I just went out to start my car and it wont start. Its an 88 2.8. This happened a week or two ago and i changed the ignition module and it started right up. This is the first time its happened since. It cranks good, the fuel pump turns on. I checked for spark real quick and didnt seem like i got any. but i might not have checked right. I smell fuel, so i dont think its that. Is there anything that would cause my ignition module to fail like this?? What could it be? I checked for codes and got a 34. Would a bad alternator cause this. My voltage gauge fluctuates a lot when i drive. Any help is greatly appreciated. I had to miss class because of this. Thanks.

Chris

 

Did you use the heat grease between the bottom of the spark module and the distributor base? Heat kills modules, that grease is important. You might also have a loose wire back there, you could always try the "wiggle test". Get the car running, and wiggle the module harness (NOT the spark plug wires!) and see if the motor acts up.

Oh, but ouch, code 34? Bad MAF sensor... maybe it's just coincidence that it failed. Do a search for my "code 34 chart", and do a search for "MAF visual inspection"...

 

Ok so i went to autozone today and had my ignition module tested. The test said that nothing was wrong with it. But today I took out the module that wasnt working put in an old one and it started right up first try. I dont understand what it is. Anyone with any ideas??? OH yeah and i did put that heat grease underneath it. Im clueless on this one.

Chris

 

How lucky ya feel Punk?

Bad coil
get ready to replace it.
Carry the spare modular and the tools to swap it in & out incase you get stranded anyway!
Honest, I really believe your coil is ready to go.
HAVE your alternator checked anyway.
Bad Alt. will cause ya no start, also!
Do well in school.
When wealthy, this will all seem like a funny moment.
And you'll be driving your new 2006 Firebird Trans Am! And your current F-body is preserved in storage for rebuilding as it's so valuable now.

 

Thanks for the help Tom and KED. I was thinking about the coil, but it was pretty new, i replaced it last year. Ill pick up a new one tomorrow. I had my alternator checked today too. It said that it was charging 89 amps on a 105 amp alternator. Does this mean its time for a new one?? Thanks for the help guys.

Chris

 

There ya go!
Low alternator=low coil output.
Bet you're overheating too!

 

I had those same symptoms too! the coil was loose from the metal peices around it. Took me forever to find out that, that was it, one day I just wiggled the coil and my engine would just kill. Runs great now, but I think the alternator is getting weak, with fogs, amp, lights and stuff on the amp needle goes down to about 12 while im at idle holding the breaks.

 

Thanks for the help everyone. I havent had any problems so far, but i would say give it a week. How would a low alternator output cause the car to overheat? My car doesnt overheat at all, unless its a lot of stop and go driving.

Chris

 

Your engine has to work harder to spin the alt. When an Alt starts to go bad it usaly is harder to spin.

 

Our cars w/AC REQUIRE ONLY ATLEAST MIMINUM NEED
105 amp output.
IF it ain't that, your car will have lots of problems.
Fan won't kick on (can't produce enough to activate fan, really true, equals overheating)
Lights flicker (I had that, changed alt., prob gone)
I'd add starting car to the list as alt. can't give the juice to the battery as it's weakened (low recharging while driving). Battery provides initial startup juice to the distributor to provide necessary spark (bright lightening white).
Buy one with life time warranty.

 

Speaking of alternators...what's the average output for one? Mine puts out a little above the centerline...around 14 I think... It's awesome..I love it..I can put my high beams and my a/c on, turn the stereo all the way up, wipers on..every power-sucking accessory and I'll lose only 1...TOPS.