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Hi, I have a 1991 Pontiac Firebird with a 3.1 motor in ...

Sent to Car Experts February 19 2006 at 4:01 PM
   

Hi, I have a 1991 Pontiac Firebird with a 3.1 motor in it. My ALDL code reader says the HEI Spark Control Module is bad. Can anyone tell me where this module is located on the car?
Thank You, Harry Shaben

Optional Information:
1991 Pontiac Firebird 3.1

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $10
Answer
February 19 2006 at 4:09 PM (7 minutes and 46 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

You'll find it inside of the distributor.

REMOVAL

  1. Remove distributor cap and rotor.
  2. Remove pick up coil.
  3. Remove two module attaching screws, and lift module up.
  4. Disconnect leads from module. Observe color code on leads as these cannot be interchanged.
  5. Remove module.

INSTALLATION

NOTE: Be sure there is a sufficient amount of silicone grease on the metal face of the module and on the distributor base (where the module seats), when reinstalling the module. The purpose of the silicone grease is to cool the module.

  1. Install module.
  2. Connect leads to module.
  3. Install module attaching screws.
  4. Install pick up coil.
  5. Install cap and rotor.


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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2719 Car Accepts
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February 20 2006 at 9:55 AM (17 hours and 46 minutes and 33 seconds later)
         
Reply to Hammer Time's Post: What does this module look like? Do you know where I can get a picture of it? I don't know if the one I have is the right thing. My brother said the only thing he can see in the distributer is where the wires from the outside plug in.
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Answer
February 20 2006 at 10:15 AM (20 minutes and 2 seconds later)
         
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Hammer Time -- L1 Master Technician -- 98% Positive Feedback on 2719 Car Accepts
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February 20 2006 at 10:39 AM (23 minutes and 3 seconds later)
         
When starting the car the motor kicks back and acts like it is out of time, Some times it will turn over ok.Motor does not want to idle right either. If I remember right the ALDL code from the check engine wad 42 HEI Control mudule. Could the mudule is the picture cause these problems?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
February 20 2006 at 10:54 AM (15 minutes and 1 second later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

That module could easily cause that code but it won't cause the engine to kick back. that is a timing issue with the firing. Now, That can mean it really is out of time, the wires are crossed, the wires are arcing to each other or you have a cracked distributor cap.

I would start out by changing the distributor cap and checking the firing order. Here what the firing order is.

1991 Pontiac Firebird
3.1 liter V-6

Images available only to Customers.



Edited by Hammer Time on February 20 2006 at 10:55 AM

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