Thanks Keith! Very helpful and perfectly explained as always! Did mine over the summer plus coils. AC delco parts of course! A great part of a tuneup on these 3.8s. I used a very thin layer of thermal paste under my module. Better conductor. Alot of times there is a whiteish crumbly film on the plate the module sits on, clean that off. A fine wire brush works great and then a fine abrasive cleaning pad to get it clean. Then wipe off with rubbing alcohol, then install module. Also, I had 103,000 rounds on my clock and also replaced plugs, wires, air and fuel filters. I don't think the coils or module was bad but good p.m. and what a difference the coils and module made! So maybe they were on the way out. Expensive complete tuneup but delco parts for all this is a must! "My car doesn't need this, I'm just showing you how to do it". Priceless!
I was desperately looking for the ignition module on my firebird 3.8. Now i know where it is, thank you. The modul is expensiv in my country but i try to replace it. Greetings from Bavaria/Germany.
If you haven't bought it yet, go on google, ebay, or amazon and search for Delphi DS1004. Delphi is the manufacturer that makes the part for GM and Ac Delco.
Very helpful, I didn't even know there was a 5.5mm hex. Isolated the defective coil by pulling off the wires and when there was no change I knew I had the right one. Almost no shock at all LoL.
My coils are held down by 5mm bolts and its the same engine that is in the video but in a 2002 buick lesabre. Im not sure if the wrong socket size is being used in video or if my car has smaller hex head bolts installed.
I think the process with the heat and the thermal grease is one transference. The grease or paste dissipates the heat by transferring it to the backing plate. That’s why dialectic grease is less effective. It absorbs the heat and compounds the problem.
@@jefferyedwards8623 no resetting of anything needed. My symptoms were rough running with engine light on. The coil mounted the most forward was not producing spark (each coil runs 2 cylinders). I replaced that coil initially but still dead. The engine module fixed it.
If you don't have any symptoms, just the ck engine p1352 try taking if off and cleaning everything with electrical cleaner and reapplying the dielectrical grease. It fixed mine.
I also had one bolt I could not get out no matter what I tried. I ended up grinding the head down and then put a replacement bolt in. I used a 8 -32 1 1/2 bolt.
Dear Keith,I have a 2005 Gran Prix with 3800 and the number 3 & 4 cylinders aren't firing. I'm very mechanically inclined would a bad coil cause this. Also the car has an exhaust leak that gets inside the cabin. Would a bad catalytic converter cause this. The exhaust almost killed Me.
Yes it does, Did a little research and there a Dr. Koz in California that sales carbon monoxide detector's for 185 dollars. He said they have more sensitive than house hold which detect the 60-70ppm, while car detector detects between 1-9ppm. He also said this happens more often than people think. Signs of carbon monoxide are dizziness, pale skin, nausea and a weak heartbeat. Which are signs of vertigo.
Don't use dielectric grease/bulb grease. Use thermal heatsink grease. I just bought an ICM today for a 92 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 3.1 engine from Advance Auto. I bought their house brand DriveWorks. Looked just like the one in the video. Here is a snip of the instructions down below. It did come with a plastic pack of white thermal grease. "It is absolutely required that you apply the thermal grease provided to the metal back plate of the module. Failure to do so will shorten the life of the module and void the warranty." Make sure to clean the mounting plate that's on your car really good. Then spread the thermal grease all over the back plate of the module. Back plate of module is the side that kisses up against the mounting plate. It's metal to metal contact, and the mounting plate wicks heat away from the module. If you don't have thermal grease, you can buy a pack of it at AutoZone for sure. Amazon sells it too. Links below. www.autozone.com/miscellaneous-cleaners-and-degreasers/heat-sink-compound/wells-heat-sink-compound-1-ea/19189_0_0 Super Lube 98003 Silicone Heat Sink, 3 oz Tube, White
@@BarboursAutoHelp I know it's a different engine, but the basic principle is the same. Don't use dielectric grease. Use thermal grease. Thermal grease contains fine metal oxide powders, and dielectric grease does not.
