The sticker says it is in the console...but there is nothing I can find. I looked on both side of the stereo, but I cannot locate it. I have to set timing on a car that is new to me, and has many issues. Please help. Pictures would be even better :-)

Beside the cigarette lighter.

I found it. I did a search here on this site, and only found a post about moving the aldl. So I did a search on google, and it came back to this site where it was described better.

I would have NEVER found this thing even when someone told me next to the cigarette lighter. Not without saying to remove that cover with the two torx screws. Wow, that is not intuitive.

When you start to check the trouble codes, just be sure your ignition is off. Insert a paper clip reshaped into a U into the lower 2 terminals on the passenger side then turn the ignition to the RUN position. It will start its check sequence flashing once then twice. This is code 12 which is a self test code. It will repeat this sequence 3 times then will flash out a combination of flashes for any trouble codes set. It will flash each combination 3 times then when finished will flash code 12 again. At this time you should turn the ignition to the OFF position before removing the paper clip.

And welcome to the world of Fieros. Post some pics in General Chat as soon as you can.

quote Originally posted by straws: I would have NEVER found this thing even when someone told me next to the cigarette lighter. Not without saying to remove that cover with the two torx screws. Wow, that is not intuitive.

Well, I never said you had to get in the car either.

I guess since I am new here I should not take offense to the comment about getting in the car. I am ok...I just do not take sarchasm well when I am asking for assistance and new to something. Anyhow...

I have an OTC scanner, and i am not getting any coolant temperature reading. I see three coolant senders on this engine. I assume they are: 1 for the fan, 2 for the gauge, and 3 for the computer. However are the gauge and computer senders interchangable? I ask because, I was at a junkyard today and took the sensors on the front (interior) side of the engine and the one on the water neck. When I went to replace one of the sensors on the car (which was buggered up by the PO, and the likely cause of no reading) it seems the senders I took from the yard were not the correct one.

So the question is, can the gauge and computer sensor's be interchanged? To answer the question before it is asked, the wires to the suspect sensor I want to replace, are RTV'd into the sensor...so an obvious place to start.

they aren't interchangeable. The one for the gauge also has a circuit for the temp light. The one for the ECM helps to meter the fuel injector. The other is as you said, the fan temp switch. It's an on/off switch only. On at a given temp and off at a given temp.

The switch for the gauge should have a round plastic head with a slot in the side. The coolant temp switch for the ECM control should have an oval plastic head.

On this forum, you'll have to be able to laugh at yourself. We throw sarcastic remarks all the time, but it's all in jest. Believe me, you'll know when it's serious.

Edit to add: If your wires are RTV'd in, I'd go back to the yard and clip the connectors from the other car. You can get a terminal tool from The Fiero Store and install the terminal ends on your existing harness without cutting your wires. http://fierostore.com/Produ...px?s=51490&d=263&p=3

[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 02-05-2011).]

Thanks for the sensor tip. I checked "rockauto" which is my new favorite parts place...and they had pictures of the sensor/sendor/switch. Very, very good site. In fact, I purchased all three parking brake cables there for this car for a grand total $35...plus shipping.

But you are correct on I will get the wires from the junkyard. I actually cut the wires and took the sensor for the water neck, but it seems the sensor/sendor are swapped on this car for the opposite sides. Now a 40 mile round trip to the yard tomorrow. We will see if the ECM will regulate the idle a little lower after I fix that.

Thanks again.

On the gauge sender this the plastic shell to replace the missing piece. The metal clips on the wires will lock into this shell. So you just push them in and they lock.

http://rodneydickman.com/ca...h=21&products_id=174

Because one if the wires is the gauge wire, and the other wire is the light wire, it's important to get them right. The gauge wire is the one that goes to the pin away from the side notch. The light wire goes close to the notch.

Not sure on your car which is witch? Turn the key on, engine off, and ground one, and then the other. The one that makes the light come on is the light wire. The one that makes the gauge flick all the way to the right is the gauge wire.



