Crank Sensor or Coil Paks???

dbailey · 05-21-2009, 04:48 PM

Anybody had a crank sensor go bad? If so, what were the symptoms leading up to the failure? Mine is starting to have like a miss in it and once it died at 60 mph but started back up and hasn't died since. Not sure if its the crank sensor or coils starting to die. Any ideas? Thanks guys.

Afugy · 05-22-2009, 12:43 AM

The crankshaft position sensor will (should) send out a code or at least send out a code from a miss fire due to the failing sensor. I had to replace the one on my'n and it was missing at all speeds. It was no easy job doing it in my garage.

Coil packs going bad would be close to the same thing but no code that I know of for failing coil. You could get a plug and pull each wire off one by one and check to make sure that your getting a good spark from each wire, helps to have another person to turn the car over as you will only need to car to turn over a couple of times.

But start by doing a FULL tune up, if you have not done one in the last year.

Redog · 05-22-2009, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbailey

Anybody had a crank sensor go bad? If so, what were the symptoms leading up to the failure? Mine is starting to have like a miss in it and once it died at 60 mph but started back up and hasn't died since. Not sure if its the crank sensor or coils starting to die. Any ideas? Thanks guys.

Ign lock cyl.

The cyl is getting a weak signal from the cyl to the coil pack, it will need to be replaced.

Mine died at 60 MPH too, plus it was hard to start at times but not all the time.

Cost: parts and labor - $555

WhiteV6 · 05-22-2009, 04:20 AM

http://cgi.ebay.com/monte-carlo-rega...1% 7C294%3A50

It sits on top of the motor, real easy job.

In case the above is per coil pack, you may check this one out. The entire module/coil packs go for cheap on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2003-...Q5fAccessories

dbailey · 05-22-2009, 07:28 AM

Thanks guys for the ideas.

Will probably replace the coils first. What all do you do to do a FULL tuneup other than plugs, wires and a fuel filter?

dbailey · 05-22-2009, 07:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redog

Ign lock cyl.

The cyl is getting a weak signal from the cyl to the coil pack, it will need to be replaced.

Mine died at 60 MPH too, plus it was hard to start at times but not all the time.

Cost: parts and labor - $555

Where is the ign lock cyl? Is it a DIY fix? Thanks.

Redog · 05-22-2009, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbailey

Where is the ign lock cyl? Is it a DIY fix? Thanks.

It's where you put the key in to start the car.

The mod chip inside the cyl goes bad. This chip sends a signal to the coil pack saying the car is on. The signal cuts out and the car shuts off.

This is also the problem with the secruity light.

If you buy a new one, you'll have 2 different keys for your car. A good mech can "rekey" the new cyl to your old key, but the key will have to be freshly cut

DIY? I guess, but I would leave this to a pro. Good news is that the cost I mentioned above, is mostly the part. Labor is in the 2 hour range.

I would get the coil pack tested before you change it, I really don't think that's the problem and would hate to see you spend the money on a new coil pack

dbailey · 05-22-2009, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redog

It's where you put the key in to start the car.

The mod chip inside the cyl goes bad. This chip sends a signal to the coil pack saying the car is on. The signal cuts out and the car shuts off.

This is also the problem with the secruity light.

If you buy a new one, you'll have 2 different keys for your car. A good mech can "rekey" the new cyl to your old key, but the key will have to be freshly cut

DIY? I guess, but I would leave this to a pro. Good news is that the cost I mentioned above, is mostly the part. Labor is in the 2 hour range.

I would get the coil pack tested before you change it, I really don't think that's the problem and would hate to see you spend the money on a new coil pack

Thanks Redog! How would you get a coil pack tested? As for my car dying, it only did it once and hasn't since. Just that slight miss in it at times especially under a slight load.

Cliff8928 · 05-22-2009, 01:06 PM

Primary and secondary resistance. I had a diagram somewhere around here...

dbailey · 05-22-2009, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cliff8928

Primary and secondary resistance. I had a diagram somewhere around here...

If you happen to find it and can let me know how you test it I'd highly appreciate it. Thanks.

leoalero · 05-22-2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dbailey

Anybody had a crank sensor go bad? If so, what were the symptoms leading up to the failure? Mine is starting to have like a miss in it and once it died at 60 mph but started back up and hasn't died since. Not sure if its the crank sensor or coils starting to die. Any ideas? Thanks guys.

do u run on less cylinders,if so,it could be the coil packs!

dbailey · 05-22-2009, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leoalero

do u run on less cylinders,if so,it could be the coil packs!

Seems to be running smooth except for the intermittent misses. Was just thinking maybe the coil pack was dying a slow death or something.

Redog · 05-22-2009, 04:34 PM

It's possible, but my car was missing when my igntion lock cyl was taking a crap