Help!! Optispark?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: detroit baby.
Help!! Optispark?
Hi all, I have a 93' LT1 vette, and i have ran into a little problem.
I was driving down the road and my car decided to take a dump on me. It just died. So i pulled it home and now im trying to troubleshoot the problem. Ive checked all the fuses, good. I can hear the fuel pump turn on and the gas tank gets pressurized, so i assume fuel pump is good. Checked the plugs, no spark. Where should I go from here?? Im pretty sure this narrows it down to the optispark, as i was worried about and I know is problematic. Could it be something else? Any input would be appreciated!
I was driving down the road and my car decided to take a dump on me. It just died. So i pulled it home and now im trying to troubleshoot the problem. Ive checked all the fuses, good. I can hear the fuel pump turn on and the gas tank gets pressurized, so i assume fuel pump is good. Checked the plugs, no spark. Where should I go from here?? Im pretty sure this narrows it down to the optispark, as i was worried about and I know is problematic. Could it be something else? Any input would be appreciated!
Racer
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 269
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver B.C.
First thing you should do is check your fault codes. That will help determine which part of your ignition system failed.
Don't automatically assume opti-spark failure.
Best of luck.
Don't automatically assume opti-spark failure.
Best of luck.
Last edited by Carpenter; Oct 14, 2007 at 07:26 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
paulpita07,
How many miles are on the car?
Any mods we should know about to help you figure out what's wrong?
any things done to the car lately that might have caused it (e.g. washed the engine).
BTW, there is still a 'coil', even with the Opti-spark system. There's also a computer which runs things and lots of sensors, so maybe you'll be lucky and it's not the opti-spark.
However, if it does turn out to be the problem, be sure to insist on the install of an upgraded version (one that has a positive vent system similiar to as installed from the factory on 95/96's), available aftermarket or can convert a stock unit.
How many miles are on the car?
Any mods we should know about to help you figure out what's wrong?
any things done to the car lately that might have caused it (e.g. washed the engine).
BTW, there is still a 'coil', even with the Opti-spark system. There's also a computer which runs things and lots of sensors, so maybe you'll be lucky and it's not the opti-spark.
However, if it does turn out to be the problem, be sure to insist on the install of an upgraded version (one that has a positive vent system similiar to as installed from the factory on 95/96's), available aftermarket or can convert a stock unit.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: California
I just went through the exact scenario with my '93 LT1 - the only exception is that I was fortunate enough to have mine die on me in my garage.
As Carpenter said, check you trouble codes *Before* you do anything else. In my case, the trouble code pointed to the Ignition Control Module. Further testing following the routine in my manual led me directly to the Ignition Control Module and, sure enough, that was the problem. I got the car running perfectly again for $93 plus my time.
Hope this helps.
Norm.
As Carpenter said, check you trouble codes *Before* you do anything else. In my case, the trouble code pointed to the Ignition Control Module. Further testing following the routine in my manual led me directly to the Ignition Control Module and, sure enough, that was the problem. I got the car running perfectly again for $93 plus my time.
Hope this helps.
Norm.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: California
Paulpita07
First, my troble code was Code 42 - "Electronic Spark Timing (EST) circuit grounded or Ignition Control (IC) circuit grounded or faulty bypass line".
With that info, I followed the diagnostic procedure listed in a chart in my manual for the LT-1 engine. It is a series of checks starting with checking the spark then moving on to voltage checks at different connectors until you reach a point where the chart points to a specific item as the problem. In my case it pointed directly to the Ignition Control Module.
I should also tell you that I had just purchased the car and had not yet ordered the factory manual. In desperation, all I could find readily available in my area was a Chilton manual. While I am not a fan of Chilton manuals, this one gave me everything I needed to troubleshoot my problem.
I hope this answered you question.
Norm.
First, my troble code was Code 42 - "Electronic Spark Timing (EST) circuit grounded or Ignition Control (IC) circuit grounded or faulty bypass line".
With that info, I followed the diagnostic procedure listed in a chart in my manual for the LT-1 engine. It is a series of checks starting with checking the spark then moving on to voltage checks at different connectors until you reach a point where the chart points to a specific item as the problem. In my case it pointed directly to the Ignition Control Module.
I should also tell you that I had just purchased the car and had not yet ordered the factory manual. In desperation, all I could find readily available in my area was a Chilton manual. While I am not a fan of Chilton manuals, this one gave me everything I needed to troubleshoot my problem.
I hope this answered you question.
Norm.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
