Question
Engine was running real rough and concluded #1 and #4 cylinders were not firing, however, #2 and #3 were firing. I thought that since there is 2 coils, that the coil was bad. But after replacing it, same problem. I switched the coils and still no spark to #1 or #4.
Could the module be bad? Would it make just 1 coil fire or is it the computer? Service engine light is on, but I am not very familiar with Saturns. Please Help!!
Answer #1
The module could have failed. I have repaired GM cars with a partial Ignition Module failure, so it can happen.
Reply
I replaced the module, but did not fix it. My guess is the PCM, but I do not know where it is.
Reply
Hello. I have a very similar problem. 2003 Saturn ION. Cylinders 2 and 4 (going from left to right) are either not firing at the right time or not firing at all. The car would drive fine but suddenly stall at a stop light. Starting would take 2-3 tries then it would be fine and would run fine. However after this happened I came home and the engine was studdering. Took off the ignition module (rectangular black with four rubber tubes) and cylinders 2 and 4 were quite built up with carbon. Checked the plugs and both plugs were missing the piece of metal (L shaped) that sits at the specified distance above the electrode. Replaced the plugs and it worked fine for a while, however car began to stall at red lights, took 2-3 times to start. Tried to start it today, it started ok then ran for about 30 seconds and stalled.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Reply
I had a coil die on me while driving once. When I replaced it with one from my parts car, I discovered something extremely valuble!!!! My car was a 1996 Saturn SL2. Parts car was 1997 SL1. Both have the same coil. And both had a ton of oil and dirt built-up between the coil and the engine block. I now have another 1997 SL2. Just bought it, only has 86,000 miles on it. It was starting hard. The odd thing was, it would start rightup after I would just turn the engine over for a second or two. It would also start easily after it was just shut off. I took off the coil tonight and found oil and mud. took it off cleaned it in the kitchen sink, PROBLEM SOLVED !!! Cleaning the coil should be part of routine maintenance for everyone. And, if you have a leaky Valve Cover Gasket, replace it ASAP. I will be doing mine today.
Answer #2
Not really sure either. But Autozone and some other part stores can test the module. It's pretty easy to take off. If 2 of four are firing and 2 are not I would say the module, coils or wires are the problem. If you already changed the coils then I wouls say test the module and replace the wires.
Answer #3
Hello. I have a very similar problem. 2003 Saturn ION. Cylinders 2 and 4 (going from left to right) are either not firing at the right time or not firing at all. The car would drive fine but suddenly stall at a stop light. Starting would take 2-3 tries then it would be fine and would run fine. However after this happened I came home and the engine was studdering. Took off the ignition module (rectangular black with four rubber tubes) and cylinders 2 and 4 were quite built up with carbon. Checked the plugs and both plugs were missing the piece of metal (L shaped) that sits at the specified distance above the electrode. Replaced the plugs and it worked fine for a while, however car began to stall at red lights, took 2-3 times to start. Tried to start it today, it started ok then ran for about 30 seconds and stalled.
Any suggestions? Thanks!
Answer #4
Ended up at the dealership. Computer was bad. Recently, the car was rear ended and totaled! Insurance and settlement covered all costs, including a another car!
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