92 3.1 Lumina NO SPARK problem

[tblake]

there are tons of grounds actually. Check that database under ground distrobution.

[luminachick]

I know this isn't the exact same car as on the thread title, but it's the closest thread to my problem.
I have a 98 lumina ltz with almost 150k mi, and a history of a delay in initiation of the starting cycle; when you turn the key, there is sometimes a brief hesitiation before the engine cranks. At various times, I have replaced the plugs, wires, the starter, alternator, and a few batteries. It also has this oddity that i think is unrelated, of not lighting up any brake lights except the highmount unless you pull back slightly on the turn signal.
A few days ago, when starting it up in the am, it hesitated briefly before cranking, then had an unusual rough idle that persisited until I shut it off. The next time i started it up, the hesitation was slightly longer, and the rough idle was present again. Also that time, the security light stayed on. After filling it up at the gas station with it running because i was afraid it wouldn't start back up if i turned it off, i proceeded down the highway. While on the highway, at approx 50mph on a slightly downhill slope, the engine misfired, and a second later stalled out entirely. While coasting in neutral, I tried to start it again, and at first there was no response, but after a few tries it would crank but not start. After getting it towed home, I discovered a blown serpentine belt. After replacing that, there was no change. The car still would crank but not start. First I checked all relevant fuses and relays. The fuel pump relay is heard to engage, as well as the fuel pump itself. Fuel is getting to the fuel rail. An ignition tester at the plug revealed no spark is being produced. It also appears there is also no current getting to the fuel injectors, as there was no reading on a voltmeter in the electrical connector off the fuel rail. My guess right now is the PCM. Anyone know where it's at, or have any other suggestions?

[tblake]

yes, try a different key. if the security light is on, the VATS system will disable current to the fuel inectors and to the starter relay. Instead of looking into an ecm related issue, first check out the condition of the resistor pellet chip in the key, and the contacts for it in the lock cylinder. Also may want to open up your own thread, you may get more responses that way, i just happened by this one bacause i have been following this problem, and many others on the lumina forums. good luck

[luminati]

Hi guys. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Well I tried the hotwire procedure and suffice to say no one is going to stel the car that way! Still no spark. Soon as it cools off a little here I'll check those grounds but I'm thinking I'm just outta luck. Thank you for your help tho.

[tblake]

no, your never out of luck. Theres a reason why yours wont fire the plugs. got a donar ignition module laying around? swap them and try it, and even though the ecm might be new, doesnt completly rule it out. Look for loose wires and loose grounds. Wish i could get ya a wire diagram of the IM. Check out the ecm plugs for corrosion. Is this the origional motor. I would take the IM, ECM, and could packs all in for testing to a diffeernt place again.

[luminati]

Tblake I gotta admire your never-say-die attitude! OK here's something I found but I don't know how important or helpful it is: I was checking out the fuses (again) in the fuse center near the right front shock tower. 2 of those fuses are marked "IGN". I tested the circuits with a light. The fuse on the left is hot when the key is on. But the one on the right had no juice going to it with the key on OR even while cranking the starter. Does this narrow anything down?

[tblake]

yeah, you may have found something. Look for maybe a zorched a fuse link. maybe for just circumstances, pull the fuse that has no b+ in hot and crank, and jumper from the battery to each spot and make an attempt to start. I dont like doing things like this, but if it starts you can nattor down everythign there after. And will know its a wiring problem before that fuse.

[tblake]

my sources show that under the hood on the right hand side, numbers 10 and 11 are both for the ignition system, as well as number 21 which is a 30A. I could be wrong, but check out all these fuses, in run and maybe even while cranking.(get a partner)

[luminati]

Hi guys:
I got the car to start. It was the ignition module the whole time. It tested fine at 2 separate Auto Zones. I got ahold of a different IM, switched them out and it fired right up. Live and learn! Thank you t-blake, richtazz, lt. carguy dave and travis. Here's to another 240k miles!

[richtazz]

Glad to hear you got her going Luminati.

Luminachick, your post got lost in this long and drawn out thread, you may want to re-post in your own thread, that way it will get addressed in an open forum. I will PM you with what I think are your issues.

[tblake]

YEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WHOOO HOOOOO So glad to hear it. We havn't heard from you for so long i thought maybe you had junked it and forgot about us. Thanks for the great feedback. Hope you stick around the forum with any valuable information you may be able to contribute.