1986 Calais, hard starts, code 42 (EST)

[JMofIRW]

Hey all.

I am an extremely proud owner of an 86 Calais. It only has 53k miles on it and drives great.

I pulled codes and pulled the EST (Electronic Spark Timing) code 42.

The car never starts on one try, always needs to be cranked, stop, crank, stop, crank, stop, crank, starts up and drives fine.

Just curious what this might be.

Brand new distributor, battery, and alternator.

[Lady72nRob71]

Welcome to the forum!
Where did the new disty come from? Did you replace it in efforts to repair the code 42?

[JMofIRW]

Thanks for the welcome.

The dist, was installed cuz the car drove, then it died on me and wouldnt start, i figured it was spark, but my mechanic did the work.

I work on cars all the time, but got this car so i wouldnt have to touch it. I am not tryin to do anything to it rlly.

[Lady72nRob71]

If you started getting the code 42 after the new disty was installed, your new disty might be the problem. It could either be bad or incompatible with the CCC computer system. Do you know where your mechanic got it?

I also found this online: Code 42: Electronic Spark Timing bypass circuit or EST circuit is grounded or open. A bad HEI module can cause this code.

[JMofIRW]

The car always had the starting issue, so I am assuming it's for the code 42 reason.

I am not sure where he got the dizzy, but he said it's reman'd cuz a brand new one was impossible to get.

Do you see this code being an issue? I am told the plug wires might be touching the EST circuit wiring. So I sorted them a little, made them neater.

Do you think new plugs/wires may help this issue?

[JMofIRW]

Is the HEI the coil? I am not certain how this car works. It's the big 4 cylinder 2.5l.

Does the distributor have 5 wires, 4 for plugs and 1 for the coil? I am used to my Supra that uses coil packs (DIS, with CPS), and my Acura that uses a distributor with a built in coil.

[JMofIRW]

no more info? At least on this EST thing GM uses.

[Lady72nRob71]

Unfortunately, I ran out of info when you said this was the smaller 4 banger car. I am only familiar with and have the service manual for the RWD version.
Sorry about that, but i am sure someone else here might have experience on the 4 cyl.

[KevinG]

A code 42 on any of the C31 or DIS systems means the electronic spark timing (EST) signal from the ECM has been lost. Loss of the EST signal to the Ignition module
should still allow the engine to start and run. But because the module will be running without the benefit of the computer EST signal, timing is fixed and engine performance will suffer accordingly. It sounds like you my have a problem with a wire from the module the the computer. I have a service manual for an 86 Calais, I can look up the wire for that if you need.