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top_jimmy44
New User
May 28, 2008, 7:59 AM
Post #1 of 5
(13692 views)
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Ignition coil problems
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Hello. I am having problems with my ignition coil.
Car - Chevy Cavalier - 1999
2.2 L engine
The problem started two weeks ago. I took my car to get the AC charged and the next morning, the car would start, but as soon as I put it in gear, it would sputter and stall. If I got the car up to speed, it would run and I could drive it, but it was still bogging down on hills and was very difficult to get up to speed from a stop.
My mechanic replaced the spark plugs and wires but the engine still gave misfire codes. He then replaced the ignition coil and it solved the problem.
A week went by and when I woke up this morning, the problem came back. I did not notice any problems with the car up until this morning when I tried to start it up. It did start and I was able to drive it to the shop again, but still had the same problem. The mechanic gave me a replacement part and I installed it and the problem is gone again.
He said that if it happens again, we could look at it and see if we could figure out what is frying the coil. It is only happening to the coil for cylinders 2 and 3. The coil for cylinder 1 and 4 is original and has never been replaced. What could possibly cause this to happen? If it was a defective part, that would make sense, but if it happens again, what should I look for?
Thanks.
Jim
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 28, 2008, 9:51 AM
Post #2 of 5
(13682 views)
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Re: Ignition coil problems
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It very well may have been a defective coil?
But it also could be the ignition module that may have a poor internal connection for the coil driver.
A coil driver is an electronic switch inside the module that turns the primary ignition coil circuits on and off, every time a coil needs to fire.
If this is a connection problem at or inside the module; that would explain why the car ran ok for a week and the started to act up again.
By you replacing the coil; you inadvertently disturbed the connection, allowing it to work for a while?
The only way of proving this would be to replace the ignition module and see if that’s it?
There are other possibilities that could be causing this as well; like the ignition divers inside the PCM (computer); these drivers tell the ignition module, when and which coil to fire?
The joys of electronics; their not all that bad to diagnose when something burns out but intermittent problems can be a nightmare.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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top_jimmy44
New User
May 28, 2008, 12:33 PM
Post #3 of 5
(13677 views)
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Re: Ignition coil problems
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Dan,
Thanks. I kinda figured it wouldn't be easy. If it turns out that the ignition module is causing the problem, I would most likely search local junk yards for a replacement. Do you know what years, makes and models have the same module as a 99 cavalier? If I remember right, the Pontiac Sunfire shares some of the same parts but I wasn't sure about the module.
Thanks again.
Jim
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
May 28, 2008, 1:07 PM
Post #4 of 5
(13676 views)
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Re: Ignition coil problems
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You’re right about the Cavalier and Sunfire being more or less the same car; a 2.2 is a 2.2lt. But if you’re going to try a used module; make sure it is the proper (exact) module for your system. Even if the replacement looks identical and will plug in; but a year or two different then yours, it may not be the same electronically.
I’ve even have had trouble with new aftermarket modules when forced to use them; as in tripping check engine lights for no apparent reason, poor fuel mileage and overall poor engine performance issues.
There’s a reason why some of the aftermarket modules are less expensive (what I’m not sure), then an AC Delco (GM) module and it’s not just because they don’t have the General’s stamp on it.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 28, 2008, 5:29 PM
Post #5 of 5
(13669 views)
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Re: Ignition coil problems
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http://www.partsamerXXXXXica.com/...mfrpartnumber=CBE120 That link didn't work from here so you can check the advance auto site for parts and that perticular parts house show what parts will fit other cars.
If that helps it shows what years and vehicles the ignition module fits or is supposed to work with for aftermarket and if you are going used you could check just those vehicles and look or an OE one....
T
(edit because link didn't work)
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 28, 2008, 5:33 PM)
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