1995 ssei engine surging/stalling security light on

[chris c]

not sure they are at all related and doing some searches most people inquiring about the security light state the car runs/drives 100% normal...

engine was in and out several times and car ran and drove w/o ever having the surging and stalling problem. coil packs test out fine, fuel pressure does not seem to fluctuate when engine surges/stalls. at time the car runs 100% then all the sudden surges and stalls. certain times car starts perfect, other times starting is difficult. vacuum lines also seem to be in good shape and i cannot identify any vacuum leaks.

any ideas, i can't get into throwing parts at the car so i am putting some feelers out for advice... TPS, IAT???

no CEL, though it comes on when surging... after restart it is gone

car is not drivable at this point

arg...

[J Wikoff]

Retrieving the code stored when it does come on could be helpful.

[1fatcat]

Sounds like symptoms of a failing crankshaft position sensor. Scan the codes and see what comes up.

[chris c]

will it have a code stored sans check engine light?

i took the advise of some other posts and pulled the ICM and cleaned the ICM/bracket interface and bracket/head along with all the connections. unsure if will prove to be better or the same. will perform a cold start test tomorrow morning...

what scanner do i need to retrieve codes on the 1995 model year cars?

[1fatcat]

A paper clip can be used to read codes on a 95 if it is OBD1. That was the interchange year I believe, so it could be OBD1 or OBD2. I think it will be OBD1 though. Do a google image search for OBD1 & 2 to see what the connectors look like, that will tell you which you have. If it's OBD1, then do a google search for "OBD1 paper clip", that should tell you which pins to jump and the procedure.

[J Wikoff]

The paperclip doesn't work after 93. You'll need a scanner to get codes from your OBD 1.5 PCM.

[chris c]

no start at all this am... ugh

was not related to the icm i guess. i have and always had fuel pressure. what does the crank position sensor control? injector pulse or ignition? i have had spark the entire time... i have one of those cheap GM injector tools, i need to find it...

[Mechanical Mike]

Check for spark at each of the three front cylinders.
Turn the key to run a couple times then check for fuel at the injector rail. Should spray out not dribble.
Check for fuel injector pulse.
Try starting with the MAF sensor unplugged, you might want to try this one 1st.

[chris c]

Thanks Mike. I have tested spark and maf disconnected starts. Could not find my injector tool but used a 194 bulb to test. Going to buy a cps now.

[Mechanical Mike]

It's starting with the MAF disconnected?
Did you have injector pulse?

[chris c]

Hi Mike. No it would not start with maf disconnected. No injector pluse either. After I install these power steering hoses on my fathers truck I'll install the cps.

[Mechanical Mike]

If it's not too late, try unplugging the throttle position sensor & recheck for injector pulse.

[chris c]

mike,

finished the power steering lines and focusing efforts to ssei...

injector pulse seems inconsistent. earlier car would not start and the injector was not firing. just now car started, i shut car down and tested injector pulse to confirm the tool worked, it did. what powers/grounds the injectors? i have a cps here, but when car runs it runs OK. seems to be a power/ground drop through the injector harness...