Wondering if problem is ignition module?

Tiny
AMEFOR31
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET CAVALIER
  • 2.2L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
My car stalled in driveway the other morning and cranks but will not start back up. Battery and starter is fine. We pulled fuel filter and checked it, its good. You can hear the fuel pump running and there is gas in the line at the motor. I scanned computer, 0 codes. Could this be the ignition module or any other suggestions? I had a 88 cavalier that did this and it turned out to be the ignition module but before buying part I would like advice as to try it or just take car to mechanic
Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 12:10 PM

15 Replies

Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Have the helper crank it while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs. If you have spark everywhere, check fuel pressure.

Also check for a fuel injector pulse, engine cranking.

To check for spark, you just pull a spark plug wire loose, use a spark tester in the boot, ground spark tester to metal part of engine. Have helper crank it, while you watch for spark. Your local auto store should sell a cheap spark tester. There are other ways to check for spark, secondary ignition voltage hasn't killed me yet, but, I still don't like it. The safest way is don't hold anything in your hand. The spark tester has an alligator clip on it, you don't have to hold it.

Without doing a little testing it may be hard to pin point the issue?
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 12:35 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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Could be the ignition control module or the crankshaft position sensor
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 12:48 PM
Tiny
AMEFOR31
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Bf said it has spark, does crank sensor not show on scan?
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 1:02 PM
Tiny
JDL
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Right now, if you have spark everywhere, I don't think it is the crank sensor or ignition module? Hey, I've been wrong before. On the vin4 and vin f 2.2L, The computer controls spark, no bypass ignition. The cam sensor should be for just injector sequences.

Do you have an injector pulse?

Hey Raz, haven't seen you in a while, have a good day, man.
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 1:56 PM
Tiny
JDL
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Just to add, if you have scanner that shows live engine data, look for an rpm signal, if your scanner shows that info.

In my opinion, a scanner shows codes plus live engine data. A code reader just shows codes. When people say scanner, it confuses me, when the tool just shows codes. Lol
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
AMEFOR31
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  • 7 POSTS
Ok yes I just have a code reader lol. I could have my bf check for fuel pulse, but to be on safe side I think I'm just gonna tow it to my mechanic. I was just hoping to save money and fix it ourselves. We have 3 vehicles and all 3 decided to be difficult at the same time. We only have 1 on the road thus far. So you could say we are a bit frustrated. Thank you much for your advice I will leave this one to the pros ;)
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 2:31 PM
Tiny
JDL
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Let us know what you find?
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 3:06 PM
Tiny
AMEFOR31
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Ok I said I'd leave it to the pros, but bf came home from work with borrowed fuel pressure gauge from coworker. We checked it and it was only at the highest 6psi. After talking to him and noticing other things now question the fuel pressure regulator. If it does completely go will it cause the car to crank but not start? A few months ago I had a blast of black smoke come out when accelerating fast to merge onto highway, thought that wasn't right but still seemed to run ok. Have been noticing gas smell near exhaust in the back when warming up in am. When bf pulled spark plugs he said there was a little black soot that he cleaned. I asked him to pull oil dipstick and check if there was a gas smell on it, sure enough he said a little bit and he just added some oil yesterday. I have also noticed the last couple weeks while driving it seems I'm having to give it more gas then usual.
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Thursday, March 20th, 2014 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
JDL
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How did you check fuel pressure? I don't believe there is a Schrader valve on your fuel rail? My info shows you have to tee into supple line. Fuel pressure 50--60 psi. Right now I'm thinking fuel pump? Just my opinion.

If your engine oil smells like gas, how long since you changed your oil and filter? If it has been a long time, your oil very well may start to smell like gas.

As far as the fuel pressure regulator, you can take the vacuum tube off, the regulator, if gas runs out, the regulator is faulty.
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Friday, March 21st, 2014 AT 12:04 PM
Tiny
AMEFOR31
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I believe he tied into supply line, he's at work right now so can't ask, lol. We have had other suggest fuel pump too. The oil only has maybe 1700 to 2000 miles on it since last change which I was planning on changing it in the next few weeks. I will have him check the regulator if not tonight will be sometime over the weekend, if its not faulty I'm having towed to mechanics on monday. Will let you know what happens. Thanks!
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Friday, March 21st, 2014 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
JDL
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I looked at more info on your vehicle, it does appear to show a Schrader valve on the fuel rail. I just thought the picture looked odd, for some reason?
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Friday, March 21st, 2014 AT 2:00 PM
Tiny
AMEFOR31
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I looked at pic and he did tap into the schrader valve when he checked the fuel pressure. He was the one doing all the work, lol.
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Saturday, March 22nd, 2014 AT 7:37 AM
Tiny
JDL
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LOL, let us know what you find? Have a good day.
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Saturday, March 22nd, 2014 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
AMEFOR31
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  • 7 POSTS
It was the fuel pump car is running again. Thanks again!
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Sunday, March 30th, 2014 AT 2:26 PM
Tiny
JDL
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Glad you got it going your way.
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Sunday, March 30th, 2014 AT 2:41 PM

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