90 ciera 4cyl. 90K miles. check engine lights and all warning lights come on then dies quickly on road. Wait twenty minutes to 1/2 hour and starts and runs fine for another 10-15 minutes or 5-10 miles. Dies again.

Starts again.

Speed appears to be a non-issue since it has happened in stopped traffic and also at highway speed.

Does this sound like a coil or ignition control module?

Any suggestions? Car has been bulletproof reliable since new.

THanks

It's possible the Ignition Control Module is going bad. ICM is expensive. Go to a junkjard and get an ICM/with Ignition Coils and test it.

Before replacing the ICM or ignition coils, I would check the alternator and have it tested. The vehicle might be dying after 10-15 minutes driving because the battery is probably supplying most of the current. Once the vehicle is left OFF then it lets the battery regenerate its charge and allows you to drive again. Sooner or later the battery is not able to regenerate and can not start the vehicle.

I replaced the module on my dad's 89 Olds this fall. Had problems starting(espcially on wet days) and could stall. His was a pain because the module, coils, and crank sensor are mounted together on back of the engine where it is hard to get at. Takes a LOT of patience, so yes, try to rule ANYTHING else out first. If you check everything else and no luck, your best bet is to remove the coil/module assy., and take it to NAPA to get tested for strength. Ditto for a used one. If yours is the same as my dad's replace the crank sensor as well, as it (assuming it is the same) sits inside your engine block and will be brittle and easily damaged. Good idea to replace anyway, even it looks good....

Thanks Folks:

It turned out to be the ICM and Crank Pos Sensor. 200 for new parts and about 300 for labor.

I looked at it and have a difficult time even getttin my arm down there for wire replacement. Plus its winter here so I told the wife to send it to the shop. OH well.

Its been a pretty cheap ride.

Looks like it was like my dad's. In the back and a real you-know-what to deal with. I used a pocket mirror to locate the bolts and then had to jack up the car and unbolt front engine mount, and then block up the motor before dropping the car a few inches. The engine moved forward enough to fit my hand in there, but it is something I would not like to do again anytime soon. Especially in winter.