Chevy Monte Carlo Blows Black Smoke

Question:
car cranks but stalls immediately. Can hold gas pedal down a little and get it to stay cranked but runs rough, blows black smoke and stinks really bad. Removed sensor connections to see if check engine light would come on while cranked but it did not. Was told to do this to possibly conclude the computer was bad. Replaced computer and relearned password per instructions but have same problem since computer was replaced. Any suggestions? 2003 Chevy Monte Carlo SS.

Answer:
Disconnecting sensors to look for a check engine light while cranking does nothing for diagnosis. All sensors and systems need to run a test to determine if the engine light is required. This parameter is different for each system.

Sounds like you either have a leaking fuel pressure regulator or stuck open injector. These would explain the rich condition causing the smoke and not staying running. If the smoke is not caused by a fuel rich condition, then may have an upper intake manifold leaking coolant into the engine. Be sure to check the coolant level, remove a few plugs and inspect for signs of burning coolant or a fuel rich condition.

Fuel pressure and fuel quality should also be checked. Contaminated fuel will also cause these conditions. Using a gauge, get a sample into a clear jar and let it stand for a few minutes. If there is contamination you will see the gas seperate into distinct layers or different colors. If this is the case then the gas tank will need to be drained and filled with fresh fuel and the fuel injectors will need to be cleaned.

Question:
Changed EGR valve 3 weeks prior Repair = new computer and fuel filter and added Seafoam gas treatment. What should normal fuel pressure be and where do i check it at on the 3800 V6 engine?

Answer:
Fuel pressure is approx. 48 psi at idle. The service port used for checking fuel pressure is on the fuel front of the fuel rail. Install a gauge then turn the key to the nON positin. You should see the gauge jum to over 50 PSI, then settle back some. Start the engine and pressure should remoain steady.

Question:
2001 Chevy Monte Carlo V6. SES Light. Codes in scanner = DTC C1216. Question = Why does my Service Traction system as well as ABS light on. DTC Code 1216. What does this mean and how much is the repair cost generally. Do you know what the problem is.

The Electronic Brake Control Module (EBCM) monitors the On/Off state of each solenoid and recognizes when the ABS is in pressure decrease for too long. This fault indicates that the EBCM was unable to decrease brake pressure enough to a certain wheel to prevent excessive wheel slip.

Some testing would need to be done to determine if this is a sensor problem or an ABS valve assembly problem.