Carina Fault 21 Driving Me Nuts

[greyskull2]

I KNOW THAT THIS IS A LONG STANDING QUERY ON THIS FORUM BUT I HOPE THAT SOMEONES EXPERIENCE WILL SHINE SOME LIGHT ON MY PROBLEM. MY ORANGE DASH LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR OVER A MONTH NOW(SHOWS CODE 21) ON A 1.6E CARINA 4AFE (165K MILES)AND I HAVE CHANGED THE LAMBDA FOR ANOTHER FROM A BREAKERS - LIGHT STILL ON EVEN THOUGH I DISCONNECTED THE Battery FOR AN HOUR. i HAVE CHECKED ALL THE CONNECTIONS,CLEANED PLUGS, FILTERS,HT CAP,ETC BUT NO JOY. THE STRANGE THING IS THAT IT RUNS OK APART FROM THE PINKING AND GREAT THIRST FOR FUEL. IS A PROBLEM E.C.U. A COMMON FAULT ON THIS MODEL??? ANY OTHER THOUGHTS ????? MANY THANKS

[gazza1286]

Can you be certain that the sensor from the breakers is working correctly? The symptoms you describe suggest that the sensor is at fault. especially the thirst for fuel.

[greyskull2]

Can you be certain that the sensor from the breakers is working correctly? The symptoms you describe suggest that the sensor is at fault. especially the thirst for fuel.

I can't be certain - all I was told was that it was off a perfectly healthy engine. The guy that sold it to me also suggested checking 2 other troublesome sensors that are located near the carb - any ideas?

I used to get a puff of smoke occassionally on start up but when I think of it, I haven't had any since she started running in emergency mode!! Does that give any clues???

[Healing Hands]

Hi Code 21 Lean burn sensor malfunction. Open circuit between ECU and leanburn sensor. Check for continuity.

99% of the time its a known failure of the lean burn sensor itself. Try to buy from reputable source ie Toyota. Have known Pattern ones not to work. Breakers Yard no chance!

C YA