aldl codes, vacuum leaks etc

[kontolan85]

Hi
Im sure i sound like a dipstick here, but im not used to vehicles with computers etc.
I have earthed the aldl on test mode and got these codes in order 12, 36 , and 38, well apparently 36 is a vacuum leak but i cant find any info on 38 and yeh im sure its 38.
Also when i started the engine in test mode the engine light continually flashed is this normal?
i recently changed the inlet manifold gaskets and cleaned the throttle body and freed up the pcv, but before this i was getting the engine light staying on for some time after starting.
but now usually when i start her up i always get the engine light stay on for between 5- 20 seconds then it goes away untill i start it again.
So ...
1. what is code 38?
2. where can i search for this vacuum leak?
3 is continuous flashing normal when in test mode with engine running?

Thanks for any help

[Brett_jjj]

You dont have to start the engine to check for error codes.Just turn the key to the on position.Code 12 means everything is normal,but it also flashes code 12 three times before any error codes(if any) are flashed .Codes 36 & 38 I can't find anything about them for a VR,maybe double check them ones.And the vacuum leaks, I'd check the vacuum hoses around the engine etc for cracking or splitting or a disconected hose ,check around the plenum and throttle body where the vacuum hoses join them.Theres a vacuum tank under the left front guard (it looks like a black plastic ball thing).Check it for any cracks or holes and check the vacuum hose going to it.Check if the heater changes from floor to face or demist(engine running obviously).If it doesnt then it might be leaking vacuum behind the dash.

[kontolan85]

yeh brett i triple checked the codes i get 12,12,12,36,36,36,38,38,38 is my computer malfunctioning or does it have a virus haha, the heater does change from floor to face etc no probs, would a vacuum leak have any effect on power loss as ever since ive had this car she hasnt had much guts, runs fine, doesnt miss or sound bad, just lacks grunt. idles better now since i changed the manifold gasket which was in a bad state, tried to do a compression check, did the rhs of the engine but didnt have enough room to get in the other side to check and also lost patience after burning my hand many a time.

[Brett_jjj]

Ive got 3 workshop manuals here, one is a Hanes V6&V8 VN-VS.One is a Gregorys VS V6. And the last one is a Gregorys VP V6.The hanes one has error code 36-Vacuum leak but no code 38.The gregorys ones dont mention any code 36 or 38 so I dont know whats going on with it.Im gonna have a look online to see what I can find out.

[Brett_jjj]

I just found a list of error codes on here for a VR.It has got the error code 36-vacuum leak,but no mention of code 38.

[Brett_jjj]

Have you tried to reset the ecu to clear the errors.To do this just disconnect the battery for 10 min.Then see if the error returns after going for a drive.To look for vacuum leaks you can spray Aerostart ,degreaser or wd etc around the manifold joints and listen for the engine to change revs or the exhaust to smoke as the spray gets sucked into the leak.

[VSPantha]

I just checked the actual Holden workshop manual and it doesn't list a DTC38 either... wierd!

[shadow_bouncer]

hi i have a vs commodore it comes up with code 63 can anyone tell me what it is?

[Brett_jjj]

hi i have a vs commodore it comes up with code 63 can anyone tell me what it is?

Hi,It means theres no signal from the left hand side oxygen sensor.You should start a thread of your own when you want to post about a problem.Just click on new thread at the top of the main VR/VS page.You probably have a dead oxygen sensor,but check the wiring and connector first.Clear the error by disconnecting the battery for 5 minutes,then go for a 15-20 minute drive and see if the error returns.

[kontolan85]

Thanks brett i have reset the ecu and i am now getting 35, 36 , and 38, still stumped as to the code 38 and 35 is something to do with the idle apparently so are there some sensors that could be faulty for that one?, one other thing i would like to mention is she is starting to miss quite badly not really at idle but when i apply the accelerator mild to heavy and shes lost most power, and im pretty sure it happened after i degreased and washed the engine a few weeks ago, it started missing as soon as i took it for a spin after that then it went away for a while now its back again. cheers

[kontolan85]

also mate is the vaccum tank the big round black thing near the brake fluid resivour?

[Brett_jjj]

also mate is the vaccum tank the big round black thing near the brake fluid resivour?

No,thats the brake booster,the vacuum tank is under the left front guard behind the bumper,its a black ball looking thing.The brake booster can fail internally though and make the engine run crook ,you can check it by pushing in and holding on the footbrake ,then start the engine,the pedal should sink in a bit as the engine starts.If it doesnt move it could be the cause of your vacuum leak.Make sure you push the brake pedal a few times with the engine off just before you do this test,just to use up any stored vacuum.