dielecttic grease doesnot conduct heat ,a thermal paste does. they use it for setting cpu s on mother boards. also ford ignition modules that sit on side of distibutors use it also
Thank you for the film. Can you tell what grease goes inside of the ICM and possibly where do you apply it? In my coil compartment ( to the very right under the bigger connector) for the ICM there was a blob of some grease. Is it supposed to be there? And if so what grease is it? For the new ICM AC Delco gives a pack of grease to put on the female connectors, but where exactly? And nothing said to put into the coil compartment. Do you put any grease on the metallic plate of the module? You say you put some dielectric grease on it. Maybe if the ICM comes with cooper slug heat sink, it doesn't need any grease. My original Module (2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, Eco Tec 2.2 engine) doesn't have any visible scratches on the metallic plate, which are indicators of that slug heat sink.
@@BarboursAutoHelp For the model I have (EcoTec 2.2 engine) it requires only water protection greasing. The heat sink in inside, under the transistors. manual doesn't give that information, but thank you for the concern.
@@BarboursAutoHelp No, that's O'K, I myself didn't realize what the problem, why some people put a thick layer of heat sink compound on the bottom of the ICM, and some (very rarely) not, until I spent some type on research and found out that there are 2 types (at least) of ICM. Thank you again.
How do you jknow if your ignition modual is getting bad or starting to fail? Is there a way to do a test at home on it for DYI,ers who are not close to a parts store to have it tested at??
came to you tube for some help. my car was misfiring and I looked up causes on here. I replaced ignition coil , module and spark plug started her up and she was working . cleared errors. drove about 13 miles , check engine light came back on. scanned said bad cam shaft module. My car doesn't have one. here is question. If I didn't use any heat sink compound could that be why I get the error.
Does each coil pack receive power separately from the control module ? 2 and 5 plug wires won’t spark with brand new coil pack. The other 4 do. Replaced all plugs and wires and the middle coil pack.
Sounds like it would help to take the model down to the parts store and have them test it. Not sure if all coils receive constant power and the model controls the ground side or the other way around.
Just replaced battery,alternator,crankshaft sensor car would die at random very dangerous to drive.doesn't did anymore but my new mechanic says may need ignition module.car bucks real bad no power mom any advice thanks
I found a set of zzp 47kv coil packs for a 3800 on a supercharged 04 monte carlo and I took the ignition module with it and my question is will there be a problem putting these parts on a 04 lesabre without a supercharger???
Ignition control modules are the same on 3.8's with or without a supercharger. The coils however will work with a stock 3.8. The ZZP 47kv coils just create a hotter "Stronger" spark.
The video sows how to replace but is missing some very critical steps. The ignition module is grounded to the plate below. It is the ONLY ground point. That plate is often oxidized and as such will provide a poor ground and cause intermittent operation. It MUST be thoroughly cleaned with emery cloth and wiped clean so that the module will have good ground contact. Then apply CONDUCTIVE Heat Sink Grease under the module before mounting it back with the coils. Dielectric grease can be used but only on the terminal boots not on the module. We have seen instances where just a thorough cleaning of that plate restored ignition module operation.
Sorry, Sir. But you are incorrect by saying the ignition module is grounded to the plate. It is not. It has a dedicated ground wire. (At least for the vehicle shown in the video. ) The compound application is only meant to help transfer heat. Not conduct electricity. What vehicle are you referring too?
I have a 2004 Impala 3.8 that cranks but won't start, even with starting fluid being sprayed in the intake. I have already replaced plugs, wires, coil packs, injectors, O2 sensors and the crank position sensor. It's not showing a code and it does have pressure on the fuel rail. Could this be the culprit?
Comment is old but I'll put it here for other's who see the comment. - Google "Spark plug wiring diagram W X Y Z" (Where WXYZ is Year, Make, Model, and engine size/type.) Example as I just did this today - 2005 Chevy Impala 3800 Series II.
Could putting heat sink compound or dielectric grease hurt in anyway? I keep seeing conflicting information. Like you said the instructions dont say anything about it but some people say you need to.
