About engine identification and ignition control module ...

[jacquez]

The mechanic figured out that the problem with my car is that the ignition control module is bad and needs to be replaced. He also said that the part alone is $300 and, being cheap or whatever, I checked online and have seen some over $100 cheaper. Perhaps he is marking up the price, I don't know ... but I also don't know my engine type so I'm not 100% sure of the prices I'm finding. How can I be sure what size/type engine I have? The car/engine isn't really available to be looked at so another method would be great. I have the VIN. Can I know from that? It's a 4-door '93. I have these options from various car parts sites:

AutoZone
4 Cylinders 4 2.2L SFI OHV
6 Cylinders T 3.1L MFI OHV
6 Cylinders W 3.1L Flex Fuel
6 Cylinders X 3.4L SFI DOHC

O'Reilly Auto Parts
4-134 2.2L OHV
V6-191 3.1L

Advance Auto Parts
Engine-----------Engine Details
L4 2.2 Liter FI----LN2 133 CID VIN 4
V6 3.1 Liter FI----189 CID VIN T O.H.V.
V6 3.1 Liter FI----189 CID VIN W

All those look like gibberish to me. I know V6 refers to 6 cylinders, but that's about it. The mechanic mentioned that my car is a V6 when talking about my oil leaks, and I may sound dumb but I had no idea it was a V6. Never really paid attention I guess. The most I've done under the hood with it for the last year (about how long I've had it) was refill fluids.

Aside from the fact that I don't know my vehicle's specifications ... Is the ignition control module replacement as easy as it looks? I've looked at a few sites and looks like all you need to do is remove the spark plugs and replace the old ICM with the new one and put the spark plugs back. I'm not sure if this info is vehicle specific, though, but I do have a torque wrench and some other more standard tools ('standard' is just my opinion, of course, and I mean wrenches and sockets and pliers). Does spark plug removal require a special tool? I think I've heard that it does before, but I'm not sure.

Well, clearly I'm an amateur in the realm of automobiles, but I thank you for reading through if you made it this far. Since it's so long, I highlighted the actual questions. If I missed an important detail, ask and I will answer.

Thanks!