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Car threw code 31:Park/Neutral Saftey switch

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Old 02-14-2004, 01:39 AM
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Default Car threw code 31:Park/Neutral Saftey switch

Okay so once again the car is doing its thing were it hesitats at 3/4 to full throttle, its ideling worse now, and the mileage is once again dipped down to around 10-12 mpg.
I scanned the codes with a jumper wire, it flashed Code 31 The park nuetral saftey switch, YET i tested it, and its fine, the car obviously starts in Park, It starts in nuetral, those are the ONLY two shifter positions it starts in, now, i don't think the Park nuetral switch will hinder performance greatly. In shop class my teacher used this very expensive Snap-On Scanner to read the out put from my TPS, its a steady incline the whole time on the graph, its in perferct working order, my MAF we also tested, its in perfect order as well. Im thinking that with all the stupid codes my car is throwing codes "for fun"; i think the PCM is the problem here folks? Any Ideas?

Problem #2: Traction Control
Heres what its doing, it was really bad today, It isnt icy out, infact it was 40 degrees today, when backing up the traction slows the car down to the point of stoping and the Traction Off light fades in and out. In drive ideling up my driveway the traction off light came on, and the grumbling sound that the TC makes when it kicks in was on, i had to hit the gas because my brakes came on. It does this randomly, so i have been shutting it right off, Any ideas on this one?!
Old 02-14-2004, 02:15 AM
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I would lean towards the PCM for problem #1. Try a wrecker part, though. SSEi'* are rare, and hard to find. Be persistent. It wouldn't be bad to have a spare, anyway.

For your TC, it could be anything. There is no way to read the codes yourself. What I suggest is this:

1. Pressure wash all 4 hub assemblies on the backside behind the wheels at the local carwash VERY well.

2. After it dries, disconnect all 4 wheel speed sensors, and clean them with contact cleaner (the connectors).

3. Disconnect both (or is it three?) connectors at the PMV assembly beneath your airbox, and clean them with contact cleaner.

4. Make sure the contact cleaner evaporates well before reconnecting.

5. Disconnect the EBCM. Clean those contacts with contact cleaner and a toothbrush. The EBCM on your car (Electronic Brake Control Module.....RARELY fails) is located on the firewall inside the car just to the right of your gas pedal. Remove the hushpanel, pull back the carpet, and pull a small black plastic pin in the bracket on the bottom left corner as you face forward in your car. The EBCM will slide out, and you can disconnect it.

If none of this works, you'll need a special serial reader (usually the dealer) to read the codes. The PCM, by the way, has NO communication or control over Traction and ABS, so the two problems cannot be related.

Godspeed, Matt.
Old 02-14-2004, 02:18 AM
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actually i think i know what the TC'* problem is, the wiring on the passenger side front hub is exposed, and it the connector broke off right at the hub, so i used sewing needs for contacs, it lasted all winter exposed!
As for the PCM im gunna do a hunt, i need one from a 92 or 93 correct?
as for the EBCM, it already failed and was replaced at the dealer! only cost me 1200 bucks so that was okay ONLY NOT!
Old 02-14-2004, 02:21 AM
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PCM from 93 ONLY. A broken wire at a wheel speed sensor will not cause your TC light to fade in and out.

Cover your carpet with an old towel before using contact cleaner on the EBCM harness. Contact cleaner cleans carpet VERY well, and you'll have a clean spot if you're not careful.
Old 02-14-2004, 02:24 AM
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Originally Posted by willwren
Contact cleaner cleans carpet VERY well, and you'll have a clean spot if you're not careful.
Is that so!?
Nice!

Im off on Monday so I will get into it then! I knew i could rely on yah for some awsome replys!
Old 02-14-2004, 02:31 AM
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Originally Posted by SSEimatt93
Originally Posted by willwren
Contact cleaner cleans carpet VERY well, and you'll have a clean spot if you're not careful.
Is that so!?
Nice!

Im off on Monday so I will get into it then! I knew i could rely on yah for some awsome replys!
It will actually take spraypaint off carpet. Don't ask me how I know, but that car got totalled, anyway

Fix that wiring harness anyway. It could cause the TC to go off, but not to make the light fade as you described it.
Old 02-14-2004, 03:00 AM
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Well, heres the scoop on the Wheel Speed Sensors, Canadian tire sells Wheel speed sensor units with the wheel bearing for i think 100 or less dollars, maybe if these are any good, i would do both front ones my self.
Old 02-14-2004, 03:23 AM
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It might be a rear

You have 4.
Old 02-14-2004, 12:46 PM
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Code 31 is not a safety switch. This code is for the PRNDL input circuit. Have you been starting the car in a gear other than park or neutral?

The PCM is looking for a special code from the transmission to tell it which gear the transmission is in. If it gets the wrong signals, this is the code that you get.
Old 02-15-2004, 01:13 AM
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Nope i tested it a few times, car will not start in any other gear.
Im gunna check for a tight connection it though.
Bill, Also I have 4 tires, would that of been a factory option? LOL
I HAD TO!


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