My 86 SE 6 cylinder won't start. It cranks well but won't fire. The ignition coil tests good. The pickup coil has rust all over it and the connection to the ignition module is green.

Why does my Haynes manual tell me I have to remove the distributor to fix this? The coil is very rusted but it looks like there is a c clip holding the coil to the shaft. Can't I just cut this clip off and replace the coil?

Is it necessary to also replace the ignition module just because the connection to the coil is green?

I'd try replacing the ignition module first, since it's fairly easy and they're prone to failure anyhow. Make sure to use the thermal paste that comes with the new one (just a thin film covering 100% of the metal area).

Are you 100% sure the coil is good? Did you swap it into another car that then ran?

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87/88 V6 5spd Notchback Hybrid

quote Originally posted by bklassy: The coil is very rusted but it looks like there is a c clip holding the coil to the shaft. Can't I just cut this clip off and replace the coil?

No. At least, I've fixed at least one Fiero where someone tried to change the pickup coil w/o pulling the distributor. It was a mess.

You have to pull the distributor and remove its shaft, to change the pickup coil. It's not a bad job, after you've done it a few times (like just about every job ). Expect it to take longer than you planned (go figure how you do that) But you know what I mean...

Remember to mark the position of the distributor shaft, etc., before you remove it. And plan on replacing the o-ring while you're at it. Good luck !

I removed the ignition coil and it tested good.

The reason I think the pickup coil is bad is because it's so corroded. There is thick brown rust everywhere. It has flaked off in a spot on the actual coil so I can see the windings. On top of the coil it looks like there is a c clip but it is rusted so thoroughly that I'm sure it can't be removed without cutting it off in sections.

I still don't understand about removing the whole distributor to replace the pickup coil. Doesn't the coil basically sit on top of the distributor shaft? Isn't it held in place with just a c clip?

quote Originally posted by bklassy: Anybody have any hints concerning removing the pickup coil to ignition module clip? That little bugger is hard to get ahold of and doesn't want to come out.

Here is the entire procedure to do it.
http://home.xnet.com/~nife/articles/tt-pickupcoil.html