'90 model w/ multiple problems (Please Help)

[Lurgoyph]

So after pouring over thread after thread trying to find a solution to my problems I think I may have found the answer and would just like to check if I've deduced correctly.

I recently recieved a '90 yr model chevy lumina 4-dr sedan 3.1 v-6, yada yada, 80k miles. Didn't drive it for 2 months due to laws here in Texas stipulating the neccessity to hold insurance on a car for a month before being able to register it. Took it to get inspected and then to get it registered when it stalled while in drive. Power steering and the ABS went out but radio, lights, fan all still worked. Pulled down a street and rolled to a stop. Tried to start it up again and it didn't want to turn over, it was almost there but it just wouldn't turn over. Thinking the gas gauge might've been broken I put more gas in it. nope. So then thought it might've overheated cause there's no Temp gauge, but again no. So I called a freind and they came and picked me up. Left and returned a few hours later, where upon trying to start the car it worked fine.

So, the problem persisted. Car died on me while driving on the highway, on my street less than 100 ft from home upon my return from the grocery store, etc. But always it will not start right back up, but will when given a few hours to rest.

Talked to a few people and was told many a things, but the one that stuck was someone telling me it was the ignition switch. Decided to finally take care of it and went and jumped A&B on the DCL with a paperclip and recieved Flash, Flash, Flash, Flash, pause, Flash, Flash. Code 42. SO the EST to the ODBI with the ECM, yaye, from reading I do believe I was blessed with the most dubious of codes. And it seems I'm not alone from what I've read either. but it didn't all click, or at least I hope it did, when I was reading a thread not relating directly to my problem, or so I don't think now. Someone with trouble with their AC on same make and model recieved code 42.

Originally Posted by Blue Bowtie

The error code is indicating a problem with the ignition timing, and since the timing is controlled by the ECM through the ignition module, that's a good place to start looking.

Originally Posted by btduckcall

ok are you getting any codes,maybe a code 42? i belive what is happening the engine timing is not advancing when the a/c is turned on, causing it to die. if this is the case, pull your ign control module and take it to autozone and have them check it. you will have to pull the coils off for them to check it. it sends a singnal to the a/c sends a signal to it and in turn it sends a signal to ecm request for spark and fuel advancement. i that is the only thing i can think of

And I remembered, my AC didn't work either, the fan blew air but I never did hear it click on. Also reading how supposedly the ignition modules have faulty heat shields and what I had been told already it just all seems to point to the ignition module.

So basically I would like some assurance that I'm going in the right direction. going to remove the ignition module from the car and get it checked at auto zone. If that is the case I'm not going to pay 85 bucks for a replacement when I can get one for 7 bucks and tax from pick and pull. Which also leads me to ask. What other ignition modules from other makes and models are compatable with a '90 chevy lumina? And um yeah, can't find any manuals online or diagrams that tell me where the ignition module is, where is it?

thank you to those who took the time to read this and help.

[richtazz]

The ignition module is bolted to the front of the block between it and the radiator on your car (it's a BITCH to get to). Just follow the spark plug wires down, as the coils are bolted to the ignition module. There are 3 bolts that hold the ICM/coil bracket to the block, one on each end, and one on top between two of the coils. I personally would spend the money on a new one, as it's a difficult part to replace, and a fairly common problem, especially if it's sat in the pick and pull exposed to the elements.

[Z15]

I had to replace the one on my 93 Lumina V6 this year, 80,000 miles. No stalling but check engine light came on one day. had the car checked by GM dealer and this was the problem.

Here is what the sucker looks like. AC Delco # D1998A for a 1990 and the very same one as my 1993. These cost a fortune List over $300, so don't damage it. Othe brands available but a GM tech friend tells me they will not install any because of come backs. Too many are just plain garbage from the far east, to many failed right out of the box or left the customer stranded. I guess to keep costs down, inferior parts are used to produce them.. He says local parts stores stopped carrying other brands because of these problems and now tell customers to go to dealer.

This fit all V6 GM cars from 1987 up to 2005.
List of all cars this fit

[maxwedge]

Available aftermarket at any parts store. Usually code 42.