Thanks Keith! Very helpful and perfectly explained as always! Did mine over the summer plus coils. AC delco parts of course! A great part of a tuneup on these 3.8s. I used a very thin layer of thermal paste under my module. Better conductor. Alot of times there is a whiteish crumbly film on the plate the module sits on, clean that off. A fine wire brush works great and then a fine abrasive cleaning pad to get it clean. Then wipe off with rubbing alcohol, then install module. Also, I had 103,000 rounds on my clock and also replaced plugs, wires, air and fuel filters. I don't think the coils or module was bad but good p.m. and what a difference the coils and module made! So maybe they were on the way out. Expensive complete tuneup but delco parts for all this is a must! "My car doesn't need this, I'm just showing you how to do it". Priceless!
Great info. Thanks for sharing. I do that in a lot of my videos by the way... not actually replacing the part just showing how to do it.
I was desperately looking for the ignition module on my firebird 3.8. Now i know where it is, thank you. The modul is expensiv in my country but i try to replace it.
Greetings from Bavaria/Germany.
Glad to help.
If you haven't bought it yet, go on google, ebay, or amazon and search for Delphi DS1004. Delphi is the manufacturer that makes the part for GM and Ac Delco.
Very helpful, I didn't even know there was a 5.5mm hex. Isolated the defective coil by pulling off the wires and when there was no change I knew I had the right one. Almost no shock at all LoL.
5.5 mm = .2165 and is only .002 of an inch small than 7/32 which is .2188 so you will never risk damaging the head of the bolt by just using a 7/32.
Omgosh! Who has a 5.5mm!?? Ugh Not me....just one of those things to prolong my work. Great video! Thank you 😊
My coils are held down by 5mm bolts and its the same engine that is in the video but in a 2002 buick lesabre. Im not sure if the wrong socket size is being used in video or if my car has smaller hex head bolts installed.
Just replaced mine today . It was throwing all kinds of misfires . Bought a new one and runs at full power now
I think the process with the heat and the thermal grease is one transference. The grease or paste dissipates the heat by transferring it to the backing plate. That’s why dialectic grease is less effective. It absorbs the heat and compounds the problem.
Thanks for the video! I just replaced the ignition control module on my wife's 2006 Buick Lacrosse using this video as a guide. Very helpful!
Glad it helped
Need Silicone "Heat Sink Compound" on the back of the Ignition Control Module to transfer the heat away or it will get hot and shorten the life.
Thanks for these videos bro, saved me some trouble with my 2000 Bonneville.
No problem
Replaced ignition module on my 2004 lesabre. Did the trick. Being mounted directly on a portion of the engine block seems like it would get too hot.
So does anything need to be reset with electronics when replacing for a 2004 lesabre? Or is install the only instruction?
@@jefferyedwards8623 no resetting of anything needed. My symptoms were rough running with engine light on. The coil mounted the most forward was not producing spark (each coil runs 2 cylinders). I replaced that coil initially but still dead. The engine module fixed it.
@@track1219 thank you, cost at shop is 1000.00 dollars. Cost for a home fix is 130.00
If you don't have any symptoms, just the ck engine p1352 try taking if off and cleaning everything with electrical cleaner and reapplying the dielectrical grease. It fixed mine.
I also had one bolt I could not get out no matter what I tried. I ended up grinding the head down and then put a replacement bolt in. I used a 8 -32 1 1/2 bolt.
Thank you so much
Thank you so much im about to replace my ignition coils this weekend
No problem
When replacing the I.C.M., isn't it best to take the ground wire off first ?
Off of the battery that is.
Good job.
Dear Keith,I have a 2005 Gran Prix with 3800 and the number 3 & 4 cylinders aren't firing. I'm very mechanically inclined would a bad coil cause this. Also the car has an exhaust leak that gets inside the cabin. Would a bad catalytic converter cause this. The exhaust almost killed Me.
If one coil is responsible for firing the 3&4 cylinders then it very well could be a coil. Sounds like you may have an exhaust leak.
