Doesn't give enough "fire" to get the car starting

Tiny
CR4CKALAKA
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 PONTIAC GRAND AM
My 2000 Pontiac Grand AM won't start. Well, it does once in a while (hot day or cold), I smell gas from the gas pump, I know that works. The Sparkplugs work (but doesn't give a constant blue spark. Its a little reddish and spark flashes) The car runs well (when it runs) Its like the car doesn't give enough "fire" to get the car starting. Can anyone help me please.
Tuesday, February 17th, 2009 AT 10:18 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Typically you will get orange/red sparks due to having weak coils or ignition control modules.
It can also happen is the coils does not get the 12V it requires to work properly.
If the coil pack has too much internal resistance due to age it will become weaker and will produce that weak spark instead of the powerful blue spark.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

You need to first check to see if you are getting enough power to the coil pack.
Simply check for voltage with a multimeter at the coil electrical connectors.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-wiring

I have attached diagrams for your reference.

Please let me know of any questions.

Thank you.
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Friday, August 13th, 2021 AT 2:15 PM

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