2 Symptoms of a Deteriorating Ignition Module

The ignition module of your vehicle controls the timing of the spark plugs by opening and closing the ignition coil ground circuit. The ignition module has a direct impact on the performance of the engine. The module resembles a small electrical box with a wire harness. It is usually located on or in the distributor housing in domestic vehicles, and on the firewall or wheel-well in foreign vehicles. Like all automobile components, the ignition module will eventually deteriorate and break. You can anticipate and prepare for the failure. These tips will help you locate the weak point in your car.

1. Overheating

Overheating is a common cause of ignition module problem. You will observe a distinct pattern of symptoms if the module is overheating. The car will start and run normally, but stall after a few minutes of intense operation. However, if you wait a short time, the overheated ignition module will cool off and you can start the car again. This situation is fairly unique to overheating problems. Overheating will also cause electrical shorts, engine stuttering, lower gas mileage, power loss, stalling, and gasoline odors in the exhaust. Ignition modules that are overheating will soon completely cease to function. You can test for overheating while the car still runs. Idle the engine for 30 minutes, and then tap the module with a screwdriver. The car may stall, strongly suggesting that ignition control module overheating is the source of the problem. If you are caught with an overheated module in an emergency situation, you can cool it down with ice water, engine coolant, or refrigerant fluid. This is a temporary solution; only use it as a last resort to reach repair facilities.

2. Sudden Failure

Ignition modules may stop working abruptly because of loose or corroded electrical connections. In this case the vehicle will stall unexpectedly during operation and not start again. Check the switch. Clean oxidized terminals and replace broken wires if necessary. The circuits may also be critically damaged by overheating if the problem is not addressed after the first or second occurrence. If you cannot start the car, testing the functionality of the ignition control module might seem difficult. Use a light timing tester to check the output of the module. Connect the timer to the positive terminal of the battery and check the continuity of the black output wire while cranking the starter. If the light blinks, the module is good. If the light is blank or constant, the module is bad. Before you attempt to replace the control module, you must rule out other ignition system components. The module is expensive and replacing it is a laborious process. Check the ignition coil for a spark. Examine the wires at the cap, rotor, and spark plugs. If the car runs but has timing problems, use a tester light and wrench to adjust the spark plug timing according to the manufacturer’s specifications.