Car has no spark

Tiny
ROBERT C12-34
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
I have a 2006 chevy malibu. It cranks but will not tun over. I know its getting gas. How do I check for a spark?
Sunday, December 5th, 2010 AT 3:39 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If module assembly is setting on top of the plugs, take the assembly off, turn upside down. Use known good spark plugs or spark testers in the boots. The spark tester will have to be grounded in order for spark. Also, use this guide to help check the spark

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Sunday, December 5th, 2010 AT 4:24 PM
Tiny
NATE1989
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.1L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 253,000 MILES
Hello, I have a 2001 Malibu with 253,000 Kilometres on it and I need some help with it.
I recently went to put in a cluster from a 99 Malibu into mine, bought the car with spare cluster, and when I put the second cluster into my car, I noticed some smoke coming from my engine bay, now me being the dumb one didn't check if older clusters could fit into a newer one.

The burn came from my ignition control module the power and ground connector had a very strong burn smell coming from it and the connector had melted a little bit. I bought a new connector and spliced it on and replaced the Ignition Module just to be safe and now my car wont start, it's getting fuel and all just NO spark.

How can I diagnose this issue to get my car running again?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
That's because you need to h ave a pro program your other module to your car if it's not damaged as well from the short you obviously cause by your work.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
REP517
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.1L
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 178,000 MILES
The other day on the highway, car dies. Will crank now, but won't spark. After investigating, I found there is no spark. Since I got the car just over a month ago, I've had nothing but problems out of it. At this point I've replaced EGR Valve, Idle Air Control, Plugs, Wires, Oil and Filter, Throttle Body, Timing chain and cogs, 24(x) crank sensor, 7(x) Crank Sensor, Ignition Control Module (2x), All 3 Coils. May be more, just can't remember it all. I'm not in a position to survive very long without my vehicle, so I gotta figure it out. Tested every connection possible with a multimeter, and can't find anything out of the way. I don't get why I still don't have spark. Any ideas? I'm a fairly good mechanic, I've been doing it for a long time. But this has me stumped.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Try a different key your diode may be bad in one you are trying to start with ifnot a diode key follow instructions in pic
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
REP517
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
OK, tried the theft system reset, doesn't do what the instructions say it would. When I turn the key to "on", the theft system indicator is on as well. After attempted crank, indicator disappears. I've been told that my battery could be an issue as far as the cold cranking amps, even if 12v is present. Idk if it will help, but when it died, it was sudden. All lights in my panel disappeared for a second, but they came right back on. There have been no diagnostic codes at all, which is why I replaced both crank sensors. I'm at a loss and a single dad with no help. This car is my life.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Have battery checked for condition including load test as they will do that. Most places do for free. Check all fuses under hood and you may need a pro to scan to seeif security system is engaged.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
REP517
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Ok, so the battery turned out to be bad after all. But I still have no spark. Replaced the camshaft position sensor, still nothing. I have power where my ignitor is, and a switching signal as well. I've just recently replaced the coils, so I don't think they're bad. I put my original coils on to check, still didn't get a spark. But those were bad to begin with and that's why they're new. Could this be a computer problem? I know they don't generally go bad, but I don't know what else to check. I've heard a bad ground somewhere can have this effect, but wouldn't my readings be off as far as testing if I had a bad ground somewhere?
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
REP517
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Also, called about pricing the theft system fix, and was told that it would only affect my fuel delivery. I would still have a spark if it was anti theft system.
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Chaeck all fuses under hood and have a pro scan for codes.I fit's an ecm he will have to program it anyhow
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Thursday, June 18th, 2020 AT 2:58 PM (Merged)

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