LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Chevrolet >> 1998 >> Prizm Base, Automatic, A131L/MB3 >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> System >> Engine Controls - Basic Testing >> No Start Diagnosis >> No Start - Engine Cranks Okay (With Dis) >> Ignition System
October 30: LEMON manuals on a temporary server, it is slow and having issues, download the manuals you need! Later in November we will switch back to the fast server.

Ignition System

  1. Perform On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check. See ON-BOARD DIAGNOSTIC (OBD) SYSTEM CHECK in TESTS W/CODES article. After performing OBD system check, go to next step.
  2. Check for the following problems:
    • Ensure PCM ground connections are clean and tight
    • Blown IGN fuse or EFI fuse
    • Proper fuel quantity
    • TP sensor reading should be 0.42-1.15 volts with throttle closed
    • Ensure MAP sensor is not skewed or stuck.

      If any problems are found, go to next step. If no problems are found, go to step 4).

  3. Repair problems as necessary. After repairs, go to step 21).
  4. Install Spark Tester (J-26792) on No. 1 spark plug wire. Check for spark at spark plug wire while cranking engine. Repeat spark test on all spark plug wires. If a strong, Blue spark is present at each spark plug wire, go to step 6). If no spark or weak spark is present, go to next step.
  5. Remove ignition wires. Using a DVOM, measure resistance at each ignition wire. If resistance is greater than 25,000 ohms, go to step 19). If resistance is less than 25,000 ohms, go to step 7).
  6. Remove spark plugs. Check for fouled or damaged spark plugs. Replace as necessary. After repairs, go to step 21). If spark plugs are okay, diagnose fuel injector circuit. See FUEL SYSTEM in TESTS W/CODES article.
  7. Check ignition coils for cracks on towers, water contamination, poor ignition wire terminal connection, or carbon tracking. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 21). If ignition coils are okay, go to next step.
    NOTE: Perform the following ignition coil tests for all coils. Voltage readings will be the same for all coils.
  8. Turn ignition off. Disconnect ignition coil No. 1 and 2 electrical connectors. Turn ignition on with engine off. Using a test light connected to ground, probe ignition coil terminal No. 1. See WIRING DIAGRAMS article. If test light illuminates, go to next step. If test light does not illuminate, go to step 12).
  9. Using a DVOM, probe ignition coil terminal No. 2. Measure voltage while cranking engine. If voltage is 0.5-1.0 volt, go to next step. If voltage is not 0.5-1.0 volt, go to step 14).
  10. Using a DVOM, probe ignition coil terminal No. 3. If voltage is 5 volts, go to next step. If voltage is not 5 volts, go to step 15).
  11. Using a test light connected to battery voltage, probe ignition coil terminal No. 4. If test light illuminates, go to step 18). If test light does not illuminate, go to step 16).
  12. Check for an open or short in ignition power circuit between ignition coil and junction block. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 21). If circuit is okay, go to next step.
  13. Check for an open or short in ignition power circuit between ignition coil and noise filter. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 21). If circuit is okay, go to step 17).
  14. Check for an open or short in ignition trigger signal circuit between ignition coil and PCM. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 21). If circuit is okay, go to step 20).
  15. Check for an open or short in ignition fail safe input circuit between ignition coil No. 1 and 2, and PCM. Repair as necessary. After repairs, go to step 21). If circuit is okay, go to step 20).
  16. Repair open in ignition ground circuit between ignition coil and chassis ground connection. After repairs, go to step 21).
  17. Replace noise filter. After repairs, go to step 21).
  18. Replace ignition coil. After repairs, go to step 21).
  19. Replace ignition wires. After repairs, go to step 21).
  20. Replace PCM. After repairs, go to step 21).
  21. Using scan tool, clear DTCs. Attempt to start engine. If engine starts and continues to run, go to next step. If engine does not start, or starts and stalls, go to step 2).
  22. Start and warm engine to normal operating temperature. Using scan tool, check for DTC(s). If DTC(s) is present, diagnose DTC(s). See TESTS W/CODES article. If DTC(s) is not present, system is okay.
scientia non olet · About LEMON Manuals