Similar to the 91 cutlass supreme cutting out and stalling. Can start and run the car when cold, it decides when it wants to die, then no spark, checked it with alligator spark plug!!. Have to wait about 45 minutes (cools), then the car will start up,but you won't get far. I have replaced the Autozone ICM with a Kragen ICM yesterday...drove it for half hour stop and go....A/C usually puts the hurt /heaton it, but didn't for the 1/2 hour drive. I get home, eat and the after about 2 hours take it to kragen's and rounding the corner for home she died, just like before replacing the ICM. I had to wait 45 minutes to start it and get it in the driveway.

12/07/07 is when I replaced the 24X sensor (harmonic balancer), the 3x sensor (firewall bottom of motor...assuming this is the california sensor) and the VSS. I believe i bought the 24X and VSS from Autozone and the 3X sensor from Cost less auto parts..the 3X sensor was the only sensor i couldn't torque with the inch/lb wrench because of limited access...the car ran fine up until a couple of days ago.

So tell me, coud two ICM fail like this (non OEM part) or do i have one of my two crank sensors gone bad? IF so, which one is most likely to have failed and caused this weird cold/hot problem?

I have an A/C Delco ICM coming in the mail...

symptoms:

dies, the engine will crank but not start, check engine light comes on
no spark indicated with alligator spark plug tester @ time of failure
coil packs checked good at autozone w/ multimeter.
My repaired 3X crank wire checked (good) by local auto mechanic
wait 45 minutes, it startts again. but most likely won't get you far

New ECM was installed by dealer (12/07) with prom chip
currently new Niehoff ICM

Could a camshaft sensor be causing this? It's the only sensor i haven't replaced, but curious. the Kragen guy suggested it, but i was kinda questioning that.

Cam sensor will not affect spark, the icm, crank sensor or wiring from the crank sensor are the usual culprits here. If a scan shows no crank signal you can almost be sure it is the crank sensor or wiring from the cps to the icm.

Cam sensor will not affect spark, the icm, crank sensor or wiring from the crank sensor are the usual culprits here. If a scan shows no crank signal you can almost be sure it is the crank sensor or wiring from the cps to the icm.

I replaced the 3X sensor with a new one from autozone today. The 24X was replaced on 12/07/08 and wiring looked solid on that.. I also cut the whole middle section of the wiring between the 3X sensor and ICM and butt connected and heat shrunk new wire in. I had previously butt connected the old wire, but thought after 15 years of heat cycles, might be a good idea to put fresh wire in there.

I ran the car for at least 20 minutes in park with the A/C on and randomly put it in drive.

The real test will be the grocery store, drug store, food, gas run and then the kragen's and home run. I think if it makes it through those two runs with the air conditioner on and doesn't stall, that should keep me going for another 8 mos.

Wish me luck!

Update. Car is still running strong.

2 things.

1. If you repair the 3X wire between ICM and 3X sensor, cut out and replace ALL the wire (leave enough for a butt slice/heat shrink), not just the bad visible section.

2. The second thing: DO NOT overtighten the 3X sensor. If you don't have a torque wrench or it won't fit, just make sure it is snug. I think it may have cracked something in there when i tightened down too much.

So far, so good!

I had a similar issue, it turned out to be the ignition control module. it's usually located under the ignition coils..in other words the coils are bolted onto this. I had mine tested over and over, nothing wrong detected, but if i've driven long enough it would eventually just die. as if i turned the key off. i replaced it, and no problems since! so maybe give that a shot?

This to me sounds like the likely problem here, control modules usually just decide to stop working when they get a bit too hot. sometimes a test at autozone or napa doesnt really turn up with any info. TO me it really seems like this is it.

I had a similar issue, it turned out to be the ignition control module. so maybe give that a shot?



When i replaced my wire I also replaced the ignition module. :grinyes: