1992 Chevy Silverado ignition coil

1992 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
15,856 MILES • V8 • 4WD • MANUAL
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SARGENTWOODY
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question...

my truck was running and then died...i wsn't getting any spark. i noticed the wire to my coil was loose, so i got it back on. it started and ran for about 5 minutes then died again...its done this 3 times now.

my question: when an ignition coil goes bad, is it just BAD and doesn't work anymore, or will it be an on and off thing?

i know coils don't often go bad hardly ever, but its either my coil is GOING bad, if possible, or i have an electrical problem with a ground or the power going to the coil.

thanks.

ps. the new motor has 15k miles on it. the ignition coil is from the old motor..which would now have 178k on it.
Mar 3, 2008 at 5:09 PM
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MASTERTECHTIM
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sounds like a heat problem causing loss of spark. most likely possible causes are ignition module, pick up coil or ignition coil. when no spark check for power at coil and and a flashing ground on the other wire. this will tell us if the coil is bad
Mar 3, 2008 at 5:47 PM
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SARGENTWOODY
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I changed the ignition coil on top of the intake and it started and ran for awhile. so, i figured, cool, its good to go, that was the problem. so i went to sleep (i had just gotten home from 3rd shift). i woke up, and started it, it started, so i let it run for awhile. Then I shut it off and it won't start again. My dad told me he thinks i have a ground loose somewhere, or something. We're both kind of stumped.
Mar 4, 2008 at 12:26 PM
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MASTERTECHTIM
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double check the connection at the coil
Mar 4, 2008 at 12:59 PM
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SARGENTWOODY
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did that, connections are snug. i do have another question. where would the ignition module be located?
Mar 4, 2008 at 1:10 PM
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MASTERTECHTIM
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the module is located inside the distributor and is held in by 2 7/32 screws and is very easy to replace and is not expensive.
Mar 4, 2008 at 1:32 PM
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SARGENTWOODY
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ignition control module it was. thanks again guys. i appreciate it very much.
Mar 4, 2008 at 7:13 PM
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MASTERTECHTIM
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thanks for the reply. so many times we put in the time to figure out a problem then "poof" they disappear
Mar 5, 2008 at 8:41 AM