Diagnostic Codes, what do they mean?

Z

Zach65

Registered
Ok, so I ran a diagnostic at my grandpa's shop and wrote down the codes but didn't ask anybody at the shop what to fix b/c I was in a hurry to leave. This is what appeared.
"fix second"
116 ECT or EOT sensor out of range
538 CYL balance test fail
225 No knock signal during self test

I think the cylinder balance test failed because I touched the gas during the selftest. But other than that, Im not sure. EOT stands for Engine Oil temperature right? We replaced the oil pan but kept the old sensor. Did we wreck it. Anyway, the car runs fine, i just dont want to bother my grandpa's mechanics about one more thing so I thought id ask here. Plus, you guys get back to me faster! Thanks for all the help. Hope Im not wrecking anything by driving with these codes thrown.
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/771000-771999/771311_5_full.jpg

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/771000-771999/771311_5_full.jpg

Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/771000-771999/771311_5_full.jpg
 
RE: Diagnostic Codes, what do they mean?

116 - Out of range Engine coolant temperature sensor (ECT)

Those are the meanings from this website here: http://www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html

For the 116, I would just replace the coolant temperature sensor.

Apparently you did the KOER tests, IE, engine running. according to the website, when you do this test, you are supposed to cycle switches, and tap the gas, etc... That is most likely the cause of the 538. The 225 is obviously a knock sensor code, which is a PAIN to replace, as you have to remove the intake manifold to do it. I'd replace the ECT, clear the codes, and drive it a bit, to see if anything comes back!
 
RE: Diagnostic Codes, what do they mean?

You may not have anything wrong with your car. Was the Check Engine light on? Is that why you scanned the car?

If not, you might not have performed the Engine Running test correctly. It must be done with the engine at FULL operating temperature (190 deg.) or the PCM will tell you ECT was out of test range.

I don't know what kind of scanner you were using, but it should have told you to step on the brake pedal, turn the steering wheel 1/4 turn, press the O/D cancel switch on and off, and perform a brief WOT. If you didn't do the WOT you'll get the 225.

If you "touched" the throttle after those codes were recieved, you entered the cylinder balance test. If you touched the throttle again or turned the key off, you aborted the test accidentally. That's your 538.

Marks never had an oil temperature sensor.

I've been in this business a long, long time and I have NEVER seen a defective Knock Sensor in any 4.6s, 2v or 4v. Mind you, I have seen unplugged ones after intake or engine work!
 
RE: Diagnostic Codes, what do they mean?

wow guys, thanks a ton. See, you got back way quicker than anyone in my family. No the check engine light wasn't on, I just felt like running a test. No, I don't think the car was up to running temp. I did do the running test, step on the brake and turn the wheel, cycle the o/d switch, but didn't do a WOT. I thought you just had to give it a snap. Obviously all the way open. I did touch the throttle after those codes and then turned the key off. It was the first time I ran a diagnostic test and didn't know what I was doing. Im gonna run the tests again when the car is up to temp and see if any codes persist. thanks again, a good learning experience. Oh, sorry about all the repeated pictures. Didn't mean to do that.
Dream as if you'll live forever, live as if you'll die today.http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/3/web/771000-771999/771311_5_full.jpg
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top