engine trouble code 1218

[77vetteguy]

ok so my check engine light came on and i did the self test. the code i got was 1218. i looked it up and the explaination doesnt really tell me much.

heres what it says:

output stage, group 1 ------ This code is stored if there is a short to B+ or Ground at the
Output Amplifier Stage (Bank 1). Generally this code occurs
with other defects. Causes may be a faulty Idle Speed
Actuator, Injector Valves, Ignition Coil on Plug, Oxygen
Sensor Heating Relay, Fuel Evaporation, Control Valve,
Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) and/or EKP Relay. Delete
the code after examining for other faults. If the code recurs,
delete code, then disconnect the DME for a minimum of 5
minutes to initiate a reset. Rerun car. If code recurs and no
other defects are found the DME is most likely damaged and
must be replaced. If the code does not recur and the engine
runs properly, ignore.

the symptoms are:
bad gas mileage. -----
will not run in the morning for about 2 min without gas. after that its fine. ----

the check engine light does not stay on all the time. in the morning when its cold the light stays on. once it gets to normal operating temp the light will shut off for a while but come on after awhile. it also flashes a couple times if the light stays off for awhile.

bad 02 sensor is what im kind of thinking.

[DNRC]

1218 DME Computer Output, Group #1 These two codes can be generated when there is a ground fault short circuit from B+ at one of the two DME Output Amplifier Stages. This code is not typically seen by itself, and is usually generated with a host of other codes. Possible problems may be O2 sensor heater relay, fuel evap system problem, EKP relay, ignition coil problem, a faulty idle speed actuator, etc. If you get this code, disconnect the DME and let it sit for 15 minutes, then recheck the codes. If it persists, and no other problems are found, then it is probably an internal DME problem. If the code goes away, then ignore it and call it an intermittent error.

that is all I could find

[E36 Phantom]

First, clean your ICV. Then, disconnect the DME for 15-30 mins. See if that works.

[77vetteguy]

ive had to clean the icv before so i know that. but where is the dme

[E36 Phantom]

Pass side firewall. Little plastic cover. Search for instructions on how to install a chip on an OBDI car and it'll tell you how to remove the DME.

If you have a shop with real equipment scan it, they should be able to give you the cause of the problem, not just a general code.

[77vetteguy]

oh the computer. i know how to unplug that. it got wet last winter.