'96, anybody ever changeout the coils/Ign. module?

[mike2004tct]

I posted this over in the cavalier section (click the link below)

Because these items are on the back of the block, how do you get at them?
I've tried from both the bottom and the top, I just can't reach them, or even see the fasteners holding them on.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=685797

[GTP Dad]

Based on your description of the problem in the other forum I suggest you replace the crank position sensor. Usually when the ignition module goes bad the car won't start at all. In you case it is a stalling issue. The key is that the car restarts almost immediately and it does it when warm. Classic signs of a CPS going bad. And just because you didn't get a code doesn't mean that the problem is not the CPS as they often will not throw a code until the go out totally.

[mike2004tct]

I'll probably give the CPS replacement a go this weekend. This has been an ongoing problem for over a year, just recently though, there are times when the car won't refire for 10 minutes cooldown period or so.

Because I get no CES light, I somewhat doubt if that's the problem, but other than the coil packs and module, that's the only other sensor I haven't replaced.
At $70.00, it's less than the coil/module parts, so what the heck.

(forgot to mention in the other post that I also replaced the fuel filter when I did the pump)

[GTP Dad]

I really don't think you will be sorry when you replace this sensor. The description you gave are classic CPS problems. A common issue with GM products. If you really believe that the ignition module is the problem, purchase one from a wrecking yard. A lot cheaper and if it doesn't solve the problem then you aren't out whole lot. To change it you will need to get under the vehicle and go up behind the engine.

[mike2004tct]

For a little 4 banger, this thing is a contortionist's nightmare.

The CPS is on the back of the block, next to the coil packs and below the oil pressure sending unit. I can't even see the bolt that holds it onto the block, let alone get at the thing.

Drove it up on ramps; no way to get at it from underneath.

Jacked it up and removed a wheel; even with the filter off, I'd need an
anorexic model with a 5 ft long arm to reach it (my arm barely fits through the frame support to get the filter out). Maybe if I took the CV shaft out and dropped the tranny, I might be able to get at it.

No way to access it from the top. I'd have to remove the head in oder to do it that way.

I'm resigned to the fact that I'll have to have my local mechanic do the job at $90.00/hr labor. He'll still stick me for an hour's worth of diagnostic time to boot.

Progress sometimes sucks.

[hotbug1776]

you've never worked on the Quad4 then I take it...or a final gen firebird or camaro.

it takes a great deal of flexibility to work on those motors in the engine bay.

try again, you can get it out if you use a mirror and some extensions on your ratchet.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

Based on your description of the problem in the other forum I suggest you replace the crank position sensor. Usually when the ignition module goes bad the car won't start at all.

Update:

My mechanic agrees with you.

As I posted above, I couldn't get at the thing, I would've replaced it if I could've, but didn't feel up to dropping the tranny in order to do it.

Took it in yesterday to my mechanic, and it stalled as he was pulling it in to the garage. Yippee!! (I always have those symptoms where things go wrong, but when you take it in, nothing happens and the mechanic gives you the "Oh sure" look)

So they diagnose it with no codes, and based upon my description and there tests, determine it's either CPS or Ignition module. The guy tells me he sees 10 CPS failures to 1 module failure.
Total cost, $359.00 with a note on the receipt that if the failures continue, they'll replace the Ignition module next. It's a $400.00 part, plus $87.00 labor and Misc $10.00 material charges.

I'll hope the CPS fixed the problem. They did 2 road tests with a 3 hour span between the two, and had no stalls. So I'll wish myself and my daughter good luck and wish I was younger and had skinnier arms.

[daditzygurl04]

Originally Posted by mike2004tct

Update:

My mechanic agrees with you.

As I posted above, I couldn't get at the thing, I would've replaced it if I could've, but didn't feel up to dropping the tranny in order to do it.

Took it in yesterday to my mechanic, and it stalled as he was pulling it in to the garage. Yippee!! (I always have those symptoms where things go wrong, but when you take it in, nothing happens and the mechanic gives you the "Oh sure" look)

So they diagnose it with no codes, and based upon my description and there tests, determine it's either CPS or Ignition module. The guy tells me he sees 10 CPS failures to 1 module failure.
Total cost, $359.00 with a note on the receipt that if the failures continue, they'll replace the Ignition module next. It's a $400.00 part, plus $87.00 labor and Misc $10.00 material charges.

I'll hope the CPS fixed the problem. They did 2 road tests with a 3 hour span between the two, and had no stalls. So I'll wish myself and my daughter good luck and wish I was younger and had skinnier arms.

This is probably kind of weird because I am only 16 years old, but I have a 1996 Sunfire GT. We acctually just replaced the ignition coils last friday. My dad had a pain getting in there but once he figured out what he was doing, he did alright. My car has so much more horsepower now, my dad even said that I should sell it.. but considering I get my lisnece in a few days.. he can think again. All I really know about it was that the two coil packs costed about 71 dollars from Auto Zone, and that he could see the spark plugs, that also have to be replaced, somewhere down in there. He took off the cover, but I can't help yah other than that... tell me how it goes. I love my car, literally...love it.. but I have to say that it is beginning to be a pain in the butt to me. Do you know if I put in spark plugs if that will help it to not stall when it idles. I sit at a stoplight, and when you go to give it gas... it tries to go.. and then dies... but starts back up fine.

-Victoria