Will The ECM Cause No Spark?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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It is

extremely rare for a no spark condition

to be the result of a faulty coil or ECM. Users get fixated on these items and jump to the conclusion they must be responsible for their problem because these items are easy to see and replace.

What would cause no spark to spark plugs?

Loss of spark is caused by anything that

prevents coil voltage

from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap.

How do I fix no spark?

  1. Disable the fuel system by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay.
  2. Insert a spark plug tester into the plug boot and ground it on a piece of metal on the engine.
  3. Finally, Have someone crank the engine and watch for spark.

Can a ignition control module cause no spark?

Stalling: A failing ignition module can occasionally prevent the engine from getting spark, causing it to stall. 4. Car won’t start: An engine needs four basic things to run: fuel,compression, spark and exhaust.

If the ignition module has failed completely

, the vehicle won’t get spark and won’t start.

What has power to the coil but no spark?

There are a few reasons for no spark, new coil pack could be defective, crank sensor,

ignition module

or bad wire in primary circuit, faulty ECM/PCM. You may have to have a good technician have a look, diagnose and estimate repair. Second link gives detailed instructions for testing and diagnosing coil pack.

Why does my engine turn over but not start?

When your engine cranks but won’t start or run, it could mean your engine is

having trouble producing a spark, getting fuel, or creating compression

. The most common causes are problems in the ignition (for example, a bad ignition coil) or fuel system (for example, a clogged fuel filter).

What causes weak spark?

If the spark is still weak after replacing the whole ignition system, then

the normal size wiring or connector to the coil may be corroded or damaged

somehow. The other real longshot is that the grounding strap between the engine/trans, body, and negative battery terminal is corroded/worn/damaged.

Can timing cause no spark?

If the timing belt slipped several teeth then the camshaft AND distributor rotor may both be retarded. If the rotor

was too retarded

then the coil can create the spark… but if the rotor isn’t on a dizzy cap terminal then you won’t get spark routed to the plug wire.

Where is the ignition control module located?

The ignition module may be located

inside the distributor, on the distributor housing

, or mounted to the side of the engine compartment. When a module goes bad, it normally fails totally and the engine won’t run at all. Checking your ignition module is an easy task that requires only the simplest of tools.

How do you test for weak spark?

The proper method to check for spark is with

a spark tester

. It resembles a spark plug but has a sunken center electrode that simulates a load on the coil. Holding the plug wire and seeing if a spark jumps to ground is inconclusive. The spark is arcing in atmospheric pressure.

Can you bypass a ignition Control Module?

To allow

the ECU to take control

of ignition timing it will “bypass” the ignitor and send the signal to the ECU for ignition timing processing. … The ECU then sends a signal back to the ignitor with the ignition timing adjusted and then the ignitor module fires the coil.

What are signs of a bad ignition module?

One of the first symptoms of a problem with the ignition module are engine performance issues. If the ignition module fails or has any problems it can lead to performance issues with the vehicle, such as

misfires, hesitation, loss of power, and even reduced fuel economy

.

How do you diagnose a bad ignition control module?

  1. Acceleration Issues. The vehicle may shake, vibrate or jerk when the gas pedal is pressed. There may be hesitation or lack of power during increases in speed.
  2. Temperature Problems. A faulty ignition module can cause a vehicle to overheat. …
  3. No Power. The engine may turn over without starting.

What gives power to the ignition coil?


The battery

provides low voltage electricity to the ignition coil. … That moves other distributor parts that cause the ignition coil to pulse, and sends the electricity down each spark plug wire in order. The power travels down the spark plug wires to the spark plugs and causes sparks.

How do I test my ignition coil without spark?

If the ignition coil does not have spark, it’s time to check its wires.

Use a test light to check the continuity on the signal wire and power wire on the ignition coil

. If both wires are functional but the coil fails to produce spark, the ignition coil or the ignition control module is bad.

Is there a fuse for ignition coil?

The ignition relay is one of the most important electronic relays found on modern vehicles. It is usually located

in the fuse

and relay panel beneath the hood, and is responsible for providing power to the vehicle’s ignition system, and some of the fuel system’s components.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.