1991 Chevy Cavalier spark shutting off

Tiny
STUNTS19
  • MEMBER
  • 1991 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 293,000 MILES
I did a test to see if the my car was sparking after it dies and I put a plug in the wire put it against the engine, there was no spark at all
but if I let it sit for 45 min it will start and run great until it warms up again then shut down I replaced the coil, plugs and wires, I am wondering if the ignition module would cause this problem if anyone can help it would be greatly appreciated thank you
Monday, March 24th, 2008 AT 11:49 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Are there any troublecodes? I wonder about the rpm signal? If there is no rpm signal during cranking, there will be no spark and no injector pulse. I can't rule out the ignition module, but, my first thought was the crank sensor. You could try to test the crank sensor, when it refuses to start. I guess you have b+ and ground at the ignition module, when it refuses to start?

At the discount autostore, the crank sensor is about 20 bucks, the ignition module is about a 100 bucks. Discount parts are not the best. Most people recommend OEM parts.
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Monday, March 24th, 2008 AT 12:59 PM
Tiny
STUNTS19
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  • 5 POSTS
It was bringing up code 42 (electronic spark timing circuit)
but not now?I have a new crank sensor.
Could you give me an idea on where it is
thank you
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Monday, March 24th, 2008 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
On a 3.1 vin T, It should be on the backside of the engine block, down low. One end of the ignition module has two connectors, the smaller connector should go to the crank sensor. It can be a son-of-a-gun to get the old one out. If that is the original sensor, it has the thin flange, it can be very brittle. The flange on the aftermarket sensors, on at least some, the flange is twice as thick and has a metal band.

I hate to fight with one of those crank sensors, if I'm not sure whether or not, that is the problem.
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Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 AT 7:12 AM
Tiny
STUNTS19
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  • 5 POSTS
I replaced the module and it is still doing the same thing I think i'm going to have to replace the crank sensor
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+1
Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 AT 11:05 AM
Tiny
STUNTS19
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  • 5 POSTS
Thank you so very much
it was the crank sensor
i never would have found it without you thank you
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Tuesday, March 25th, 2008 AT 1:39 PM

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