[V8] Hello (again), and maybe some advice?

[Tony and Lillie]

Yea, there are a few on here that have been since I joined (2002, IIRC).

The difference between them is that one reads teeth on the flywheel, and the 
other reads a pin on the flywheel. One is used for running, don't recall 
which, while both are required for starting. They are typically replaced as 
a pair, and that's certainly what I'd recommend.

I'm the one that pulls the distributor and coil. Each of us has his own idea 
of "easier", and after years of working in shops, whatever makes access easy 
for me is the way I do things. I replace these sensors from under the car, 
on the drivers side. I believe it took me 45 minutes the first time, on an 
auto, but that was at least 10 years ago. If it were me, I'd be jacking and 
putting jack stands under the car. You can simply short the connectors, and 
blink codes out that way. There is a connector that isn't hooked up for the 
check engine light on most cars. Simply plug it in, and the light works for 
the codes.

Here's the link on SJM's site:
http://www.sjmautotechnik.com/trouble_shooting/ecufv8.html#V8fault

I have a custom box with light and button that is built for pulling codes, 
and I usually just use the check engine light anyhow.

As for the sensors and ECU, the ECU has to see the sensor signals, then it 
starts the ign and fuel sequences. If not, nothing. Usually also noticed by 
no bouncing of the tach when cranking. If you simply kill the fuel, but not 
spark, the tach will still bounce during cranking.

Tony

Oh, and yes, the 5-speeds are worlds nicer to work on. More room everywhere 
around the trans.


----- Original Message ----- 
Subject: Re: [V8] Hello (again), and maybe some advice?


> Hello guys,
>
> Thanks guys for the advice.
>
> At 157k on the odo on mine, I'll change the sensor anyway I guess. 
> Hopefully
> that will get it back on the road.  150k is a reasonable life I agree,
> Steve.  I guess they should have just specified the part be replaced at 
> 100k
> intervals like the timing belt so people didn't get "shocked" by the
> failure.  So I have a 5-speed, I can access this item from the top beneath
> the driver's side coil/distributor area?  Ok, that's not so bad. Someone
> said they pulled the coil and distributor.
>
> Question: what is the difference between the rpm sensor and the "speed"
> sensor?  Does it commonly fail, too.  Should I replace both?
>
> I don't have the 2x2 adapter or reader for this vehicle, though I'll order
> some off ebay for the future pronto.  In the interim, isn't there a way to
> "blink" out the codes I've heard?
>
> About the fp relay idea: Is there a way the fp relay could kill the spark?
> If I pull it and jump it, I get the pump running, but otherwise the pump
> doesn't even come on with ignition on or cranking.  This was the first
> anomaly I noticed; something was preventing the fp relay from kicking in 
> or
> it was killing the spark. But I just don't understand how the sensors and
> ECU interact.
>
> Tomorrow I'll get another voltmeter and check the coil inputs; mine died
> recently and I hadn't replaced it yet. I checked the power with a 
> continuity
> tester (light), not with a proper volt meter.
>
> Nice to have the help - and I sure recognize Steve's name and I think
> Dave's, too, from way back...
>
> Bryan