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We have this Saturn in the shop and it's giving us a headache. First time we saw this was in early December with misfire problems. Tested and found coil/module bad. Replaced the coil/module and spark plugs (they were fouled). Customer came in last week with same issue as before. Tested as usual and found spark problem on 2 cylinders. Of course, ordered another coil/module and still same problem. Performed all the usual tests, 5v reference, voltage supply/ground, resistance, cylinder compression, etc. etc. Ordered another coil/module from different vendor and retested. Now we have a weak spark. Continued testing and still come to the conclusion its in the coil pack for the weak spark. Ordered OEM this time, installed and retested - STILL HAVE WEAK SPARK. Retested crank sensor, wiring, etc. We've made a couple of calls to the Identifix Hotline and I think they're stumped as much as we are. Everything leads to the coil. I know its a very slim possibility of having 3 different coils/modules being bad out of the box, but very unlikely. I told my tech to put it back to the way it was when it came in and we'll start from scratch. We're stumped, have a ton of time in this and most likely not going to get paid for it (being this is a comeback). Looking for someone's advise in case we missed something simple. Thanks in advance.
So it's weak spark on one of the two coils? Either 1 & 4 or 2 & 3? If so I'd scope coil current to see if the problem is caused by coil dwell time being shorter on one coil. And if it is then scope the two IC timing signals.
From the sound of it I think there saying it’s a crank no start and weak spark from the coils not sure
I just read the two cylinders part and ran with it :lol: Could be all four and if it is I agree on stress testing power and ground with the BIG test light.
Thank for the replies. Just to clarify, its NOT a no start/crank problem, we have a running problem with misfire condition. We have done all the proper testing with scope, power & ground, etc. and all roads lead to the coil. We have gotten several coils/modules, including OE and still running into a weak spark condition. I just find it hard to believe that ALL of the parts we have received could be bad.
So you've already scoped coil control and haven't found anything there? How exactly are you testing for weak spark on this thing? It's not easy on one of these waste spark on plug systems and does risk damaging the coils if you do it wrong.
my tech says he used the spark tester and it's having a problem jumping the spark. What would you recommend?
An air gap spark tester will work fine but it has to be hooked up correctly. This thing being waste spark you can't connect the tester to ground like with a normal coil. That will show weak, or no, spark. You've got to connect it from the #1 to #4 HT terminals to test the one coil then from #2 to #3 to test the other.
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