1988 PONTIAC FIERO check engine

CRANKING SYSTEM BD2-11
CHECKING PINION CLEARANCE When the starter motor has been disassembled or the sole-
PRESS ON CLUTCH TO noid has been replaced, it is necessary to check the pinion
clearance. Pinion clearance must be correct to prevent the but-
tons on the shift lever yoke from rubbing on the clutch collar
during cranking.
3 1. Disconnect the motor field coil connector from the sole-
noid motor terminal and insulate it carefully.
32. Connect one 12 volt battery lead to the solenoid switch
terminal and the other to the starter frame.
33. Flash a jumper lead momentarily from the solenoid motor
FEEL^^ terminal to the starter frame. This will shift the pinion into
cranking position and it will remain so until the battery is dis-
connected.
34. Push the pinion back as far as possible to take up any
movement. and check the clearance with a feeler gage. The
clearance should be
.01OV to .140.
Means for adjusting pinion clearance is not provided on the
starter motor. If the clearance does not fall within limits, check
for improper installation and replace all worn parts.
520047-6D
Fig. 608 Starter Motor Disassembly, Test and Reassembly 6 of 6
Engine (RPO/VIN) 2.8L-V6-LB8-%
Starter 5MT-1998524
-No Load Test
@ 10V Min. 50A Max. 75A
6000 rprn
- 1 1,900 rpm
Solenoid
-Hold-in Windings
13- 19A
@ IOV
----Pull-in Windings 23-30A
@ 5v
Engine (RPO/VIN) 5.OL-V8-L03-E
Starter IOMT-1998580
(Auto Trans)
No Load Test
@ 10V Min. 70A Max. 1 lOA
6500 rpm - 10,700 rprn
Solenoid
-Hold-in Windings
13- 19A
@ 1ov
-Pull-in Windings 23-30A
@ 5v
5 .OL-V8-LB9-F
IOMT- 1998580
(Auto Trans)
Min. 70A Max.
1 lOA
6500 rpm - 10,700 rprn
5
.OL-V8-L03-E
5MT- I998527
(Manual Trans)
Min. 52A Max. 76A
6000 rprn
- 12,000 rprn
5.OL-V8-LB9-F
5MT-1998527
(Manual Trans)
Min. 52A Max. 76A
6000 rprn
- 12,000 rprn
Min. 70A Max.
1 lOA
6500 rpm - 10,700 rpm

CHARGING SYSTEM 6D3-1
SECTION 6D3
CHARG NG SYSTEM
CONTENTS
General Description ................................. 6D3- 1 Charging System ........................................ 6D3- 1
.......................................... Charging System - CS ............................... 6D3- 1 On-Car Service 6D3-2
................................................... Diagnosis .. 6D3- 1 Generator 6D3-3 ...................... ......................... ............................................. 6D3- 1 Specifications 6D3-3 Service Procedures .................................. Unit Repair .. 6D3-4-6 ............................... ............
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The engine electrical system includes the battery,
ignition (primary and secondary), starter (and related
wiring) and the generator (and related wiring).
Diagnostic charts (see Section 6D) will aid in
trouble-shooting system faults. When a fault is traced
to a particular component, refer to that components'
section of the service manual.
CHARGING SYSTEM-CS
The CS Charging System has several sizes
available, including the CS-130 and CS-144. The
number (130 or 144) denotes the
OD in mm of the
stator laminations.
CS generators use a new type regulator and a
diode trio is not used. A delta stator, rectifier bridge,
and rotor with slip rings and brushes are electrically
similar to earlier generators. A conventional pulley and
fan is used and, on the CS-130, an internal fan cools the
slip ring end frame, rectifier bridge and regulator.
Unlike three-wire generators, the CS-130 and
CS-144 may be used with only two connections
-
battery positive and an "L" terminal to the charge
indicator bulb. Use of "P",
"F", and "S" terminals is
optional. The "P" terminal is connected to the stator,
and may be connected externally to
a tachometer or other
device. The
"F" terminal is connected internally
to field positive, and may be used as a fault indicator.
The "S" terminal may be connected externally to a
voltage, such as battery voltage, to sense voltage to be
controlled.
As on other charging systems, the charge
indicator lights when the switch is closed, and goes out
when the engine is running. If the charge indicator is
on with the engine running, a charging system defect
is indicated. For all kinds of defects, the indicator will
glow at full brilliance, not "half lit". Also, the charge
indicator will be on with the engine running if system
voltage is too high or too low. The regulator voltage
setting varies with temperature, and limits system
voltage by controlling rotor field current.
This regulator switches rotor field current on and
off at a fixed frequency of about 400 cycles per second.
By varying the on-off time, correct average field
current for proper system voltage control is obtained.
At high speeds, the on-time may be 10% and the
off-time 90%. At low speeds, with high electrical loads,
on-off time may be 90% and
lo%, respectively.
No periodic maintenance on the generator is
required.
DIAGNOSIS
SERVICE PROCEDURES
CHARGING SYSTEM
The generator does not require periodic
lubrication. The rotor shaft is mounted on ball bearings
at the drive end and roller bearings at the slip ring end.
Each contains a permanent grease supply. At periodic
intervals, check mounting bolts for tightness and adjust
belt tension (see Section
6B), if applicable.
e When adjusting belt tension, apply pressure at
center of generator, never against either end
frame.
GENERATOR BENCH CHECK-CS
To check generator in a test stand, remove as
specified in On-Car Service and proceed as follows: 1.
Make connections as shown in Figure
lH, except
leave the carbon pile disconnected. The ground
polarity of generator and battery must be the
same. The battery must be fully charged. Use a
30-500
OHM resistor between battery and "L"
terminal.
2. Slowly increase generator speed and observe
voltage.
3. If the voltage is uncontrolled and increases above
16.0 volts, the rotor field is shorted, the regulator
is defective, or both.
A shorted rotor field coil can
cause the regulator to become defective. NOTE:
The battery must be fully charged when making
this test.

