Hey gang. I've had several issues with my ignition module lately (been through four over the past three months). Last night, the car didn't misfire like it normally does before the module dies. Instead, it would turn off and turn right back on while driving. At one point the car turned off while parked. This morning the car turned on and then shut off after warming up for about a minute. The car won't turn on at all anymore. It threw a code, but I have no access to a reader and have no method of transportation now.

Any ideas? I've heard a few thoughts about the crank angle sensor.

Thanks in advance!

 

It would help if you would post with the year, engine (be specific as the 3.8 and 3.4 are two completely different animals). You're probably thinking of the crank position sensor. That's possible if it's a 96 or up with the 3800.

 

Sorry, can't believe I forgot that part.

The car is a 2000 v6 manual. 3800 series II

 

If you lived closer to here I'd help you out pulling the code but yeah OBDII cars have the what's called the crank position sensor. If that goes out I imagine that it won't let the car start.

 

according to the haynes manual I have, there is no way to check the sensor without some tool as well.

 

Yeah I have a scan tool but I don't have any use for it till I get my hands on something with OBDII again lol. Well I have a few friends that I help when they need codes pulled but yeah. You really need to find a way to pull the codes though.

 

Might have to go for a little walk to Autozone. About a mile down the road.

 

I discovered I didn't actually have a code. The silly light stays on no matter what as long as you don't turn the car on, which was impossible at the time. I also discovered that the wiring has something to do with the issues I've been having. I jiggled the harness that plugs into the module and POOF fuel system primes up and the car is ready to go. The car started right away after that. Is there a specific spot along the wiring that I should check for problems or should I just start peeling back the wiring cover and check all the wires? My guess is that one or more of them is grounding out on the manifold. (stupid location for wires imo, between a grounding plate and a motor).

Thanks in advance for the advice!

 

With shorts you have to check everywhere. There's no one particular spot where it does it more frequently than others. It could be anywhere. Good luck!

 

Is there a good method? I know sometimes wires can ground out even though they don't have obvious breaks.

 

yes there is. you will need a multimeter with a Continuity Buzzer. check the wire at a plug and at the computer if there is a buzz you found one that is grounded.

 

I have a multimeter, but I'm not sure about the continuity buzzer. I do know a little about the tool that can verify if something is positive or negative, for some reason I thought they could be used to find a ground too. But I'll see what I've got around the house to test continuity.

 

It apparently has something to do with the plug that goes into the back of the ignition module. Give it a tap and let go and I can hear the fuel prep up. Doesn't mean the car will start, but it has a better chance. I can't find anything visually wrong with the pins on the module or the plug. I even put dielectric grease on it yesterday in hopes of strengthening any weak connections.

 

It didn't start again today, so I returned to fiddling with the wiring harness. I decided to bend a few of the pins on the ignition module upward so they would get a better contact on the plug. So far, it has worked. I'll let you guys know if it still acts up after this or not.