

If the ignition control module has failed altogether, it’ll create a weak spark, and the car won’t start.Ĭheck to see if the switch and terminals are free from rust and replace any damaged or broken spark plugs wires as necessary.Īlternatively, it could be a bad ignition module.Ī simple way of testing the ignition module is to leave the car idling for 30 minutes and then tap the ignition module with a screwdriver. If your ignition control module is on the fritz, you’ll find your car occasionally stalling. The ignition control module manages the flow of electrical current fed to the ignition coil, which generates the coil voltage necessary to fire the spark plugs. An Issue With The Ignition Control Module Fuel won’t make it to the injectors if the crank position sensor doesn’t signal the ECM. ASs such, a bad crank position sensor often manifests as a failure to start, but more worryingly, it can cause the engine to stall at any speed.īegin by looking for a corroded, loose, broken wire from the powertrain control module. When the crank sensor begins acting up, it can’t supply the ECM with the correct information. Without the crank sensor, the engine control module ( ECM ) wouldn’t know when to fire the fuel injectors and ignite the spark plugs. The crankshaft position sensor monitors the position and rotational speeds of the crankshaft. Ensure each rotor point is clean.Īlternatively, the distributor condenser could be the issue.

A faulty distributor rotor can short the coil voltage, resulting in a faulty connection in the cap’s terminal - which can then lead to a misfire in the spark plugs. While you’re there, check the rotor, rotor arm, and rotor button are in good working order. There should be no erosion on the surface, and the firing points should be free from rust and decay. Open the cap and ensure the inside and outside are clean. The distributor cap is a good starting point. However, any number of reasons could be causing the issue. If your engine cranks but won’t start, there’s a good chance it’s because it’s failing to produce a good spark or simply won’t spark. No Spark From Distributor to Plugs : 6 Potential Causes If there’s no spark or a weak spark, the next step is determining the reason. Then, have someone crank the engine and look for a spark.Insert a spark plug tester into the boot plug and ground it on a piece of metal on the engine.Deactivate the fuel system by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay.
#BAD IGNITION SWITCH PROFESSIONAL#
If you’re not comfortable disconnecting various components to access the distributor, let a professional mechanic handle it instead.īefore you begin the test, ensure your car battery is fully charged, and you have another pair of hands nearby.

Note that the distributor is quite a complex piece of equipment that’s difficult to access.
