Hello,

I am sitting here in Germany with our 1981 Cadillac fleetwood with this long wheelbase and 8 Seats and we have problems to start the engine.

Engine starts but goes off after running 1 or two seconds.

On board computer shows when I ask it a "88". What does this mean ? Can I find a list of error codes in the Internet ?

Need heeelp.... thank you in advance.

Tom

88 is the check to show all led segments are working.

Normally, the diagnosis starts with the basics instead of looking at the computer controls. Check to see if you have fuel delivery from the injectors. You will be able to see fuel spraying out into at the throttle body with the aircleaner removed. It might make sense to see if there is power to the fuelpump after startup. There should be.

Hello !

Yes there comes fuel out of the injectors. Do you have any other hints for me ?

Thank you

Tom

Yes, I have lots more hints. The object here is to only use a few before you get your problem solved!

I don't know what you have available for spray can type carburetor cleaner but the next thing would be to have an assistant start the car and while it is running for it's brief time, get ready to spray some into the throttlebody as soon as the engine gets ready to stall. The idea is to see if the injectors are shutting off thus stalling the engine. If you can keep the engine running with spray then you know that you are losing fuel for some reason. You need carburetor cleaner that the engine can use as a fuel. All the popular types of carb cleaner here in the states will work. That would be my next step if I were standing where you are. BTW, always have a fire extinguisher handy when doing this type of work. Flameouts are rare with TBI engines but they can be nasty.

Hello !

Thank you, we will try this. I think we could use also "easy start spray" to test this.
My father had again a look for the error codes and it shows now :
88 then 37 and then 33.

Thank you again

Tom

Hi,

I had the same problem starting me 85 Brougham and found the problem was the dash computer located under the glove box. It cost me only $8.50 at the local auto wrecking yard. I also replaced the fuel pump which was located in my gas tank. So it might of been both beause I replaced the fuel pump first. You have the 4100 engine Right?


Hello,

I am sitting here in Germany with our 1981 Cadillac fleetwood with this long wheelbase and 8 Seats and we have problems to start the engine.

Engine starts but goes off after running 1 or two seconds.

On board computer shows when I ask it a "88". What does this mean ? Can I find a list of error codes in the Internet ?

Need heeelp.... thank you in advance.

Tom

8 seats? Wow. I have 6...

Yes, 8 Seats ! 2 of these are these fold down seats in front of the rear seats.

Tom

It's a factory limo with 2 jumpseats, it should have the 368 8/6/4 MD engine. The 368 was used in all limos from 80-84, even when the RWD Fleetwoods went to 4100s.

I am alo having a problem with codes. My lousy haynes manual says code 35 is Baro sensor or possibly dead ecm. I cant belive the ecm is at fault so I would like to replace the baro sensor. Where is that located under the hood? Any clues as to what it looks like?

The 88 signals that you have entered diagnostic mode. If there are any trouble codes they will appear for a second or two (each one will) after the 88 displays. You don't have to push any buttons to display the next code as some newer diagnostic meters work, the on-board diagnostics display all the codes by displaying each for about two seconds or so. It then exits diagnostic mode. Some display a 70 code which signals the end of the diagnostic mode (if I remember this correctly) If you want to clear the codes you have to enter the diagnostic mode a second time by pushing the Off and Warmer buttons again, then hold down the Off and HI buttons for 4-5 seconds. It will display 00 when you have cleared them successfully.

where in Germany do you live?

may some people i know can help you.