I am having major issues with my wife'* car, It is a 1993 Bonneville SE.

The original problem was a shudder at medium speeds ( a common issue according to these boards). The local mechaninc said it was a problem with spark plugs. He said that the #6 wasn't getting a spark, and the plug was fouled. So, he replaced the 3/6 coil, and it didn't help. So he decided it must be the ignition module (the plate that the coils plug into).

So I found a scrapyard module (a new one costs over 200) and put it in, and changed the spark plugs. No help.

So I checked all the wires for spark. No spark on #6. I switched out the new coil that the mechanic had put on with the one from the scrapyard (They gave me the module and all 3 coils, bracket and all...) and voila! sparks. So I plugged the plug wire back in, and started the car.

This time, it started up and died. I tink I got all the wires back on in the appropriate order, but I am not 100% certain. I had crossed 4 and 6 at one point (on the coils and plugs), while checking to see if it was the wire that was the issue, so I may have screwed up somewhere.


So, here are the reasons I think it may have died, but I really have no clue...

1. Maybe I have the wires in the wrong order. Would that cause it to die? (if so, I could use a diagram)

2. I sprayed WD-40 into the plug-end of the wires, so I could slide the boots down and check the connections and test for spark. Could the WD-40 on the plug wires and connectors on the plug ends be causing it to die?


The coils:
6
----3
2
----5
4
----1

The plugs I have them in

2===========4========6
<<<<<<ENGINE>>>>>>>>>
1===========3========5

I don't think that the WD 40 would affect it at all. Should actually be a pretty descent as I've never had a problem with that myself.

As for the spark issue, I think that maybe you had a lil corrosin build up between the ICM and the 3-6 Coil. Whick could in turn hinder spark power and intensity.

As for the wire routing......Here it goes:

PS it'* BIG

Wow, good effort with the drawing. Not to steal your thunder but this might be a bit easier to print...or see on one page

DAmn you and your FSM'* JAY!!!! LOL

If that'* where you got the pic from. But that'* ok. Anyways..... What'* your take on the firing problem?

It'* tough to say. I'm wondering if it started up smooth and then just died as if you pulled the key, or if it was very rough and finally 'gave up.' The used coil working better than the 'new' is an interesting one. I look at most mechanics as the root of all evil so I wouldn't be surprised to find he grabbed an unknowingly broken used one off an old repair and used it.

Try spraying a little starting fluid in it while you crank. See if that helps it fire up.

Great try Lakeville... next time you need to use watercolors.

I would look at that same connection issue that Lakeville is mentioning. If if affected the #6 connection maybe since it'* working, the connection issue moved.

Thanks for replying guys. The wires are all going to the correct plugs (and I thought that was a good drawing ) so that isn't the problem. It won't even start now. Any ideas?

And it just cut out like someone pulled the keys.

cranksensor?

Have you tried pulling the codes? That ought to be your first step, otherwise you're throwing time and money in the wind.