Electronic Module

[Roger]

Anyone ever hear that if the module in the distributor (V6) goes bad, not only would the car not start but the distributor would not show any RPM's when cranking?

[Fierofool]

That's correct.  The tach gets it's signal from the pulses generated by the module. 

[RobsFieros]

Also check the rollpin that holds the gear on the bottom of the distributor. They do tend to shear the pin off not letting the shaft turn.

[Fierofool]

Roger, are you saying the tach doesn't move or the distributor shaft doesn't turn?  If it's the shaft not turning, it could be as Robbie says, or a broken camshaft or timing gear/chain. 

[Roger]

Distributor turns. Had a neighbor help with timing yesterday. TDC is correct as are spark plug wires and rotor. Getting +12 at coil, continuity on rotor. Cleaned corrosion off of all connectors. 880 ohms on the pickup coil-good. Tried 3 modules with same results...nothing. The Tach needle just barely moves when the key is first turned on but shows no RPM's at all when cranking. Getting fuel into cylinders.
I need one of those spark testers and will probably get one when I go to get the modules tested at Advance (UGH!).

I wouldn't think that a bad Tach filter would keep it from starting (unless it is shorted!)

I hope everyone safely survived the storm last night!

[85GT]

had the same problem with mine a couple years ago.. after trying 2 modules, a coil, cap and rotor,  it turned out to be a bad distributor.. just a thought

[Roger]

I had 2 modules checked by Advance. 1 bad, 1 good. Tossed the bad one there immediately.
Tried the good tested one back home...still nothing.
Disconnected the Tach filter...still nothing.
I have continuity on the 2 wires from the coil (which tests good) to the module and,
verified +12 to the coil.

I haven't tried colorful adjectives or threats...yet.
I need a nap.

Maybe I need to drink a beer before I try again?

[Fierofool]

To check for spark have you tried the Jerk Test, yet?  Hold the spark plug in your hand and have someone crank the engine.  If you jerk your hand away, you've got spark. 

You can also verify spark by holding the plug against the exhaust manifold.  Try a shot of WD40 into the throttle body while cranking.  If it fires, you've got spark.  Is the pickup coil solidly plugged into the module?  I have several tach filters if you want to try swapping some out. 

[Roger]

Yea. I tried the Jerk Test. There was a backfire but it didn't come from the Fiero.
After a shower and fresh underwear I went and bought an HEI spark tester.
I was too numb to connect it tho and I'll wait.
The pickup coil connector still has the locking tab on it and I'm certain it's plugged in.

Nothing more until Saturday.
Today's my birthday and I'm going to get drunk...again.

[Roger]

HEI tester is the better way to go but, I have confirmed spark.
Here's the ghost...
After installing a new rotor and cap it tried to start!
Stinky fumes.
Bad gas.
Back to dropping the tank and flushing the fuel system again this weekend then
try some fresh go juice.

[Roger]

I came across this old thread and realized that I should have updated it.

After all of the previous work and examination was said and done; Fierofool dropped by to assist.
It took him 15 minutes to discover that 2 wires INSIDE of the 4-pin connector at the Ignition Module had separated from the pins.
You HAD to take the connector apart to see (or find) this.

End of problem. Thanks to Fierofool!!!

[Fierofool]

To look at that connector was a diagnostic tip I learned from Ashby Arnette.  He told me he had encountered that problem more than once.  It seems that when the connector is offered up to any of the GM connections that have a male pin, if not aligned very well, the male pin can push the female terminal back due to the weakening of the aged plastic.  It allows the small barbs to cut into the plastic as the connector gets pushed.  As we did with Roger's car, we removed the wire with the female connector, sprung them just a little and reinserted them.  The WeatherPak style connectors seem to be the ones that commonly have this problem.  Especially those that are often disconnected and reconnected. 

The 88 Roger speaks of has had 2 owners since.  The current owner was hit in the rear and ThaDriver repaired it and primed the car.  It returned home where it's been sitting for at least a year.  I spoke with David, the owner's Father, a few weeks ago and he says Jesse is overseas, I think.  He's taken a job in Europe, as has his sister Nettie.  Each are in different countries, I believe.