1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme????

Hello all, I have a 1990 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme with the 3.1L engine. The car would leave me stranded from time to time. I would let it sit for a few hours sometime a whole day and it would start but would leave me stranded again. Finally this last time it quit it won't restart, it cranks but no start.

I have check for spark, there is none
I have replaced the ignition module - still cranks but no start and or spark
I have changed spark plug wires and i did not change the plugs themselves because all this was changed recently. - still no start
Checked ECM - it keep repeating code 12, so that tells me thats ok

When i replaced the ignition module i did not replaced the coils, i just consider it weird if they all went dead at the same time.


My next idea was to change the the CPS - where is this thing on these cars anyway? Am i heading in the right direction? What else can i check, this is a distributerless engine - i don't have much experience with these and would appreciated any advice/imput.

Does the ignition module wait for the signal from the CPS before it does it thing, if so then i might be right about the CPS. What about current to the module itself? Could that part of the ECM be bad?

I know this is a lot of questions but any help would be greatly appreciated.

thanks.

matrix733

Welcome to AF!!

You are on the right track. The ECM takes a signal from the CPS before sending a signal to the ignition module to fire the coils. This way everthing stays in sync. On the 3.1 I believe the CPS is located in the rear of the engine next to the transmission but I could be wrong. You may want to purchase a shop manual such as a Chiltons manual for your car as it will show you exactly where it is located. You can also search the autozone website as they have information on this as well. Good Luck!

Thanks much, i got a manual and it says its located on the timing cover, behind the water pump, near the camshaft sprocket. I will change the sensor and let you know how it goes.

Thanks again.

Matrix733

. Go to autozone.com/repairinfo, enter the car info, go to repair info, guidelines are there.

Thanks much, i got a manual and it says its located on the timing cover, behind the water pump, near the camshaft sprocket. I will change the sensor and let you know how it goes.

Matrix733

That was wrong, I was looking at the incorrect diagram. Its located in the back of the engine, passenger side. I could not see it, I changed it by feeling and now I have sparks. But it still did not start until i rechecked and realised that the firing order was wrong.

It started right up after that, except i was not getting any spark on one wire. I will recheck again and then change the corresponding coil and plugs if need be. Thanks for all your help.

Matrix733