Hey im working on a Bonneville SSEi Supercharged, its a 1992. Well it wont start, it would crank and crank somtimes fire but twice i had it start and run, it stumbled badly at low RPMs and had an SES light, but above 2000 rpms it ran smooth. then suddenly it just cut out. So i pulled the code, Code 17, Spark reference ciruit. Ok so i put a new ignition module in it and it got somewhat worse, now it cranks and cranks and somtimes fires and occasionally puts to life runing on probably 3 cylinders ro so shaking violently and then stalls abruptly. new plugs, new wires also, would be affect it that i didnt use di electric grease on the coils and modules? I was thinking trying the coils next, but i wanted your guys insight. Thanks!

coils would be a good thing to look at next

Coils?

Not yet, please stop shotgunning parts onto the car. I'm no expert and don't have the eariler books, but that sure sounds like we need to have you checking the crank/cam sensors and wiring.

On the ICM replacement, wiggle the connector around and ensure the pins are all making good contact, or put the old one on and sell your new one.

Hang in..more help is coming soon.

Coils won't cause a code 17, but if you bought your ignition module from either of these two locations:

http://local.yahoo.com/results?fr=dd...sz=Pasco%2C+WA

Then take it back. I had a member here in Oregon who bought a Duralast ICM from Autozone and it just plain didn't work. Even after the original problem was fixed, the original ICM had to go back on the car and it ran fine.

Check the wiring to the cam and crank sensors carefully. Chances are it'* one of those two sensors, more likely the crank sensor behind the harmonic balancer. Do you still have the code 17 with the new ICM? Have you cleared the codes at any time?

Actually when i got it to start sort of the SES light was gone, no more code 17 after the new module. Iv wiggled all the connectors and wiring to no avail. The Module was from carquest, not sure on the brand, I have a multi meter and i suppose till try and see if the CPS is putting anything out. I was gonna get junkyard coils and see if it made a difference. CPS was my next bet. I was under the impression cam sensotr doesnt keep the car from running.

I've seen no start situations from merely unhooking and rehooking the ICM connector. If one or two pins aren't making contact, you will have nothing.

Coils cause misfires and minor issues, You should never be able to find a car with all three coils completely bad at one time.

This looks to be an issue with wiring (are any wires exposed, bare, or grounding on part of the engine?) or a sensor/ICM connetion.

Well im noticing a clanking now, and the thing backfires, and i popped the oil cap, and watched the rockers as i cranked it over....there not moving......im thinkin the timing chain broke or somthing, because it ran then abrubtly stoped and then stopped trying to start all together, so i may compression test it or somthing but i think this cars done fore, damn...Bad investment for him, hes a used car salemen.

I don't think we have ever had a timing chain snap in this clubs history. The 3.8 is similar to the 350'* of olden day where they don't jump teeth, they don't break.. it'* simply something you never hear about.

You can't backfire w/o some type of timing and compression.

My personal thoughts are your new ICM is swapped back off the car and you start checking the crank sensor/wiring.

Are we talking backfire thru the exhaust or the intake?

exhaust backfire. I check some of the wiring and its all in looms, i also checked under that large plastic peice over the */c. Nothing to report, i couldnt figure out wich wires came off the crank sensor to the ignition module or anything either.