POOR DRIVEABILITY OR CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CODE 44 OR 45

1982 SUNBIRD MODELS WITH 1.8L (L46) VIN CODE G ENGINE

If an owner complains of poor driveability or check engine light Code 44 (LEAN) or Code 45 (RICH) the problem may be due to a deteriorated mixture control solenoid fuel valve tip.

Some O.E.M. solenoids have rubber fuel valve tips and some have stainless steel fuel valve tips.

Mixture control solenoids with rubber valve tips are P/N 17064521 (64521 visible on top of the casting) .

Mixture control solenoid with stainless valve tip is P/N 17081807 (81807 visible on top of the casting), and is contained in service kit, P/N 17111445.

Rubber valve tips can fragment causing a lean or rich condition with the following symptoms:

LEAN RICH

Loss of part throttle Sulfurous odor. power.

Stumble or hesitation on Stall at idle. part-throttle acceleration.

Occasional backfire on Black smoke in some cases. acceleration.

Surge. "CHECK ENGINE" light w/Code 45 stored in ECM. "CHECK ENGINE" light w/Code 44 stored in ECM.

If an owner experiences any of these symptoms, the mixture control (M/C) solenoid fuel valve tip should be checked for proper sealing, following the Solenoid Fuel Tip and Metering Orifice Check. If it does not pass all the checks, replace it with P/N 17081807 (order service kit P/N 17111445), which utilizes the stainless steel fuel valve tip.

1. Remove M/C solenoid from carburetor.

2. Inspect the solenoid to float bowl seal. If cracked or damaged, remove retainer, seal, and spacer for this check.

3. Energize M/C solenoid using a 12 volt source, (solenoid will be in lean position).

Connect a jumper between the RIGHT terminal of the solenoid connector and the positive (+) terminal of the 12 volt source.

Connect the LEFT terminal of the solenoid connector and the ground (-) terminal.

4. Use J-23738-A or BT-7517, hand operated vacuum pump, to apply approximately 5" Hg (16 kPa) vacuum to the seal end of the solenoid. Do not exceed 5" Hg (16 kPa) vacuum as the fuel valve tip could become stuck in the metering orifice.

It if does not hold some vacuum for approximately five seconds, the fuel valve tip is not sealing properly, and the solenoid should be replaced.

5. Remove the jumper lead to the 12 volt source. The gage reading should go to zero. If it does not, the fuel valve tip is sticking or the fuel metering orifice is blocked, and the solenoid should be replaced.

6. Apply rapid vacuum pumping action. Gage should move slightly,then return to zero before the next rapid stroke. If it does not, the fuel metering orifice is restricted, and the solenoid should be replaced.

7. Reposition or replace solenoid seal if necessary.

8. Install M/C solenoid in carburetor with a new gasket.

WARRANTY INFORMATION

THIS SERVICE IS COVERED BY THE EMISSION WARRANTY PROVISIONS OF 5YRS/ 50,000 MILES.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.