Vehicle starts and shuts off

1995 SUZUKI GRAND VITARA
100,000 MILES • 2.0L • V6 • 4WD • MANUAL
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JAMES MUCHENE
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I followed your demonstration of checking the COP circuit. When the ignition is in the on position, the coil sockets have the equivalent of the full battery power, approximately 13 volts.

The car starts normally and then dies after a few seconds. The OBD code is 12, meaning no error is detected. Please confirm that the voltage when ignition is on (without cranking should be zero). Then where is the voltage coming from. it would have to come from the ignition switch.
Sep 18, 2019 at 8:17 AM
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Hi, welcome to 2CarPros.

We have zero information on this vehicle so I cant provide wiring diagrams but the systems were pretty standard back then. Unfortunately OBD1 computers were very limited in diagnostics so I am not surprised your not showing any codes.

Yes you should have 12 volts at the coil with the key on. The pulse wire next to the power should read 0 until you crank it.

Your power should come from either the ignition switch or the computer.

Let me ask a question. When you start it and it dies will it start right up again and then die again right away or will it not start for a while?

Rich
Sep 19, 2019 at 8:22 PM
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JAMES MUCHENE
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Hi Rich, Thanks and regards from sunny Kenya in East Africa. Yes, the car will start immediately and shuts off again after about 3 seconds.I had downloaded a manual that has the ignition wiring diagram on this link. It is not possible to attach the manual to this reply. file:///home/chronos/u-802ff4147db374fb7e5ae7073a7f8e9bd2e86b23/MyFiles/Downloads/New%20Folder/suzuki%20manual99501_85F20.pdf
Sep 20, 2019 at 1:06 AM
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I can't open the address you posted. I am guessing it a system issue from here to there.

Anyway, what steps have you taken to confirm you are losing spark after 3 seconds? Because this could be several things and spark wouldn't be at the top of my list.

Rich
Sep 20, 2019 at 5:53 PM
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JAMES MUCHENE
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Hi Rick,

Further to my reply, I would like to add that the coil on plug has two pins. This must mean then that voltage (12 volts) is sent from the ECM, since one of the wires must be ground. As indicated in my first email, when I connect the two wires to a multi-tester when ignition switch is "ON", ( they are showing a constant 13 volts ) . This can't be right ? how then is the spark created?
Sep 21, 2019 at 2:46 AM
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JAMES MUCHENE
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Hi Rick, I have just managed to solve the problem.
Many thanks.
Sep 21, 2019 at 5:46 AM
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Any time. We are here to help. Good luck and have a great day!

Rich
Sep 21, 2019 at 11:05 AM