Trouble starting; code 538 ‘95 5.8
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Boise, ID
Trouble starting; code 538 ‘95 5.8
Hello,
I just went through replacing my truck’s plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. I also repaired or replaced any vacuum lines I found that were broken or close to it.
Battery is in good shape; I just replaced the ground and wires and terminals.
It will crank and try to start, but it always takes a few tries and it sometimes won’t start at all—if I wait and come back, usually it will. Once it starts, it’s running fine. Have an OBD-1, ran both EO and ER tests. The only code is 538 (insufficient RPM change during Dynamic Response Test/invalid cylinder balance test due to throttle movement during test.)
I can’t figure out what the cylinder balance test is; it doesn’t seem to do more than tell me there’s 8 cylinders. I am doing the “pedal to floor” test, but with no tach I’m not sure it’s high enough—but it sounds like it is.
It seems like the timing on these tests is very very picky. I’m always doing this alone, so I have to watch the computer and then get in the truck fast to do the wheel/OD/brake and then pedal to floor.
I haven’t driven it since the tune-up; just had it running to temp for tests.
Any ideas on why it’s stubborn to start? (Yes I can hear the fuel pump engage).
I just went through replacing my truck’s plugs, wires, cap, and rotor. I also repaired or replaced any vacuum lines I found that were broken or close to it.
Battery is in good shape; I just replaced the ground and wires and terminals.
It will crank and try to start, but it always takes a few tries and it sometimes won’t start at all—if I wait and come back, usually it will. Once it starts, it’s running fine. Have an OBD-1, ran both EO and ER tests. The only code is 538 (insufficient RPM change during Dynamic Response Test/invalid cylinder balance test due to throttle movement during test.)
I can’t figure out what the cylinder balance test is; it doesn’t seem to do more than tell me there’s 8 cylinders. I am doing the “pedal to floor” test, but with no tach I’m not sure it’s high enough—but it sounds like it is.
It seems like the timing on these tests is very very picky. I’m always doing this alone, so I have to watch the computer and then get in the truck fast to do the wheel/OD/brake and then pedal to floor.
I haven’t driven it since the tune-up; just had it running to temp for tests.
Any ideas on why it’s stubborn to start? (Yes I can hear the fuel pump engage).
Last edited by oldberry; Aug 14, 2022 at 03:04 PM. Reason: Updated title
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
You are ok. The goose test you did was not at the appropriate time. If you are using the innova code reader, they have an extension that will allow you to use the reader in the cab. Don't worry about he cylinder balance test.
538 (R) System did not receive "goose" test - TESTS
Just saw where you ran the KOEO test. It needs to be all clear before you run KOER test. So you had no codes for koeo and the continuous memory that comes automatically after that?
click this link
538 (R) System did not receive "goose" test - TESTS
Just saw where you ran the KOEO test. It needs to be all clear before you run KOER test. So you had no codes for koeo and the continuous memory that comes automatically after that?
click this link
Thread Starter
|
4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Boise, ID
You are ok. The goose test you did was not at the appropriate time. If you are using the innova code reader, they have an extension that will allow you to use the reader in the cab. Don't worry about he cylinder balance test.
538 (R) System did not receive "goose" test - TESTS
Just saw where you ran the KOEO test. It needs to be all clear before you run KOER test. So you had no codes for koeo and the continuous memory that comes automatically after that?
538 (R) System did not receive "goose" test - TESTS
Just saw where you ran the KOEO test. It needs to be all clear before you run KOER test. So you had no codes for koeo and the continuous memory that comes automatically after that?
I’ve run these a few times since I got the truck, so I’ve mastered the timing of the steering check, brakes, and OD, but I can’t seem to get the throttle one down. Never heard it called a goose test!
Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,822
Likes: 2,433
Does the truck still have the OEM exhaust manifolds or headers? How does the truck run otherwise? Have you checked for fault codes lately? You’d be surprised to find that the computer will have codes but it isn’t bad enough to turn on the check engine light. Stick a mechanical gauge on it to check fuel pressure.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Boise, ID
Would you elaborate on “but it sounds like it is”? Are you stomping the gas pedal all the way to the floor and immediately releasing the pedal? If not, then you aren’t doing it correctly.
Yes, that’s what I’m doing. I just meant I can’t read actual RPMs bc I don’t have a tach.
Does the truck still have the OEM exhaust manifolds or headers? How does the truck run otherwise? Have you checked for fault codes lately? You’d be surprised to find that the computer will have codes but it isn’t bad enough to turn on the check engine light. Stick a mechanical gauge on it to check fuel pressure.
Yes, that’s what I’m doing. I just meant I can’t read actual RPMs bc I don’t have a tach.
Does the truck still have the OEM exhaust manifolds or headers? How does the truck run otherwise? Have you checked for fault codes lately? You’d be surprised to find that the computer will have codes but it isn’t bad enough to turn on the check engine light. Stick a mechanical gauge on it to check fuel pressure.
Yes, I checked for fault codes before this work and after. It’s had the 538 each time, so either something is wrong I haven’t fixed, or I am somehow not doing something right with the goose test, but I have no idea what.
I have a vacuum gauge but no idea how to use it to check fuel pressure. I’ll have to look that one up.
Last edited by oldberry; Aug 14, 2022 at 03:56 PM. Reason: Forgot to address a question
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
You would need a fuel pressure tester. They are available at auto parts stores to rent with a full refund. Another tip for testing with the innova. After you have a code and you suspect it may be random or something you think should go away because you fixed or replaced a component you should clear the code. You do this by running you KOEO or KOER test and turn the code reader off when it starts giving you codes. This will clear any codes for a fresh test.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
Replacing the fuel filter is normal maintenance. Have you changed it? How many miles on the truck?
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Hotshot
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 12,822
Likes: 2,433
If you are mashing the pedal to the floor and immediately releasing it then you are fine. You don’t need to see rpms. The computer is looking for closed and wide open throttle voltages.
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Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Boise, ID
I drove it about 140 miles today, and other than not wanting to start, it ran beautifully—no lurching, revving, or wanting to stall. No Check Engine light. Mileage was around 13 mpg which is a major improvement since before I did plugs and such (more like 6-7).
It also has a new starter, FWIW.
Last edited by oldberry; Aug 15, 2022 at 01:18 AM.
Lead Driver
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 6,185
Likes: 633
From: Houston/Sugar Land
Sounds like it is in good shape. BTW You don't have to get a check engine light to have a code. I run my reader about once a month just to check. Always try to use Motorcraft parts when you can. Good luck.
Thread Starter
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4wd Low
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 13
Likes: 2
From: Boise, ID
Thanks for the advice! It had the light on before I did plugs & wires, and more codes than 538, so I’m grateful that basic maintenance did the trick for most of it. Since I have the scanner, I will probably also run the tests fairly often. It isn’t a daily driver, but I take it out of cell range about once a week, so I do my best to avoid surprises.
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