No injector Pulse?

Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 BUICK RIVIERA
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
This vehicle sat in someone's yard for about ten years. I was homeless and bought the car for $500.00. Initially the security feature wouldn't disengage. I got that figured out now. The security light does go off when I turn the key on. I had to clean out the fuel tank by hand because it was bad from sitting. I hand wiped out the tank and replaced the fuel sending unit and pump as well as changed the fuel filter and oil filter and did an oil change. The car wouldn't start. I replaced the camshaft sensor, crankshaft sensor and replaced the crankshaft seal because it was bad. I also replaced the oil pressure switch because initially when I was trying to start the car it blew oil all over the belts. Now the cranking sounds much better after cleaning all that up. I tried starting fluid and the car does start. When I test for injector pulse, I can't find any. There is power to the injectors with the key on but no injector pulse during cranking. My next step will be to troubleshoot the wiring, I guess. I want to see if I have a pulse signal from the ECM but this car has tons of wiring and so it's been overwhelming for me. I don't have any diagrams for the wiring and I'm not sure exactly what is what as far as ECM, PCM, etc. All fuses have voltage etc. I have fuel at the rail, I haven't put a pressure gauge on it, but it squirts out when I depress the check valve on the rail. I cleaned the mass air flow sensor. I unhooked the exhaust briefly to make sure it wasn't getting back pressure and it's currently unhooked. I plan to just reconnect it at this point just haven't done it yet. I've been checking wiring and nothing appears bad but nice had bedded down in this car while it sat. I've put a lot of work into this thing and don't want to give up. I'm learning a lot. I think it's a wiring issue or maybe the ECM, I'm not sure. Please help with any information, suggestions, wiring diagrams, etc. Thank you so much.
Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 2:55 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Each injector should have two wires. One of the wires at each injector should be pink in color. That is the power wire and I suspect the one you checked.

The second wire at each injector is a different color. That wire provides a ground path via the PCM to complete the circuit and inject fuel.

So, here is what I need you to do. Since we know there is power, we have to check for the ground path. The wire opposite to the pink one at each injector is where we need to check. (See pic below for wire color).

Take a test lamp and connect the alligator clip to the battery positive. Touch the test lamp to the ground path wire on the connector to the injector. Have a helper crank the engine. The test light should strobe on and off.

Try this and let me know the results.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 8:28 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
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Yes, I've tried that and there is no injector pulse. I connected my test light to the positive terminal and the control wire at injector and there is no pulse. I tried starting the car with starting fluid and it did start which tells me it's got spark but it isn't getting the injection pulse. Thank you so much for your help. I will follow along whatever steps you suggest.
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Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 8:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

If you don't get a pulse at any of the injectors, we need to check at the PCM. The PCM is under the dash on the right side. See pic 1 and 2.

Pic 3 shows the connectors at the PCM. You need to locate the wires indicated in connector A. You can back probe the connector but be careful not to damage the wiring. Or you can remove the connector and check right at the PCM connector pins for a ground.

If there isn't one, chances are the PCM has failed.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.
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Tuesday, May 16th, 2023 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
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Okay, so you want me to do the same test here, correct? I'm checking for an ignition pulse going out from the PCM? So, I will hook my test light to positive of battery and check for ground pulse at connector A noted in the diagram. Also, I notice the cam signal input is highlighted, should I also be checking for an input from that wire? And would it be the same test? Looking for a ground signal in to the PCM? I just want to make sure I'm thorough here.
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 9:17 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

I highlighted the cam sensor by accident. Sorry about that. However, yes to the injector wires indicated. You are checking for a ground path, so do the same thing as before, positive on the battery and the test light to the wire to check for ground. Remember, the engine needs to be cranked to get the signal.

Before you go crazy testing, disconnect the battery, remove connector A at the PCM, and inspect the connector pins for corrosion, damage, or if any are pushed in.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Wednesday, May 17th, 2023 AT 8:12 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
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Okay, I've accessed the PCM module. I tested for injector pulse and nothing. The unit itself is grounded if I touch my test light from positive to the PCM frame itself. When the key is off, I receive ground from the injector pulse output, when I turn the key to the on position, I get no ground indicating that the PCM is live I think, I'm not sure. But when I crank the engine there is no injector pulse coming from the PCM. Is there anything else I should check here? What about power and ground going to the PCM? I have a friend that suggested resetting the PCM by detaching the battery and placing a 1ohm resistor between the positive and negative terminal with the battery removed for about 15 minutes. I'm trying that right now to see if it does anything. My other question would be are these PCMs interchangeable? Like if I find one at the junk yard can I just simply swap it out or does it need programming etc?
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
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I don't see anything broken or out of place visually.
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 12:38 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
  • MEMBER
  • 18 POSTS
I checked fuel pressure with a pressure test kit. It has 45 pounds during prime and then drops and holds at about 40. I think spec calls for 48 to 55 pounds. So, I'm wondering if that might be an issue? If pressure is low would that cause the PCM to disengage the injectors? Should I replace the fuel pressure regulator? I've already replaced the fuel sending unit and pump, as well as the fuel filter.
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 3:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

The fuel pressure won't cause the injector pulse to fail. If you are not getting a ground pulse at the PCM and it is grounded, chances are the PCM has failed.

Let me know your thoughts and questions.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
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Okay. If I replace the PCM is it just plug and play with this year and model? Do you suggest looking for one in a scrap yard or ordering one online? Would I need to program it or is it pretty straight forward with these and just swap it out?
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 7:50 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

There are sites online that remanufacture them. They will ask for the VIN number and set it up so you can simply install and connect it. (Plug and play).

I've used them in the past with success. Let me know what you find. Also, no to one from a salvage yard. Either it will be damaged or will need to be programmed. That will cost you nearly the same price as one of the remanufactured ones.

Let me know if you have questions or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, June 1st, 2023 AT 9:03 PM
Tiny
WARNERSHAWNUTAH
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Ordered A PCM from GM parts giant. $272.00. It fired right up. This car sat for about ten years before I bought it. The exhaust is blowing some white smoke and the engine is smoking a little on the front I think just from gunk burning off. I don't see any leaks or anything underneath. The thermostat is stuck so it started heating up. I bought a thermostat and some new fluid to swap it out. I think maybe I should do some new plugs and wires and maybe run some fuel system and injector cleaner through it. Maybe some catalytic converter cleaner. Any suggestions on some things to run through it after sitting that long? And also, I swapped out the key cylinder and when I was in there the steering column upper bearing went out. Do you think I should swap the whole steering column out or just try and replace that bearing? And are there a lot of years that would be interchangeable with that steering column if I did swap it? Thank you for all your help with this. 2CarPros is great.
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Monday, June 5th, 2023 AT 7:31 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

Wow is that thing in nice condition. I always loved that body style.

As far as the exhaust, that appears to be nothing more than condensation in the exhaust burning off. I see no issue with it.

As far as your questions are concerned, a tune-up would be a good idea. However, if it is running well, I would leave it alone as far as additives.

Drive it for a bit to see how it runs.

Take care and let me know how things go.

Joe
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Monday, June 5th, 2023 AT 8:19 PM

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