LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

Ignition Issue

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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:09 PM
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Default Ignition Issue

I have started having issues with the ignition on my car. It started idling rough and fluctuating more than normal at idle. It then started hesitating upon acceleration. It got worse as I drove it home. However as long as the rpm was above about 2k, it seemed fine. I checked the wires (and the plugs are new). I drove it again tonight after sitting 24 hours and at first it was fine, but as soon as it started heating up, it started missing again. And it got progressively worse as it warmed up. I had the coil tested and it seems OK. I am thinking it could either be the Ignition Control Module or the OPTI. Both are original (as well as the cap and rotor) and have 115k miles. Does it sound like one or the other? Anybody have any different ideas? Thanks in advance.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:21 PM
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Sounds like o2 sensors and not ignition.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:24 PM
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Originally Posted by infinitebird
Sounds like o2 sensors and not ignition.
Those are new as well. AC Delcos form the dealer w/1600 miles on them now.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:32 PM
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well I mean when you say it is fine above 2k that doesn't really make sense if it was ignition I don't think. Usually ignition problems become more apparent at high rpm, not less.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:38 PM
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Originally Posted by infinitebird
well I mean when you say it is fine above 2k that doesn't really make sense if it was ignition I don't think. Usually ignition problems become more apparent at high rpm, not less.

When I said fine, I meant that it evened out a little and still ran. But if you give it gas to accelerate, it does miss a little bit. I am going to put the computer on it and check the O2 output but I just have the feeling it is an ignition issue but I don't know for sure and that is why I asked, so I appreciate the input.
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by 97HawkLT1
When I said fine, I meant that it evened out a little and still ran. But if you give it gas to accelerate, it does miss a little bit. I am going to put the computer on it and check the O2 output but I just have the feeling it is an ignition issue but I don't know for sure and that is why I asked, so I appreciate the input.
Ok well that makes a little more sense. Maybe ICM since that is one of the more heat sensitive ignition components. Have you done the cooling mod?
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Old Feb 19, 2008 | 08:45 PM
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Originally Posted by infinitebird
Ok well that makes a little more sense. Maybe ICM since that is one of the more heat sensitive ignition components. Have you done the cooling mod?

Not yet, I figured I would try that as well and see if there was any change in the way it acts.
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 10:02 AM
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OK I have an update. I had the coil checked and it appears to be in spec with the resistance numbers. I purchased and tried a new ICM and it made no difference. I also ran the scanner and both O2s seemed normal. I ran the car for 10 minutes and I got an average of .509 volts left bank and .530 volts right bank (and both were replaced 1600 miles ago w/ AC Delcos from dealer). There are no check engine lights on but it acts like it isn't getting enough spark under light to moderate throttle. However under WOT, it didn't seem to be missing any although it didn't feel as strong as normal. Does this sound like an OPTI going bad or something else?
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 10:11 AM
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I think it sounds like a coil. I have a delteq on my car, but I was missing a heat shield and the heat getting on those coils screwed with my ignition and made it miss under load in overdrive.
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 04:31 PM
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UPDATE 2: I purchased and tested a new coil and it made no difference. Anybody else have any ideas?
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 05:24 PM
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You could be getting spark retard. Light throttle load situations are one of the more common areas for that. Did you check that on the scanner?
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 05:25 PM
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Originally Posted by 97HawkLT1
I ran the car for 10 minutes and I got an average of .509 volts left bank and .530 volts right bank
The average doesn't really matter so much as long as they constantly change readings and don't stay around one small range of values.
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 05:36 PM
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WOW i have the same problem. When your car is in open loop does it rev fine? I mean if you blurp the throttle it dosent hesitate or anything else?
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 07:06 PM
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Well it isn't knock retard, I checked that and the car is tuned really well. And as far as the O2s, they both had a wide range of movement from the bottom of the scale to the top.

I didn't check to see if it was in open or closed loop mode but it does seem to run normal when it is cold and starts acting this way as it warms up. But it starts mildly and gets worse the longer you drive, not just like an on or off thing.
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Old Feb 21, 2008 | 10:10 PM
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i know you said you didnt have any codes. But mine is running like **** and i have a bad maf. im getting a new one tomorow. I dont think this will be your problem but it is worth haveing check again.
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Old Feb 26, 2008 | 03:26 PM
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Mine did the same thing as you stated
when I first bought my car I washed the engine not knowing about the opti
the next day it was idling rough and fluctuating it ran bad but once you started driving it was ok
I replaced my opti it had 152,000 and it needed to be replaced it ran great.
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Old Feb 26, 2008 | 03:34 PM
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I have decided to replace the opti and see if that is the problem. At 115k, it needed a new cap and rotor anyway so hopefully this will fix it. I also ordered an electric water pump that I am going to install at the same time. And if that doesn't work, I am going to stab myself with a spoon, run the car off a cliff (in Florida) and buy an LS1.
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Old Mar 4, 2008 | 09:42 AM
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UPDATE 3: I replaced the OPTI with an AC Delco unit and decided to replace the wires as well because one wasn't staying connected to the cap. I also installed a Meziere EWP. The OPTI seems to have fixed the problem. Thanks for the help guys.
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Old Mar 4, 2008 | 09:56 AM
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That's good to hear, so you ended up not having to stab yourself and wrecking your car!
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Old Mar 4, 2008 | 11:07 AM
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This Happen Too Me Twice Hard To Start Runs Rough, First Thing I Would Check Is The Ignition Switch Mounted On Top Of The Steering Col. You Have To Drop It But Its Really Easy to Do. Im Glad You Figured Yours Out, If Thats Anybody Elses Problem Try The Ignition Switch. And For Thoses Guys Who's Cars Just Turn Over Without Starting Ignition Controle Module

Last edited by djjab57; Mar 4, 2008 at 11:14 AM.
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