Circuit Description
The enhanced ignition system uses the crankshaft position (CKP) sensor in order to provide a timing input to the control module. Ignition control (IC) spark timing for each cylinder is based on this input. The control module provides the ignition timing signal to the ignition control module (ICM) to control the ignition coil. Each timing pulse detected by the ICM allows it to energize the ignition coil. A large secondary ignition voltage is induced in the secondary coil by the primary coil. This high voltage is switched to the correct spark plug by the distributor.
Diagnostic Aids
Check the following items:
The IC control circuit intermittent short to ground.
Basic engine mechanical problems:
| • | Distributor drive gear |
| • | Camshaft |
| • | Timing chain and gears |
An intermittent may be caused by a poor connection, rubbed through wire insulation, or a broken wire inside the insulation.
Thoroughly check any circuitry that is suspected of causing the intermittent complaint for the following conditions:
| • | Backed out terminals |
| • | Improper mating |
| • | Broken locks |
| • | Improperly formed or damaged terminals |
| • | Poor terminal to wire connections |
| • | Physical damage to the wiring harness |
| • | Corrosion |
| • | Moisture in the connector |
Test Description
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
The battery should be fully charged prior to any tests.
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Perform the OBD system check before proceeding unless it was already performed.
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Checks for proper output from the enhanced ignition system. The spark tester requires a minimum of 25,000 volts to operate. This check can be used in case of an ignition miss, because the system may provide enough voltage to run the engine but not enough to operate a spark plug under heavy load.
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This test separates the distributor cap, rotor, and ignition wires from the ignition coil in order to help identify a secondary ignition system problem.
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This test checks the ignition control module, connections, and wiring.
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This test begins to determine if the VCM is providing a signal to the ignition control module. If the VCM is not providing a signal to the ignition control module, the problem exists between the ignition control module and the VCM.
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This checks for a basic engine mechanical problem.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Important: Before cleaning the DTCs, use the scan tool Capture Info to save the Freeze Frame and Failure Records for reference. The control module's data is deleted once the Clear Info function is used. Did you perform the Powertrain ON-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check? | -- | |||||||||||
Is adequate spark present? | -- | Go to Symptoms | ||||||||||
Is adequate spark present? | -- | |||||||||||
4 | Measure the coil wire resistance using a J 39200 DMM. The resistance should be approximately the specified value. Is the resistance within the specified value? | 1000 ohms/inch | ||||||||||
Is the test lamp flashing while cranking the engine? | -- | |||||||||||
6 |
Is the test lamp ON? | -- | ||||||||||
7 | Probe the ignition coil harness connector terminal B with a test lamp connected to B+. Is the test lamp ON? | -- | ||||||||||
8 |
Does the voltage measure above the specified value? | 10.0 V | ||||||||||
9 |
Is the circuit open? | -- | ||||||||||
10 |
Does the voltage measure above the specified value? | 10.0 V | ||||||||||
11 | Probe the ignition control module harness connector terminal C with a test lamp connected to B+. Is the test lamp ON? | -- | ||||||||||
Is the voltage between the specified values? | 1.0-4.0 V | |||||||||||
13 |
Are any of these conditions present? | -- | ||||||||||
Did the distributor rotor turn? | -- | Go to Symptoms | ||||||||||
15 |
Is the circuit open? | -- | ||||||||||
16 | Probe the ignition control (IC) circuit at the VCM C3 connector with a test lamp connected to B+. Is the test lamp ON? | -- | ||||||||||
17 |
Is the test lamp ON? | -- | ||||||||||
18 | Check for an open or shorted to ground ignition positive voltage circuit at terminal A of the ignition coil. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
19 | Check for an open or shorted to ground ignition positive voltage circuit at terminal A of the ignition control module. Repair as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
20 | Check for a poor ignition control module connection. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||||||||||
21 | Check for a poor ignition coil connection. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||||||||||
22 | Check for a poor VCM connection. Did you find a problem? | -- | ||||||||||
23 | Repair the open ignition control module ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
24 | Repair the open IC circuit between the VCM and the ignition control module. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
25 | Repair the grounded IC circuit between the VCM and the ignition control module. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
26 | Repair the short to voltage in the IC circuit between the VCM and ignition control module. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
27 | Repair the open in the tachometer signal circuit between the ignition coil and the ignition control module. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
28 | Repair the short to ground in the tachometer signal circuit between the ignition coil and the ignition control module. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
29 | Repair the short to ground in the tachometer input circuit between the ignition coil and the instrument cluster. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
30 | Repair the circuit as necessary. Refer to Wiring Repairs . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
31 | Replace the ignition coil. Refer to Ignition Coil and Ignition Coil Module Replacement in Engine Electrical. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
32 | Replace the coil wire. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
33 | Replace the distributor rotor. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
34 | Replace the distributor cap. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
35 | Replace the ignition control module. Refer to Ignition Coil and Ignition Coil Module Replacement in Engine Electrical. Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
36 |
Refer to Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn . Is the action complete? | -- | -- | |||||||||
37 | Operate the vehicle within the conditions under which the original symptom was noted. Does the system now operate properly? | -- | System OK |
