Firebird question

GEAUXTIGERS

MEMBER
1996 PONTIAC FIREBIRD
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
150,000 MILES

1996 Pontiac Firebird Formula 5.7L.I know it will be hard to answer this question without looking at the car, but the service engine soon light came on and the diag code says it is P0117 (coolant sensor) and P1361 (ECM has detected no ignition control pulses; open or short circuit condition; failed ignition control module; ECM failure). Other than the light, which prevents me from getting a safety inspection sticker - I don't feel any problems with the car. Starts right up and doesnt miss or run bad. The temp gauge did move up yesterday (we just bought it yesterday). I changed the thermostat and that seems to have fixed the problem. I guess my question is, more likely the ignition control module is going out or is the ECM failing to read it? Thanks

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Have you tried resetting the light to see if the same code comes back on? As far as your question, if it runs good, I would say the ECM is failing to read it and chances are there is a wiring issue.

Let me know.
Joe

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Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 AT 7:03 PM

GEAUXTIGERS

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Thanks Joe. I will reset it and see. We have not tried that, just got the car yesterday. The light came on when I was headed to get the inspection sticker, of course! Brought it to the AutoZone just to get the codes read, and of course they tried to sell me a new ECM. Of course I wanted to consult this site first because you guys are awesome!

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Tuesday, December 21st, 2010 AT 7:09 PM

GEAUXTIGERS

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Reset the computer and after 25 miles the light came back on. The motor is running strong, not sure what the computer is picking up. Hate to buy a new computer and the problem be some loose wire. Guess its time to give up the do-it-yourself and bring to a mechanic for proper diagnosis? Then again, that may cost more than the computer!

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Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 AT 4:28 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

IF the vehicle is still running good, something tells me the codes they are giving you are not correct. The original codes you gave me would have caused the engine to run poorly. Infact, I question that it would hardly run at all. I have to be honest, I just finished another one similar to yours and it was the ECM, but that car wouldn't hardly run. I think you need to get the computer rescanned to see if the same codes are the issue. Usually, when the light comes on and the vehicle is running properly, it is an emissions issue.

If you have it rescanned, let me know what codes or (if they are the same) are found. Something doesn't sound right to me.

Joe

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Wednesday, December 22nd, 2010 AT 1:24 PM

GEAUXTIGERS

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Thanks. I agree, the codes it was given me didnt fit with what the car was doing. But this one runs strong. I have been digging around this morning and noticed that the electrical connector to the ignition coil (the bottom one nearest the terminal) is very loose. I can move it back and side to side. Could this be creating an issue. There was also some moisture in the connections. The previous owner recently had the water pump changed and since this part is right next to the pump, just wondering if maybe the combination of the loose connection and moisture is causing the funny faulty codes? Your thoughts?