Ignition Control Module Replacement?
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Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 223
Likes: 14
From: South Florida
Ignition Control Module Replacement?
For the last six months or so the car has become a slightly hard starter but I always attributed that to it sitting for weeks at a time in between running. Anyway, the other day went to start her up and all she did was crank...and crank...and crank. I knew I had fuel ok so I figured we were lacking spark.
Sure enough, I took 10 minutes and replaced the Ignition Control Module and BANG she fired right up - not even cranked once over - I mean barely touched the key and she was running like a champ.
Now...a week later the hard start symptom is gone - poof - just like that - walk out there, turn the key and wammo - she is running.
So here is my question(s) - 1) was the Ignition Control Module dying a slow death thus making the car harder and harder to start until it crapped out all together, and 2) now that I have a new GM Ignition Control Module, rather than the crappy aftermaket one and she is running great, do I need to re-time the motor due to a new control module?
Has anyone heard of this scenario before?? Thanks in advance guys!!
Sure enough, I took 10 minutes and replaced the Ignition Control Module and BANG she fired right up - not even cranked once over - I mean barely touched the key and she was running like a champ.
Now...a week later the hard start symptom is gone - poof - just like that - walk out there, turn the key and wammo - she is running.
So here is my question(s) - 1) was the Ignition Control Module dying a slow death thus making the car harder and harder to start until it crapped out all together, and 2) now that I have a new GM Ignition Control Module, rather than the crappy aftermaket one and she is running great, do I need to re-time the motor due to a new control module?
Has anyone heard of this scenario before?? Thanks in advance guys!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
The ignition control module should have nothing to do with the timing...unless you happened to rotate the distributor while installing it.
It does sound like your old module was causing your starting problem as evidenced by the disappearance of the problem. It may have been putting out a weak spark and the new module is doing its job properly.
Glad for your sake you diagnosed it quickly and it was an easy fix.
It does sound like your old module was causing your starting problem as evidenced by the disappearance of the problem. It may have been putting out a weak spark and the new module is doing its job properly.
Glad for your sake you diagnosed it quickly and it was an easy fix.
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Joined: Jun 2021
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