My 89IROC starts sputtering when I try to accelerate and the RPMs are at about 2500 and higher. When the engine is not loaded it sometimes sputters at 4000 rpm or higher. I thought it might be fuel but when I look at the fuel pressure with a gage and make the condition happen the fuel pressure is fine. I even drove the car around with the fuel gage taped to the windshield where I could see it. One time the computer gave me a MAF code 33 and I changed the MAF and that didn't help at all. I was pissed because I can't return a MAF. I am now suspecting the ignition system.

What are the symptoms of a failing pickup coil or ignition module? I will change the cap and rotor and visually inspect the pickup coil and ignition module in a couple of weeks.

I need help with this problem.

Thanks guys

 

Sounds like a weak spark that can't ignite a loaded cylinder. Could be plugs, wires, cap, rotor, coil, or module.

 

does sound ignition related. you can get your ign module checked at most parts stores. however, if this is bad i dont think it would run at all. hows your timing?

 

It's always hard to diagnose a car that is not in good tune.... have you done a tune-up recently?

 

so true.

 

Maybe you guys are right and the cap and rotor are corroded badly from sitting around. I do remember the last module having a significant amount of rust on the terminals when I changed it but there were no symptoms.

I will check the distributor as soon as I get back home in 2 weeks. Thanks for your input guys.

The car was running great and this just popped up about a month ago. However, since I bought my new truck in February the camaro sits on the driveway more than it gets driven. I started driving it again recently because my brother in law borrowed my girlfriend's truck and I loaned her mine. I believe that the car was running the strongest it had ever run in the 8 years that I have owned it. The cap, rotor, and ignition module are about six months old, the wires are a year old and are the expensive MSD wires (my last set of MSD wires lasted years before I changed them and I never saw these symptoms before). Bosh platinum plugs too.

I'm glad you and I think alike. I will repost if I still have problems.

Thanks again.

 

Hey look, I found your problem. lol

 

nm

 

Good ol' A/C Delco rapid fire.

 

I should have known that since the car had sat in the driveway, the cap and rotor corroded all to hell. You guys are great. Thanks a lot.

Now it's time to cut the fins off the new MAF!!

 

Get rid of the plugs as well. Those screw on terminals cause lots of issues.

And why must people always chop up their sensors? Id imagine those heat sink fins serve at least some sort of purpose in a hot engine compartment.

 

I get scared of ruining the thing every time I cut one but it seems to work fine. I really feel a crisper response for some reason. It's probably all in my head though. The BUTT dyno isn't very accurate.

I replaced the ignition module too.

I will get new plugs soon.

 

I took the terminal off the plug, put the outer end in the vice and squeezed it down a little, screwed it back on the plug with a pair of pliers. 5 minutes spent to insure no coming loose anymore.