- if it's not, check for wiring/connector problems between them. If the signal is getting to the TCU, the TCU itself is the problem. If the signal isn't getting out of the ECU (ECM), it says 'Conduct diagnostics for ECM's ignition system'. What exactly that means, I'm not sure, but both the crank and cam sensors play a part in determining ignition timing/advance. There's no indication that TCU code 23, by itself, would cause engine running problems.

[Cougar]

You stated it is running like it is out of gas. I wonder if the accident caused things to get stirred up in the fuel system and part of the problem perhaps is due to a clogged fuel filter. Have you looked into that?

[myhilo]

Just bought this car.

I can't seem to find the 93 Loyale ECU Read Mem and Test Connectors. From what I have read so far, The Read Connector and the Test Connector should both be under the steering wheel, behind a removable plastic panel.

I can't find any UNCONNECTED connectors with MATCHING male and female plugs there . I was under the impression that the Read Mem should be Black and the Test should be green.

 

I have removed the passenger panel, as well as the wrap arround panel under the radio as well. I have looked under the hood too. Is it possible the previous owner has left 93 Loyale ECU Rd Mem and Test Conn's connected and therefore I can't find them? What Colors and how many wires in each connector? Numbers on the ECU: 22611 AA395 Hitachi J4 MECF-025 #2617 ser. no. 100139 EA82

 

This is a 53000 mi California Loyale, vin JF1 AC422 PC200963 Automatic FWD . Everything under the hood looks clean and connected, no rust, all books and tools are there, so I't in great shape for so old, but I'm afraid if I drive it too long I may hurt something without knowing which code(s) are causing the Check Engine light to come on.

 

 

The Check Engine light comes on and stays on when the car is driven more that 40 mph. Stop and shut off the car, Restart and the light is off again until you begin driving again.

 

I would like to just put in fresh gas ,89 Octane, and give is a good long drive (Italian tune-up).

 

Can anyone tell me the locaton and colors of the 93 Loyale ECU Rd Mem and Test Conn's?

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[OB99W]

Myhilo, please start a separate thread for the above. It has nothing to do with the topic being discussed in this one. I'd gladly reply to you, but I don't want to clutter this thread. Perhaps a moderator can do this. Thanks.