6D3-4 CHARGING SYSTEM
CS130 GENERATOR DISASSEMBLY, TEST AND REASSEMBLY
(GENERATOR REMOVED FROM ENGINE)
THRU-BOLT LOCATION TESTING STATOR
BOLT (3) TERMINALS IdS## tdFI# llLll Idpd
1. Make scribe marks on end frames to facilitate reas-
sembly.
2. Remove thru-bolts and separate end frames. 3. Punch out cover rivets, or pins, and remove cover on
slip ring end frame.
END FRAME VIEW
PUNCH OUT
LEADS FROM
COVER
RIVE
4. Unsolder stator leads at three terminals on rectifier
bridge. Avoid excessive heat, which could damage
diodes in rectifier bridge. NOTICE: If stator leads are
welded, in place of soldered, cut stator leads about
half way back on rectifier bridge terminals.
5. Remove stator. 6. Drive out three baffle pins and remove baffle from
inside of slip ring end frame. 7. Check stator
for grounds with ohmmeter. If
readlng IS
low, replace stator.
8. Check rotor for grounds with ohmmeter. Check can
be made with drive end frame assembled. Reading
should be very high. If not, replace rotor. Hold rotor
with hex wrench in shaft when removing shaft nut.
9. Check rotor for opens and shorts. Should read 1.7-
2.3 ohms. If not, replace rotor.
Fig. 602 CS 130 Generator Disassembly, Test and Reassembly 1 of 3

