LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Pontiac >> 1984 >> 6000 STE >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Feedback Carburetor Tests W/Codes >> Code 43: Electronic Spark Control (ESC)
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Code 43: Electronic Spark Control (ESC)

Code 43 indicates that the Electronic Spark Control (ESC) retard signal has been seen by the ECM for too long a period of time. When voltage at term. "L" at the ECM is low, spark is retarded. Normal voltage in non-retard mode is about 7.5 volts or more.

NOTE: The following step numbers refer to the numbers in the accompanying flow chart(s).
  1. Normal voltage would be over 7.5 volts. If 7.5 volts is present at term. "L", the reason for a Code 43 is a poor connection to ECM or faulty ECM.
  2. Over 6 volts indicates an overly sensitive knock sensor or controller, or noise in the engine that triggers knock sensor.
  3. This test checks for grounded ECM.
  4. This test checks for an open in wire from ESC to ECM. If over 6 volts was obtained at term. "C" of the ESC, the fault is an open to term. "C" of the ESC, the fault is an open to term. "L" of ECM.
  5. This test checks for 12 volt ignition source to ESC term. B". Reading at term. "B" should be battery voltage.
Fig 1: Code 43: Electronic Spark Control (ESC) Flow Chart
G9319
Fig 2: Code 43: Electronic Spark Control (ESC) Flow Chart
GB0047629