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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
'97 Dodge Intrepid 3.5
Q:
I keep
getting a 14, 51, 55 code on my car. I have replaced the MAP sensor and
the plug wires. If I reset the codes, it comes back on when the car idles.
The codes say it is getting a correction, but does not tell me what to
do. What should I do?
A:
The
computer code #14 is indicating that there is a problem with the Manifold
Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. The MAP sensor is overdressed verbage
for a sensor that measures engine vacuum and reports this information
to the vehicle computer. Engine vacuum information is needed for fuel,
spark, transmission, emission control operation and the list goes on.
That is why in the automotive trade we call the MAP sensor a critical
input. If the MAP sensor information is out of range it can cause the
next computer code you reported #51. Computer code # 51 means the computer
thinks the engine is not getting enough fuel. The computer program will
try its best to correct for a problem. If the needed correction/adjustment
is out of the range of the computers abilities the computer gets
upset. In your case it looks as if the computer cannot adjust the fuel
enough to satisfy the requirements of the program/software. To get the
computer code that youve provided means youve used, the
turn the ignition switch off then on 3 times trick to get the computer
to flash the check engine light. The problem with this procedure is that
you only have the information that the computer is up-set about. What
you dont have is the data to support that information. You need
to use a computer scan tool to see the information that is getting the
computer all bent out of shape. The code #55 means the computer is done
reporting problems and will just start repeating the reasons its
up-set about. It sounds as if you have a problem that is deeper than replacing
a MAP sensor or some ignition components. Its time to visit a shop
that has some upper end diagnostic equipment.
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