Fault code 6 - 4age

[minijrocks]

Hi, i dont know much about engines for im kinda stumped here sorry.
I was just driving and the engine light came on (trueno 4age 1991) and was suddenly ideling at 500-600rpm. When taking off at the lgihts to go pull over i gave a bit of gas and the car sluggishly reved, but not as fast up, but was not gerky. Smooth but rather slow and not powerful at all. WHen stoped it seems like it MIGHT be running on 3 cylinders but im not sure. How do i check the engine codes or can only mechanic do this? I tried taking the positive off the batt to restart ecu but this didn't seem to work or didn't reset. Any help please!!!!

edit- I did the fault code thing with the paper clip and it flashed 6 times. what does this mean? i got off a linked site that it could be :RPM SIGNAL-NO SIGNAL TO ECU FROM DISTRIBUTOR ("Ne"OR "G") AFTER ENGINE HAS BEEN CRANKED
--DISTRIBUTOR/CIRCUIT

--STARTERSIGNAL CIRCUIT

--IGNITER/IGNITER CIRCUIT

--ECU

Any more help Please :)

another note, i reset the ecu again by taking the fuse out and i got one flash then solid light, and i cant get the 6 flashes again.

[Alex B]

doesnt that mean the ecus in limp mode....

[minijrocks]

umm yeah i guess you could say its "limp" but that doesn't really hhelp nor solve my problem

ok, i just reset the ecu and i started it up, started sweet and idled like it should for about 3 seconds before the check engine light came on and the revs etc dropped.....

[Mr Revhead]

you have a problem

do a serch for ecu fault codes, not hard to find the procedure.....
thatll tell you where to start looking under the bonnet

[minijrocks]

yeah i had a look for ecu fault codes, but i dont understand how to even check the code to find what is as fault im a real newbie

[KinLoud]

carefully check all your wiring that goes to those somponents.
wriggle the wires to see if any are loose or broken.
unplug all the relevant plugs check for dirt or corrosion, clean and replug.
check/clean/rebolt all the earth connections you can see on the engine and engine bay
This is exactly what an autosparky will do as a basic check before beginning a more detailed analysis of the problem.
If these actions fix the problem =
Next action... try to track down/borrow another ignitor and a distibutor. Fit ignitor see if it changes anything. If not, then replace original ignitor and replace distributor (but only if you know what you are doing as you could create a massive timing problem which will make it harder to find out if the fault if fixed.
Good luck

Ken
Ham
021 408 863

[Mr Revhead]

ah yep, it is reaonably common for the coil to die on these.