So I was driving with my friend yesterday down through the national park, everything was running just fine (or at least as well as it normally does). We're cruising down a hill at more or less 50, and after the curve of the hill I shift from 3rd to 4th, and everything sounds just fine (my exhaust is open right now so its quite loud). A few seconds later I hit the gas to go up the hill and I realize that nothing is happening. I looked down to find the engine had just shut off (0 rpm), and I hadn't noticed yet because the car was still in 4th gear. After stopping at the bottom of the hill, I tried to turn it on. It cranks just fine, and the fuel pump is working, and all the electronics seem to work, it just doesn't turn over. He called his dad (the only PO), who came and took a look at it. We spent a while looking, and determined that it was an electrical problem. I'm not good at electric stuff so I'm not 100% sure what all they did, but the contact on the end of the wire that delivers power to the distributor was corroded on the far end (not the end that connects to the middle of the dist. cap, but the other end), but switching that around and cleaning it didn't help. We took the dist. cap off, and the distributor "looks pretty beat up but should be fine...". However, he said there was a control chip or something under there that might have gone bad? Could that be the problem? If not, any suggestions? Sorry for my lack of knowledge about the electrical system; I hope I gave enough information. I'll try to answer any questions as best I can until I get off work tonight.
It's called the ICM, or Ignition Control Module. There is a lot of information about it on this site. If you need step-by-step instructions on how to replace it, just post a question.
Tachometer is your friend on ignition-related issues: If tach is not working (does not react while trying to start), it's low-voltage issue. If tach reacts, it's high-voltage issue (or fuel or mechanical).
Low-voltage means everything between ECM and ignition coil. High-voltage means everything between ignition coil and spark plugs.
When diagnosing this issue, suspect everything! Bad connectors, blown fuses, broken wires etc. At least, before buying stuff, make sure you have feeding voltages at ignition coil and ICM.
Use diagnostic chart from http://spad.dy.fi/fiero/man...6_Service_Manual.pdf page 683. You'll find ignition schematic from page 682. If you feel chart too complicated to do, find some friend that has some electrical background.
Fiero ignition system is quite simple. By separating modules it makes diagnosis as easy as it can be.
Cranking = turning over, turning over = cranking. An engine can turn over and not start and an engine can crank and not start. An engine can not crank and not turn over and an engine can not turn over and not crank. I hope this helps the many of you on the forum that misuse the two terms that mean the same thing.
Cranking = turning over, turning over = cranking. An engine can turn over and not start and an engine can crank and not start. An engine can not crank and not turn over and an engine can not turn over and not crank. I hope this helps the many of you on the forum that misuse the two terms that mean the same thing.
Careful John, or you might be accused of being a "fool" for trying to clarify the issue.
As mentioned above, the ignition control module probably died. That's a common problem with the Fiero V6. If you decide to replace the ICM yourself, I would strongly suggest using computer heatsink compound on it. And be careful to tighten the mounting screws evenly, so the ICM sits flat on the distributer. The distributer acts as a heatsink for the ICM, so it's critical to get those 2 things right.
And yeah, if the car is cranking it's turning over. Just FYI.
OP, my reply had nothing to do with you as you seem to be new to Fieros and willing to learn and work on your car. Best of luck getting the car going. I don't have any experience on 2.8s but it sounds like what the others are saying, a bad ignition control module.
OP, my reply had nothing to do with you as you seem to be new to Fieros and willing to learn and work on your car.
Absolutely. The OP made a common error in terminology (especially for someone new to working on engines), but for some reason another member here felt it was improper of me to help clarify the issue... and he also felt it was necessary to be insulting in the process.
quote
Originally posted by I FAR I:
No sh*t, Sherlock......He already knows that.
Wise men speak because they have something to say; Fools, because they have to say something. -Plato
Rather uncalled for IMO.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-03-2015).]
As mentioned above, the ignition control module probably died. That's a common problem with the Fiero V6. If you decide to replace the ICM yourself, I would strongly suggest using computer heatsink compound on it. And be careful to tighten the mounting screws evenly, so the ICM sits flat on the distributer. The distributer acts as a heatsink for the ICM, so it's critical to get those 2 things right.
And yeah, if the car is cranking it's turning over. Just FYI.
X2 . Module is probably it. If you replace it use a the AC Delco module. Most of the other brands ( especially the Chinese modules) are inferior and will not last. Also make sure that your engine blower is working. That's the fan in the trunk corner that supplies cool air to keep the module and alternator from experiencing heat failure.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Also make sure that your engine blower is working. That's the fan in the trunk corner that supplies cool air to keep the module and alternator from experiencing heat failure.
Good advice, as long as the OP's Fiero isn't an '88.
It's just not starting.
