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c.day1981
New User
Feb 17, 2010, 6:02 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Spark Module Melting
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I had my spark module replaced which fixed the problem I was having on my 1989 Buick Park Avenue. The mechanic said the car ran good for 20 minutes but then shut off again. He then showed me the old melted spark module and said the same thing would happen to the new one if he left it in. He said it may be timely and costly for him to figure out the problem and I may be better off junking the car, since I had bought it for only $700. Before I junk the car I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing. Can anyone help? What makes a spark module melt on the inside? Thank You!
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steve01832
Veteran
Feb 18, 2010, 5:14 AM
Post #2 of 7
(1657 views)
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Re: Spark Module Melting
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Sounds like excessive heat. First, make sure there are no exhaust leaks directing heat directly to the module. If ok, then you may have a secondary ignition system problem. Usually, a shorted coil will overheat the module to a point of failure. Faulty plugs and wires will also cause a module to eventually fail. From what you are describing, I would suspect a faulty coil pack. I believe this system uses a type I ignition system, meaning all 3 coils are integrated into one coil pack unit. Your mechanic should replace the coil pack and module, then scope the engine to check the integrity of the secondary ignition system to see if plugs and wires may be needed also. The coil pack and module together are quite expensive, but the fix is better than having a monthly car payment if the rest of the vehicle is in fairly good shape. Please post back with the results.
Steve
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
Feb 18, 2010, 7:37 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Spark Module Melting
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Good call, Steve. High secondary resistance will kill a module.
Loren
SW Washington
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c.day1981
New User
Feb 19, 2010, 3:56 PM
Post #4 of 7
(1638 views)
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Re: Spark Module Melting
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The coil and module were replaced (for $240), but I had him return the parts, because after running good for 20 minutes the engine shut off again. He said it could get expensive trying to figure out what's wrong and if he didn't the new module would surely melt. Now I know, from you, that it's the secondary ignition which needs to be looked at after the coil and module get replaced again. But I still have no clue how much more it could cost and, therefore, if it's worth it.... Thank you very much for taking the time to reply, but I'm still not sure what to do.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
Feb 19, 2010, 6:47 PM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Spark Module Melting
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c.day; I would take a hard look at the crank position sensor. These will fail when hot, and very seldom set a trouble code. When they 'take a dump' you'll lose spark. Was very common on these engines. That wouldn't explain the 'melting' issue, though.
Loren
SW Washington
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c.day1981
New User
Feb 22, 2010, 7:13 PM
Post #6 of 7
(1622 views)
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Re: Spark Module Melting
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A cam shaft sensor code did come up. Is this what you are refering to? They said the module being messed up is tripping the other codes... but you're saying the cam shaft sensor may have been the initial problem and reason for the melting? Thank you very much by the way. I am starting to think I may keep the car and get this work done.
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Loren Champlain Sr
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/ Moderator
Feb 22, 2010, 7:18 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Spark Module Melting
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To my knowledge, a cam sensor won't cause an engine to die and not restart. A crank sensor, yes. A faulty cam sensor can cause an extended crank, hard to start...lowered fuel economy, ect. Have them put a lab scope on the crank sensor at varying temps. Same with the crank sensor.
Loren
SW Washington
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