Yes it does, Did a little research and there a Dr. Koz in California that sales carbon monoxide detector's for 185 dollars. He said they have more sensitive than house hold which detect the 60-70ppm, while car detector detects between 1-9ppm. He also said this happens more often than people think. Signs of carbon monoxide are dizziness, pale skin, nausea and a weak heartbeat. Which are signs of vertigo.
Don't use dielectric grease/bulb grease. Use thermal heatsink grease.
I just bought an ICM today for a 92 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 3.1 engine from Advance Auto. I bought their house brand DriveWorks. Looked just like the one in the video. Here is a snip of the instructions down below. It did come with a plastic pack of white thermal grease.
"It is absolutely required that you apply the thermal grease provided to the metal back plate of the module. Failure to do so will shorten the life of the module and void the warranty."
Make sure to clean the mounting plate that's on your car really good. Then spread the thermal grease all over the back plate of the module. Back plate of module is the side that kisses up against the mounting plate. It's metal to metal contact, and the mounting plate wicks heat away from the module.
If you don't have thermal grease, you can buy a pack of it at AutoZone for sure. Amazon sells it too. Links below.
www.autozone.com/miscellaneous-cleaners-and-degreasers/heat-sink-compound/wells-heat-sink-compound-1-ea/19189_0_0
Super Lube 98003 Silicone Heat Sink, 3 oz Tube, White
Thanks for sharing. But, that is a different engine and a different set up. Thats not a 3.8 series 2.
@@BarboursAutoHelp I know it's a different engine, but the basic principle is the same. Don't use dielectric grease. Use thermal grease. Thermal grease contains fine metal oxide powders, and dielectric grease does not.
dielecttic grease doesnot conduct heat ,a thermal paste does. they use it for setting cpu s on mother boards. also ford ignition modules that sit on side of distibutors use it also
As mentioned....use what you think is best. Cheers
Thank you for the film. Can you tell what grease goes inside of the ICM and possibly where do you apply it? In my coil compartment ( to the very right under the bigger connector) for the ICM there was a blob of some grease. Is it supposed to be there? And if so what grease is it? For the new ICM AC
Delco gives a pack of grease to put on the female connectors, but where exactly? And nothing said to put into the coil compartment. Do you put any grease on the metallic plate of the module? You say you put some dielectric grease on it. Maybe if the ICM comes with cooper slug heat sink, it doesn't need any grease. My original Module (2003 Chevrolet Cavalier, Eco Tec 2.2 engine) doesn't have any visible scratches on the metallic plate, which are indicators of that slug heat sink.
Id suggest referencing a repair manual for that info.
@@BarboursAutoHelp For the model I have (EcoTec 2.2 engine) it requires only water protection greasing. The heat sink in inside, under the transistors. manual doesn't give that information, but thank you for the concern.
Oh thats a totally different bag of worms. The set up on the vehicle in the video is different. I'm not sure about yours. Sorry about that.
@@BarboursAutoHelp No, that's O'K, I myself didn't realize what the problem, why some people put a thick layer of heat sink compound on the bottom of the ICM, and some (very rarely) not, until I spent some type on research and found out that there are 2 types (at least) of ICM. Thank you again.
How do you jknow if your ignition modual is getting bad or starting to fail? Is there a way to do a test at home on it for DYI,ers who are not close to a parts store to have it tested at??
Autozone can test icm fod free, they have a tester for many modules.
I meant they can test icm for (free).
came to you tube for some help. my car was misfiring and I looked up causes on here. I replaced ignition coil , module and spark plug started her up and she was working . cleared errors. drove about 13 miles , check engine light came back on. scanned said bad cam shaft module. My car doesn't have one. here is question. If I didn't use any heat sink compound could that be why I get the error.
Probably not that quickly. But, I've never heard of a camshaft module.
There is a crankshaft sensor that can go bad . They’re on eBay and Amazon for about $35 / shipped .
Thank you very helpful 😁
Yup
You think this will fix it
Your video very helpful but what did you use to get the rusted bolt off thats my biggest issue I don't know how to get the bolt off my car
Try some penetrating oil.
