Code 53, no rough idle, Service engine soon message on?

Tiny
ELISE DAVIS
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 4.3L
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 180,000 MILES
Thank you so very much for a place to come to, I was elated to find this website.
I could not find an answer to my problem therefore I'll post.

Recently I had a little muffler break, and the muffler shop took care of it. I haven't smelled any exhaust in the cab with my windows up while I'm sitting stationary everything looks really good down below.
It's been a couple of weeks and suddenly when I turn it on first thing in the morning or I'm idling at a stoplight, or a stop sign the service engine soon light comes on. Once I get moving down the road in about 5 minutes it's gone but sometimes, I have to drive it for like an hour and about that time if I go up and down a hill left and right hit a bump or a pothole the light will come on for about a minute and then go off. This kept me thinking it was a loose connection because left right up down hit a bump and it comes on and then it goes off, but this is long after I have been idling somewhere.

I've gone to several shops, and they just throw their hands up so I'm here on bended knee for some help.

My neighbor used the obd1 and he came up with a code 53 and he's scratching his head as well and he's worked as a mechanic for 40 years.

So, thank you so much.
Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 10:10 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,363 POSTS
In the context of a 1993 Chevrolet Blazer, "Code 53" typically refers to a problem with the vehicle's Internal ECM (Engine Control Module) Memory. The ECM is responsible for managing various engine functions and storing information about the engine's performance and various operating parameters.

Code 53 might indicate that there's an issue with the ECM's internal memory or its ability to retain stored data. This could be due to a faulty ECM, a wiring issue, or a problem with the power supply to the ECM.

The fact that you hit a bump and it acts up sounds like a bad ground or power lead to the PCM.

Here are the wiring diagrams and a guide to help you test the connections and grounds:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

You might have a bad PCM as well if the grounds and powers are good. With the engine running try tapping on the PCM and if the engine stalls or stumbles it is bad. Check out the images (below). Please let us know how it goes.
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Monday, August 21st, 2023 AT 2:16 PM

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