1980 Malibu check engine light

[Bronze coupe!]

Hey there I’m looking for some help I’m looking to getting into a g body it is a 1980 Malibu 305 all original a neighbor of mine is selling everything seems fine except the check engine light is on and i can’t figure it out. I would like to make sure everything is ok before buying it. I can’t find a diagnostic port under the dash like say a 81 and later model to jump the pin is there any way of pulling a code on a 1980? Thank you

 

[79longroof]

Hey there I’m looking for some help I’m looking to getting into a g body it is a 1980 Malibu 305 all original a neighbor of mine is selling everything seems fine except the check engine light is on and i can’t figure it out. I would like to make sure everything is ok before buying it. I can’t find a diagnostic port under the dash like say a 81 and later model to jump the pin is there any way of pulling a code on a 1980? Thank you

I might be wrong but I don't believe they had any kind of computer control on those cars in 80. It is most likely the oil pressure sender claiming low oil pressure.

 

[airboatgreg]

The later 80 1/2 did have CCOT so there is an ALDL under the dash on the drivers side. I would look first at carb and see if it has wiring to it. The ALDL will probably be under radio on left side or over your left knee when in drivers seat. I wouldn't be real concerned about it depending on what you plan to do with the car as this one has limited fuel and timing control

 

[Ribbedroof]

Some 1980 model year cars had the "C4" computer system installed

The Malibu was an "A" series car in 1980, but is today referred to as part of the G body family.

Here are a couple pertinent pages from the 1980 shop manual (which I highly recommend buying if you keep the OE systems on the car)

You will probably (depending on monitor size and eyesight quality) want to use the "open in original location" arrow after opening the pic of the ECM layout. Note that codes will be flashed on the CEL after grounding the GREEN connector which originates from terminal D at the ECM harness

 

[airboatgreg]

Some 1980 model year cars had the "C4" computer system installed

The Malibu was an "A" series car in 1980, but is today referred to as part of the G body family.

Here are a couple pertinent pages from the 1980 shop manual (which I highly recommend buying if you keep the OE systems on the car)

You will probably (depending on monitor size and eyesight quality) want to use the "open in original location" arrow after opening the pic of the ECM layout. Note that codes will be flashed on the CEL after grounding the GREEN connector which originates from terminal D at the ECM harness

View attachment 86424 View attachment 86425

I forgot about the green connector
You are correct
hey...it's been a long time?

 

[Ribbedroof]

I forgot about the green connector
You are correct
hey...it's been a long time?

Saul Goodman

 

[pagrunt]

Wasn't pre '81 computer cars California cars outside of 231 powered cars?

 

[Longroof79]

Saul Goodman

I'm patiently waiting for the new episodes...It's all good, man.

 

[Ribbedroof]

Wasn't pre '81 computer cars California cars outside of 231 powered cars?

I believe that's correct, but it isn't specified in the manual. It does indicate that the system was used on all engine variants

 

[Ribbedroof]

I'm patiently waiting for the new episodes...It's all good, man.

I watch it on Netflix, so I binge-watched the last season in 3 nights. I'm pathetic.