I just bought this truck from a guy down the road and it has a couple problems. The 1st is when driving on the highway if a get into the throttle and make it kick down the check engine light comes on and it bogges down. I ran the codes and it came up with a 43. I replaced the module in the distributor and no luck. Someone said maybe a knock sensor? And also would the guy before me changing the steering columb, would that cause any of this if not done right? Thanks for any hel. This is my first time on here and I like it.

 

Anyone ??? Please I really need to figure this out cause I use this vehicle to commute to Seattle for my wifes cancer treatments. Any input is appreciated.

 

I am not sure what module you replaced "in the distributor" to try to correct for this code, but you should be looking at the wiring for the knock sensor or replacing the knock sensor itself. Here are the two code descriptions that I found (for a 88 with TBI 5.7L v8 - Vin 8):

43 - The ECM did not detect a knock signal during near wide open throttle operation with coolant temperature above 194� F or the knock signal was present for 5 seconds or more during normal engine operation.
43 - The ECM did not detect a knock signal during near wide open throttle operation, or the knock sensor voltage was above 3.62 volts or below 1.44 volts for 0.5 seconds.

The first description is also given for the 5.0L carb motors (Vin H & G) as well as the 5.7L carb motor (Vin 6).

 

Thanks for the help. I didn't want to just buy a knock sensor and blow 40 bucks if I wasn't sure, but it sounds like this is the problem.

 

Well I replaced the knock sensor. I reset the computer and still have the same problem? any other ideas.

 

Still giving you the same code?

 

If you are still getting the same code after replacing the knock sensor then you likely have a wiring problem between the knock sensor and the ESC (electronic spark control) module. The ESC is just to the inside of the passenger side valve cover.

Here is the diagnostic chart for Code 43 as well as the wiring diagram for the knock sensor and ESC module:

 

yes it is still giving the same code. I guess i will try and figure out what the esc module looks like tommorow and go from there. Thanks for all the info. Is there any of you in the Seattle area that wants to make a buck if I can't figure this out myself?