Ignition woes

[scottbmorrison]

My 87 Grand Wagoneer has lost spark twice and backfired and died, leaving me to get towed home twice. The next day it starts up fine. Does anyone have a suggestion on where to look for my ignition gremlins?
scottbmorrison@jpmagazine.com [/LIST] null :( :confused:

[RWC]

I'd probably start with the ignition-module located on the left fender. They're known for being erratic when they start to die. It could also be the coil overheating, but I usually find myself replacing coils for absolutely no reason.

RWC

[wagdriver]

RWC has probably hit the nail on the head. Those are the symptoms of a failing ignition module. Change it or it will really leave you in a place you really don't want to be at the time :( Been there, done that! At least they are easier to get now days. ;)

[Nathan]

how much is an ignition module? Ive been thinking about replacing mine too.

[wagdriver]

The last time I bought one they were around 20 bucks but that was a few years ago they may have gone up since then ;)

[RWC]

I recall them running closer to $40, but maybe I got ripped off?

RWC

[will e]

Put the one that fails sometimes in your 'jeep box'. Might need it on the trail some day....

[Marvin Gates]

My next door neighbor has a Dodge Ramcharger and they use the same module, he bought a brand new one and it was defective (sometimes it would start and sometimes not) there is a way of checking them but I can't remember what he said. I would always carry a spare (as most ford owners do)

[ClarkstonGT]

Definitely sounds like ignition module. My replacement was $30 from AutoZone.

[Joe H.]

That's what has been happening to me! Actually, my ignition module was fine...it was the pickup coil in the distributor that was bad, and now it's doing it again! I looked at a new dizzy at AutoZone--the little wheel situation (trigger?) is pressed on and I have no way of getting it off to replace the pickup. I'm gonna look at it tomorrow, since I bought MOST of the parts for the TFI upgrade (I just lack the coil connector and the plug wires--two stores didn't have the parts!). I really can't swing a new dizzy right now :(

[wagdriver]

The trigger wheel can be pryed off with a couple of screw drivers one on each side of the wheel. You will have to clamp it carfully in a vise to hold it while you work on it. A small wheel puller works best though. It has been a few years since I bought my last module, inflation I guess ;)

[Veepster]

a interesting tidbit I read in the TSM......you know how you can pull off a sparkplug wire and insert a screwdriver into the boot to check for spark?....well the TSM states that if you do that with the number 3 or 4 cylinder you can damage the pickup in the dizzy.....!!!