IGNITION SYSTEM 6B4-3
flash-over, which causes engine misfiring. Do not
mistake corona discharge for flash-over, or a shorted
insulator. Corona is a steady blue light appearing
around the insulator, just above the shell crimp. It is
the visible evidence of a high-tension field and has no
effect on ignition performance. Usually it can be
detected only in darkness. This discharge may repel
dust particles, leaving a clear ring on the insulator just
above the shell. This ring is sometimes mistakenly
regarded as evidence that combustion gases have blown
out between shell and insulator.
lgnition Switch
The mechanical switch is located in the steering
column on the right hand side just below the steering
wheel. The electrical switching portion of the assembly
is separate from the key and lock cylinder. However,
both are synchronized and work in conjunction with
each other through the action of the actuator rod
assembly.
For a complete explanation of the key and lock
cylinder, and the actuator rod assembly, see
STEERING, Section
38. See Section 8 for electrical
switching.
DIAGNOSIS
IGNITION SYSTEM
Spark Plugs
Worn or dirty plugs may give satisfactory
operation at idling speed, but at higher RPM they
frequently fail. Faulty plugs are indicated in a number
of ways: poor fuel economy, power loss, loss of speed,
hard starting and generally poor engine performance.
Spark plugs may also fail due to carbon fouling,
excessive gap, or a broken insulator. Fouled plugs may
be indicated by black carbon
deposits. The black deposits are usually the result of
slow-speed driving and short runs, where sufficient
engine operating temperature is seldom reached. Worn
pistons, rings, faulty ignition, over-rich carburetion
and spark plugs which are too cold will also result in
carbon deposits.
Excessive gap wear, on plugs of low mileage,
usually indicates the engine is operating at high speeds,
or loads that are consistently greater than normal, or
that a plug which is too hot is being used. Electrode
wear may also be the result of plug overheating,
causcd
by combustion gases leaking past the threads due to
insufficient torquing of the spark plug. Excessively lean
carburetion will also result in accelerated electrode
wear.
Broken insulators are usually the result of
improper installation, or carelessness when regapping
the plug. Broken upper insulators usually result from
a poor fitting wrench, or an outside blow. The cracked
insulator may not show up right away, but will as soon
as oil or moisture penetrates the crack. The crack is
usually just below the crimped part of shell and may
not be visible.
Broken lower insulators usually result from
carelessness when regapping and generally are visible.
This type of break may result from the plug operating
too "hot", which may happen in periods of high-speed
operation or under heavy loads. When regapping a
spark plug, always make the gap adjustment by
bending the ground (side) electrode. Spark plugs with
broken insulators should always be replaced.
HE1 Distributor
See Unit Repair for distributor disassembly, test
and reassembly of individual distributor components,
when the distributor is removed from the vehicle. See
On-Car Service for distributor removal and installation
and for component removal with distributor in car. See
Section 6E for
HE1 and EST diagnosis.
SERVICE PROCEDURES
IGNITION SYSTEM
Distributor Ignition
NOTICE: This procedure is generally true for
most carlines. Where procedure is different, or
where additional information is required, see
"ON-CAR SERVICE" for specific
carline.
HE1 DISTRIBUTOR
Service Precautions
1. When making compression checks, disconnect
the ignition switch feed wire at the distributor.
When disconnecting this connector,
do not use
a screwdriver or tool to release the locking tab, as
it may break.
2. No periodic lubrication is required. Engine oil
lubricates the lower bushing and an oil-filled
reservoir provides lubrication for the upper
bushing. 3.
The tachometer (TACH) terminal is next to the
ignition switch (BAT) connector on the
distributor cap.
NOTICE: The tachometer terminal must
NEVER be allowed to touch ground, as damage
to the module and/or ignition coil can result.
Some tachometers currently in use may NOT be
compatible with the High Energy Ignition System.
Consult the manufacturer of the tachometer if
questions arise.
4. Dwell adjustment is controlled by the module,
and cannot be adjusted.
5. The material used to construct the spark plug
cables is very soft. This cable will withstand more
heat and carry a higher voltage, but scuffing and
cutting become easier. The spark plug cables
must be routed correctly to prevent
chafing or
cutting. See Spark Plug Section. When removing

