GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

Ignition 1 voltage is supplied to the ignition coil. The engine control module (ECM) provides a ground for the ignition coil (IC) control circuits. When the ECM removes the ground path of the ignition primary coil, the magnetic field produced by the coil collapses. The collapsing magnetic field produces a voltage in the secondary coil which ignites the spark plugs. The sequencing and timing are controlled by the ECM. The ignition coil consists of the following circuits:

    • The ignition 1 voltage
    • The IC 1 and 4 control
    • The IC 2 and 3 control

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step tests for an open in the ignition 1 voltage circuit.

  2. This step test for high resistance in the ignition 1 voltage circuit.

  1. This step test for high resistance in the ignition coil (IC) control circuit.

Step

Action

Values

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Engine Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls?

--

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2

Important: Do not perform this diagnostic procedure if you were not sent here from a misfire DTC or the Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic.

Attempt to start the engine.

Does the engine start and run?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Does the engine misfire?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Intermittent Conditions

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ignition coil harness connector.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the ignition coil with a test lamp connected to a good ground. Refer to Probing Electrical Connectors in Wiring Systems.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 11

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuse that supplies ignition 1 voltage to the ignition coil.
  3. Measure the resistance of the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the ignition coil from the fuse to the harness connector terminal of the ignition coil.

Is the resistance less than the specified value?

2 ohms

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

6

    Important: An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  3. Connect a J 26792 Spark Tester to the boot of the spark plug of the misfiring cylinder and a good ground.
  4. Important: The companion cylinders are 1/4 and 2/3.

  5. Disconnect the companion cylinder spark plug wire from the spark plug.
  6. Connect a jumper wire between the companion cylinder spark plug wire and a good ground.
  7. Crank the engine.

Does the spark tester spark on the misfiring cylinder

--

System OK

Go to Step 7

7

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the ignition coil harness connector.
  3. Connect jumper wires from the harness connector of the ignition coil to the ignition coil.
  4. Using the jumper wires, exchange the IC control circuits.
  5. Crank the engine.

Does the spark tester spark on the misfiring cylinder

--

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 9

8

Test the appropriate ignition control circuit of the ignition coil for high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 10

9

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the ignition coil. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 12

10

Test for an intermittent and for a poor connection at the engine control module (ECM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 14

Go to Step 13

11

Repair an open or high resistance in the ignition 1 voltage circuit of the ignition coil. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 14

--

12

Replace the ignition coil. Refer to Ignition Coil Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

13

Replace the ECM. Refer to Engine Control Module Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 14

--

14

  1. Connect all disconnected components.
  2. Start the engine.
  3. Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 2

15

Are there any DTCs that have not been diagnosed?

--

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List

System OK