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The coolant temperature sensor used by the ECM looks like this



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btw look here and under 86 you will find a downloadable GM service manual. That is the same as the 84 execpt electrical. There are electrical prints under 84. Threre are also manuals under TECH

http://www.fieronews.net/fusion/downloads.php

Some terminal ends are cast onto the terminal. Just in case some of the 3 sensors are, I'd cut enough from the junk yard car to be able to splice in.

The 88 is a little different from the 84, but I thought these threads may be useful.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/113333.html
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/113050.html

quote Originally posted by straws: I guess since I am new here I should not take offense to the comment about getting in the car. I am ok...I just do not take sarchasm well when I am asking for assistance and new to something. Anyhow...

My point was that every single step is not always mentioned when advice is given.

I didn't mention you had to access the ALDL connector from inside the car, yet you figured that out.

And I didn't mention that the cover would have to come off the cigarette lighter to access the ALDL connector, because where the heck else would it be if it's "beside the cigarette lighter"?

I'm not suggesting you're one of these people, but some guys post questions here and want their hands held during the whole process. That gets pretty tiresome after awhile.

quote Originally posted by straws: I would have NEVER found this thing even when someone told me next to the cigarette lighter. Not without saying to remove that cover with the two torx screws. Wow, that is not intuitive.

"How To" books (Owner's and Service Manuals)
http://www.fieronews.net/fusion/downloads.php

Also called ALCL connector in the service manual...


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[This message has been edited by fierosound (edited 02-06-2011).]

...

I see someone has expressed their displeasure with me in the last few hours and rated me in a non-positive manner. Thanks. And no, I still won't hold anyone's hand here.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 02-06-2011).]

quote Originally posted by Patrick: ... I see someone has expressed their displeasure with me in the last few hours and rated me in a non-positive manner. Thanks. And no, I still won't hold anyone's hand here.

Balanced it out and I agree that Francis needs to lighten up.

quote Originally posted by AlanD: Balanced it out and I agree that Francis needs to lighten up.

Thanks Alan. Of course we never know for sure who throws around the negative ratings. It could obviously be someone involved in the actual thread discussion, or it might be some random person who just reads part of one post and then decides to rate and run (ie - not contribute a single word of insight).

People are funny. I've responded in threads where I've gone through a fair amount of work to supply info and links, and the person who asked the original question doesn't so much as even acknowledge the effort. A simple "thank-you" would've been appreciated, and yeah, positive feedback would've been a bonus. Yet, in a situation like in this thread, one or more people decided that I deserved a negative rating. I mean really... for what?

It's always been my belief that negative ratings were to be used to rid the forum of troublemakers, to get rid of individuals who contribute nothing positive and only wish to be disruptive. Unfortunately, I get the impression that some people here throw these negative ratings around a little too freely. It would be great if we could not only see who is giving a rating, but why they're giving the rating as well.

Okay, I'm done.

< Patrick steps down off soapbox. >

Just for the record, it wasn't me. I've only given one negative since I've been here. That was for an attack against someone's person rather than the content of the thread.

Edit: Make that 3 negs. One for a false link that wouldn't close and one for comments urging someone who was depressed to go ahead and end it all.

I think sometimes we all fail to say Thank You for the help we receive. It's nice to get a thanks, but the best reward is if that person who got help passes some help along to someone else. And Patrick, I've never rated you, but I will in just a moment.

Thanks

[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 02-06-2011).]

quote Originally posted by fierofool: Just for the record, it wasn't me.

Oh heck, I never suspected it was you. You seem to have the right attitude (as copied below).

quote Originally posted by fierofool: On this forum, you'll have to be able to laugh at yourself. We throw sarcastic remarks all the time, but it's all in jest. Believe me, you'll know when it's serious.

Yeah, stay out of O/T.

quote Originally posted by fierofool: And Patrick, I've never rated you, but I will in just a moment.

Well thanks. I honestly wasn't fishing for ratings (of any sort) with my little rant, but positive ones are appreciated nevertheless. (I was just thinking what a dirty trick that would be if you actually turned around and negged me!)