Did this fix your problem.
Thanks for video it sure helped me get my 92 oldsmobile with 3300 engine back going great video
Glad to help in some way.
I have a 91 Oldsmobile that is having the same problem
Does each coil pack receive power separately from the control module ?
2 and 5 plug wires won’t spark with brand new coil pack. The other 4 do.
Replaced all plugs and wires and the middle coil pack.
Sounds like it would help to take the model down to the parts store and have them test it. Not sure if all coils receive constant power and the model controls the ground side or the other way around.
Just replaced battery,alternator,crankshaft sensor car would die at random very dangerous to drive.doesn't did anymore but my new mechanic says may need ignition module.car bucks real bad no power mom any advice thanks
Mine wasn't dying...yet, but was bucking under acceleration, new coils and module did the trick, not sure which one, never had them tested.🤷🤦😋
I found a set of zzp 47kv coil packs for a 3800 on a supercharged 04 monte carlo and I took the ignition module with it and my question is will there be a problem putting these parts on a 04 lesabre without a supercharger???
Ignition control modules are the same on 3.8's with or without a supercharger. The coils however will work with a stock 3.8. The ZZP 47kv coils just create a hotter "Stronger" spark.
The video sows how to replace but is missing some very critical steps. The ignition module is grounded to the plate below. It is the ONLY ground point. That plate is often oxidized and as such will provide a poor ground and cause intermittent operation. It MUST be thoroughly cleaned with emery cloth and wiped clean so that the module will have good ground contact. Then apply CONDUCTIVE Heat Sink Grease under the module before mounting it back with the coils. Dielectric grease can be used but only on the terminal boots not on the module. We have seen instances where just a thorough cleaning of that plate restored ignition module operation.
Sorry, Sir. But you are incorrect by saying the ignition module is grounded to the plate. It is not. It has a dedicated ground wire. (At least for the vehicle shown in the video. ) The compound application is only meant to help transfer heat. Not conduct electricity. What vehicle are you referring too?
How do u know that it is ur module
What are the symptoms of a bad ignition coil?
At least on mine it's bucking, jerking under acceleration
I have a 2004 Impala 3.8 that cranks but won't start, even with starting fluid being sprayed in the intake. I have already replaced plugs, wires, coil packs, injectors, O2 sensors and the crank position sensor. It's not showing a code and it does have pressure on the fuel rail. Could this be the culprit?
Possibly. But, it could save you money having a tech look at it.
@@BarboursAutoHelp it's actually in the shop now. If I'd known about this I probably would've tried it before sending it in.
@@xjmathews was that your issue?
@Michael Preston yes it was!
@@xjmathews thanks a lot just swapped it and fixed the 02 bird I was working on!
Like very much
Thank you!!
After replacing Ignition module. Do you have to have it reprogrammed?
No
I lost track of which wire goes where and which cap goes where how big of a deal is it?
Have you googled it yet?
Comment is old but I'll put it here for other's who see the comment. - Google "Spark plug wiring diagram W X Y Z" (Where WXYZ is Year, Make, Model, and engine size/type.) Example as I just did this today - 2005 Chevy Impala 3800 Series II.
@@xPreatorianx1 damn bro I sold the Firebird already 😂
Do I have to replace the ignition control module if I am getting plugs and wires done?
I'd say no unless it's bad.
@@BarboursAutoHelp is not starting sign of bad ignition module, crank but no start with no tick on techometer
You'll have to have it checked. If in doubt have it tested.
My car said 3rd cylinder misfire changed spark plugs now it says random p0300 misfire any help?
Is it running worse than before?
This is my exact issue now. Any news yet? Mine s started running worse
Could putting heat sink compound or dielectric grease hurt in anyway? I keep seeing conflicting information. Like you said the instructions dont say anything about it but some people say you need to.
I've installed a few of these. It never hurts.
Well alright...
Typical. Easy job suddenly turns into a nightmare😄
😂 It's how it goes sometimes
No pudo quitarlo…
Dude, we don't wear gloves or choose not to because of your preference.
Merica!!