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1993 Chev APV Other - Ignition System
Question: I brought my van in for repair because it wouldn't start. I have had the fuel pump replaced recently and it worked fine for 2 weeks and then it wouldn't start one morning. I opened the fuel cap to listen for the fuel pump to see if it was working, but heard nothing. I called the repair shop and they came and picked it up, they phoned me later and told me that it wasn't my fuel pump this time, but it was my ignition module. when I questioned why I didn't here the fuel pump operating in the tank they told me it was because the ignition tells the fuel pump to work and this was why I didn't hear it. I am now faced with the purchasing a new ignition module at over 300 dollars. can u tell me if what the shop is telling me is true. my motor is a 3.8 6 cly, 2 wheel drive, not all wheel drive.
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Technican: Hello,
The fuel pump runs for the first two seconds when the key is turned on, then the computer will turn it off until the engine starts. This two second run period is to pressure-up the fuel supply rail to the injectors for engine start. Once the engine starts the pump will run constantly to keep up with demand.
An ignition module is a seperate failure and unrelated to a fuel pump replacement. The module has the three ignition coils mounted directly on top of it. It can only be installed one way. You could do this if you have the metric tools. (nothing special is needed) National auto chain stores sell this part and quote prices over the phone.
Apparently you had a fuel pressure issue before. Now, there is no spark. Frustrating? NO doubt!
Owner: does the ingnition module have anything to do with telling the fuel pump to start working when the key is turned? when I turn the key should I hear the fuel pump even if the ignition module is faulty? What I would like to know is would changing ignition module solve my problem of my van not starting? I am worried that the shop will change something that doesn't need changing. Is there a way I can test the ignition module to ensure its working?
Technican: Hi,
The ignition module has no say in telling the fuel pump when to run. Its' job is to tell the coils when to release their high voltage down the plug wires to the spark plugs. The computer controls the ign. module based on input it receives from various sensors.
To hear the fuel pump run the two seconds when the key is turned to RUN (not start), you'll need someone to turn the key while you listen at the fuel tank inlet pipe with the gas cap removed. An ignition module, good or bad, cannot deter this test. It is not easy to hear if any other noise is present. (i.e. neighbors lawn mower or such)
Yes, if the ignition module is bad, a replacement is needed and should start the engine. It is an electronic part and fails over time like any such device. The only test you can do yourself without testing equipment, is to pull a plug wire loose from a coil and suspend the wire near the coil connection that it belongs on and watch for spark when someone else cranks the engine. VERY IMPORTANT: Use a stick or small 'Y' branch from a tree to hold the wire while the engine cranks. NO PLIERS OR MET!! That is 55, 000 volts you are checking for and it will hurt you if you are in it's path. If there is spark, the module is good. If there is no spark, the module is often the cause and replacement is needed.
Has anyone checked for codes stored in the computer??
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