Actually reading back over straws' comments with an objective eye he did seem to take it all in stride. Guess I jumped the gun a little early but a neg for such a minor matter seemed like something to rectify if I could for a person that has helped me out before.

I completely sympathize with being irritated not getting a 'thank you' or even acknowledgement that the problem was solved but this site does seem to be a little better in that respect than some of the machinist and gaming forums I hang out on.

quote Originally posted by AlanD: Actually reading back over straws' comments with an objective eye he did seem to take it all in stride.

I got a PM from him. It was civil, not rude at all, but I'd say he is a little tense. Your earlier advice to "lighten up" was on the mark IMO.

quote Originally posted by AlanD: ...a neg for such a minor matter seemed like something to rectify if I could for a person that has helped me out before.

Much appreciated.

So Alan, for a guy who's been here for quite a few years, how is it your ratings bar is still under the radar?

I tend to speak very little. I have enough knowledge to be aware of how little I know and hate to spread misinformation even unintentionally. Off Topic doesn't interest me so I tend to contribute on the tech side where I can give Alldata schematics or 3800/engine swap that I have first hand experience with. Also being deployed overseas for 2 of those 6 years certainly didn't boost my post count and helped lead to one of the longest 3800 swaps in existence

[This message has been edited by AlanD (edited 02-07-2011).]

Wow. I chck my email and there are several more replies to a dead thread with zero insight to the purpose of the thread. Such drama. I have no idea what you are talking about rating people, and frankly it does not interest me. Can we talk cars here and let this alone?

We'll all make sure that we check our posts interest you before we hit 'Submit' Thanks for sharing the requirements for posting here.

quote Originally posted by straws: Wow. I chck my email and there are several more replies to a dead thread with zero insight to the purpose of the thread. Such drama. I have no idea what you are talking about rating people, and frankly it does not interest me. Can we talk cars here and let this alone?

With your apparent attitude, you'll be finding out soon enough what the rating system is all about.

Patrick...you obviously have an attitude and I wish you would not "answer" any questions I may ever have. You have some serious nerve.

First you give a half answer to my legitimate question. When I politely post my problem is solved, pointing out the hidden location of the ALDL, you take offense and make a rude reply. Not to let it go unchecked, I clearly say I do not appreciate sarcasm...but you persist.

Then you post saying I was ungrateful because I did not post a thank you for your incomplete answer.

To make matters worse, you complain about even giving advice! You act like it is a chore, but you have 12 thousand times before chimed in on other's posts? Make up your mind.

Are you offended because I told you I do not appreciate sarcasm? Is it because I searched the forumns and could not find the ALDL connector so I posted the complete location in my thread...so future users will be abel to search?

Please, call a moderator, anyone!!!! Maybe they will block me. Better yet, leave your wonderful feedback. They will see from your thread above, what I am saying is true.

I care less what you have contributed in the past, but do this...leave me alone!!! I do not need help from YOU! Use some self control, and try not replying to this post. Let it go. I even sent you a PM asking you what your issue was, and you had to respond publicly?

You have no ettiquitte at all! Leave me alone, and go post another 12 thousand posts on someone else's questions you ungratefully don't want to halfway answer.

This reminds me of a guest I once had for an evening dinner. They started making comments about the food and how it could have been cooked and seasoned to make it better and what side dishes should have been served with the main course. Rules of etiquette are that you don't start bad mouthing your host until you've become a part of the family. I'm sorry to see that this has turned out the way it has. Everyone who replied to you has really been trying to help someone with the common interest of a Fiero.

Unfortunately, I fear that you will surely find out how the rating system works. When you do, I would suggest that for future help with your Fiero, you join the forum at http://www.realfierotech.com/

Christ.

Some people need to get an attitude check. And I'm not only talking about the newbie here.

OP doesn't know where the ALDL connector is and he gets crap because he didn't realize he needs to look behind a cover? Wow.

And to rate him over this? Yeah, real adult.