grounded out coil pack now it wont start

[tyrocksalot]

Hi, was listening to radio changing plugs and wires and had coil packs off to access back plugs. Ended up dragging ratchet over plugs where one of the coil packs plug into, threw a few sparks. Didnt think to much about it at the time. Went to start it after i was done and it cranks fine. Checked for spark and none of the coil packs spark the plug. Before i did the wire and plug change had computer read and was told i had faulty cps but it still ran fine.

1998 buick century, 3100 engine. Firing order is correct

 

[tortillasoup]

You can get a multimeter, look up the test points and specs online and test the coil packs. If they fail the tests, then they're bad, time for replacement.

 

[Mark R]

If you shorted out the connector to the coil pack, you may have fried the ECU, or hopefully just blown one of the ECU fuses.

Find out what the pinout for the coil pack connectors is. Check that the power rail (usually 12V) has the correct voltage present.
Then check for ECU codes - something like a faulty CPS may prevent the ECU for giving spark.

 

[tyrocksalot]

You can get a multimeter, look up the test points and specs online and test the coil packs. If they fail the tests, then they're bad, time for replacement.

Im going to get one and test to make sure power is going to coils also

 

[tyrocksalot]

If you shorted out the connector to the coil pack, you may have fried the ECU, or hopefully just blown one of the ECU fuses.

Hope is the fuse , ill find out where its located and post back

 

[phucheneh]

You're actually fairly lucky. You probably roasted the ignition module...it's the flat piece that the three coil packs sit on. Your coil drivers (transistors) are in there.

If it had been a lot of other cars, you'd be buying a new PCM instead of just replacing a much simpler part. And one that commonly dies all on its own, anyhow.

 

[tyrocksalot]

I hope so, fuses are fine and i hear fuel pump start up. I didnt realize id have to remove coil packs until halfway through the job. Or i woulda shut radio off. I assume test IM with multimeter?

 

[tortillasoup]

Hi, was listening to radio changing plugs and wires and had coil packs off to access back plugs. Ended up dragging ratchet over plugs where one of the coil packs plug into, threw a few sparks. Didnt think to much about it at the time. Went to start it after i was done and it cranks fine. Checked for spark and none of the coil packs spark the plug. Before i did the wire and plug change had computer read and was told i had faulty cps but it still ran fine.

1998 buick century, 3100 engine. Firing order is correct

you were told you have a faulty CPS.. Is that Crank Postion Sensor? Why were you doing this plugs & wires job in the first place? A bad Crank Angle or Position sensor could easily cause a car not to start. Did you replace the CPS sensor?

 

[tyrocksalot]

I just bought it didnt no to what degree of maintence it needed. It only has 120k miles, i pulled one plug and it was fouled badly so i changed em. Crank position sensor is on its way. In the meantime auto zone said they will test my ICM for free, so im gonna pull it off and give that a go also

 

[Hartle4]

you should always unhook your battery when you are messing with any kind of electrical plugs on a car

 

[tyrocksalot]

You're actually fairly lucky. You probably roasted the ignition module...it's the flat piece that the three coil packs sit on. Your coil drivers (transistors) are in there.

If it had been a lot of other cars, you'd be buying a new PCM instead of just replacing a much simpler part. And one that commonly dies all on its own, anyhow.

Youre the winner, bad ICM. Thx everyone.

 

[tyrocksalot]

you should always unhook your battery when you are messing with any kind of electrical plugs on a car

Hard lesson learned