I have a 1992 with 3.1 it cranks fine but has no fire I have replaced coil and distributor and have power to the coil but no spark is there an ESC in this car and where is it I have also checked the fuses all good or is there a small sensor/relay I don't know about any help is appreciated!!!! I'm a camaro lover I have owned over 20 from 1967 to 1992 I am beginning to dislike 3rd gen's or maby its just the electrionic stuff on them
Chuck

 

You are thinking EST, the ESC is the knock detection and spark retard system.

Under the distributor cap is the ignition module and then further in is the pick up coil. It may be either one them that is causing the no spark.

The ignition module can be replaced with the distributor in place. The pick up coil requires removing the distributor. Pulling the bottom gear off and the shaft out.

Note that while the distributor is out replace the O-ring that seals it to the intake manifold. It is on the distributor body right below the mounting flange.

RBob.

 

just installed a new distributor from auto zone I am an accomplished mechanic but am baffled, also installed a new coil just in case, found no broken wires checked with a volt/ohm meter, can the computer or the prom chip cut out the spark, or can the fuel circuit cut out the spark and allow the engine to continue to crank, I have fuel pressure but will check with pressure gage tonight to ensure 45 to 60 psi.
Chuck

 

Cranking timing is accomplished by the ICM and pickup coil alone. If you dont have spark during cranking, it is because either the coil or icm is not getting power or ground, or the pickup coil or ICM is bad.

 

new coil new distributor checked 12volt with digital meter at coil and at dist also 12 volt coming out of coil to cap wire can the 4 wire plug that has the wires to the computer timing part ecm est timing adjustment cut out the spark coming out of the dist module or interupt the pickup if the computer is bad I'm lost tonight I will try to get spark without the computer hooked up, if that doesn't work I guess I will take the dist. back and get another maby the module is bad out of the box I'm baffled last resort is the hook to local garage or a complete strip and a carbureted non computer change over to a 383 stroker
chuck
Chuck

 

On the distributor there is a 2-wire and a 4-wire plug. The 4-wire goes to the ECM and can be disconnected for testing spark. Note that the ECM won't fire the injectors with it unplugged.

But it can be disconnected to completely take the ECM out of the equation.

The two-wire connector between the distributor and coil is the +12 feed to the module (pink). The white wire is the coil ground/trigger from the module. The module pulls it low to dwell the coil, then releases it to fire the coil.

There is another possibility, the tach. The main connector on the coil has a heavy pink wire (+12 V from ignition switch), and a white wire. The white wire goes to the tachometer. Usually has a spade lug type connector on it. Disconnect that. Then try for spark again.

The tach and or the wire shorting has been known to keep the coil from firing.

If you want to do additional testing without having to crank the engine. Pull the distributor out and put a clip lead between the cap mounting plate and an engine ground point (need to ground the distributor body).

Do a key-on and just spin the distributor shaft via the gear end. Spark should happen. I usually put a spark plug on the coil wire.

RBob.

 

found a bad ground and the center pin in the dist cap had a weak spring replaced the cap and rotor again and now the car starts and runs THANKS for the help. have an check engine light after clearing the computer a code 12 diag test working properly computer verifies no rpm reference pulses are present during engine off testing I assume this means code scanner is working
2) code 42 electronic spark timing circuit open or shorted to ground during run or dis bypass circuit open I assume that this means the wire you unplug to set the timing is unplugged ( I pluged it in)

3) code 43 EST circuit low voltage detected or ESC circuit problems. This is the one that bothers me what do I fix to get rid of this code and check engine light

note car now run's fine and accelerates very good

Chuck

 

I still have a code 43 which another book I have says it is the Knock Sensor but I cannot find one on the 1992 RS with a 3.1?????????? and where is the ECM Computer I found 2 computers under the passenger dash 1 larger than the other which has the timing circuits in it I am planning to change it with a junk yard one to see if it helps the light I have a new distributor and coil and all new ignition components I just want the light to go out and stay out Thanks to anyone who can help
Chuck

 

I cannot figure out how to get to the message left me on where I found the ground problem. I had a broken terminal on the back of the right hand head where all the grounds come in not sure if that fixed the ignition or if it was the new distributor cap and rotor and wires I did them all at the same time
Chuck