684.4 IGNITION SYSTEM
a spark plug wire from a spark plug, twist the 4. Do not wipe grease from module, or distributor
boot on the spark plug and pull
on the boot to base,
if same module is to be replaced.
remove the wire, or use a special tool designed to
remove spark plug boots.
Install or Connect
Remove or Disconnect
1. Ignition switch battery feed wire and tachometer
lead (if equipped) from distributor cap. Also
release the coil connectors from the cap. (DO
NOT use a screwdriver or tool to release the
locking tabs.)
2. Distributor cap by turning four screws
counterclockwise. Move cap out of the way.
3. Four-terminal ECM harness from distributor.
4. If necessary, remove secondary wires from cap,
release wiring harness latches and remove wiring
harness retainer. The spark plug wire numbers
are indicated on the retainer.
5. Distributor clamp screw and hold-down clamp.
6. Note position of rotor, then pull distributor up
until rotor just stops turning counterclockwise
and again note position of rotor.
To insure correct timing of the distributor,
the distributor must be INSTALLED with
the rotor correctly positioned as noted.
If the engine was accidentally cranked after the
distributor was removed, the following procedure can
be used for installing:
1. Remove No. 1 spark plug.
2. Place finger over No. 1 spark plug hole and crank
engine slowly until compression is felt.
3. Align timing mark on pulley to "0" on engine
timing indicator.
4. Turn rotor to point between No. 1 and No. 8
spark plug towers on distributor cap on V8
engines, between No. 1 and No. 6 on V6 engines,
and No.
1 and No. 4 on 4 cylinder engines.
5. Install distributor and connect ignition feed wire.
6. Install distributor cap and spark plug wires.
7. Check engine timing (see Set Ignition Timing).
Install or Connect
1. Insert distributor, positioning rotor as removed.
2. Distributor hold-down clamp and screw.
3. Wiring harness retainer and secondary wires, if
removed.
4. ECM harness connector.
5. Distributor cap.
6. Coil connectors.
7. Battery wire and tachometer lead, if equipped.
Module
It is not necessary to remove the distributor from
car.
Remove or Disconnect
1. Distributor cap and rotor.
2. Two module attaching screws, and lift module
UP. 3. Leads from module. (Observe color code on leads
as these cannot be interchanged.)
NOTICE: If a new module is to be installed, a
package of silicone grease will be included with it.
Spread the grease on the metal face of the module
and on the distributor base where the module
seats. This grease is necessary for module cooling.
1. Module.
2. Module leads (observe color code).
3. Attaching screws to module.
4. Rotor.
5. Cap.
Pick-Up Coil
1. Remove distributor from car and follow
instructions in Unit Repair, as applicable.
Rotor
Fig. 1
1. Remove distributor cap.
2. The rotor is retained by two screws and is
provided with a slot which fits over a square lug,
,
so that the rotor can be installed in only one
position.
Integral Ignition Coil
Fig. I
Remove or Disconnect
1. Distributor cap.
2. Three coil cover attaching screws, and lift off
cover.
3. Coil attaching screws and lift ignition coil and
leads from cap.
Install or Connect I
1. Coil and attaching screws.
2. Coil leads.
3. Coil cover and attaching screws.
Capacitor
Fig. 1
The capacitor is part of the coil wire harness
assembly. Since the capacitor is used only for radio
noise suppression, it will seldom need replacement.
Remove or Disconnect I
1. Distributor cap and rotor.
2. Capacitor attaching screw and unplug connector
from module. It may help to loosen the module.
Install or Connect I
1. Plug into module.
2. Capacitor and hold-down screw (be sure ground
lead is under screw).

IGNITION SYSTEM 6014.5
3. Rotor and cap. 4. Turn off the engine and remove the timing light.
Reconnect the number one spark plug wire, if
Set Ignition Timing removed.
Spark Plug Wires 1. Refer to the tune-up label located in the engine
compartment. Follow all instructions on the Use
care when removing spark plug wire boots
label. from
spark plugs. Twist the boot
1/2 turn before
removing and pull on the
boot only to remove the
With ignition off, connect the pick-up lead of
timing light to the number one spark plug. Use
a jumper lead between the wire and plug, or an
inductive type pick-up.
DO NOT pierce the wire,
or attempt to insert a wire between the boot and
the wire. Connect the timing light power leads
according to manufacturer's instructions.
Start the engine and aim the timing light at the
timing mark. The line on the balancer or pulley
will line up at the timing mark. If a change is
necessary, loosen the distributor hold-down
clamp bolt at the base of the distributor. While
observing the mark with the timing light, slighty
rotate the distributor until the line indicates the
correct timing. Tighten the hold-down bolt and
re-check the timing. wire.
When replacing plug wires, route the wires
correctly and through the proper retainers. Failure to
route the wires properly can lead to radio ignition noise
and crossfiring of the plugs, or shorting of the leads to
ground.
Special care should be exercised when reinstalling
spark plug boots, to assure that the metal terminal
within the boot is fully seated on the spark plug
terminal and that the boot has not moved on the wire.
If boot to wire movement has occurred, the boot will
give a false visual impression of being fully seated.
A
good check to assure that boots have been properly
assembled is to push sideways on the installed boots.
If they have been correctly installed, a stiff boot, with
only slight looseness, will be noted. If the terminal has
not been properly seated on the spark plug, only the
resistance of the rubber boot will be felt when pushing
sideways.
ON-CAR SERVICE
I I -COI L & BRACKET ASM. 2-DISTRIBUTOR 3-COIL WIRE I
Fig. 601 Distributor and Coil - LB8

8B-2 ENGINE ELECTRICAL
NO CRANKING, NO SOUND FROM SOLENOID
I TURN HEADLIGHTS AND DME LITE ON
TURN KEY TO START I
TEST BETTERY.
IF OK. REPAIR
.5 VOLT OR MORE a
OSITION, (POS. LEAD 0
GROUND CABLE CONN. ANDlOR REPLACE
CABLE.
CLEAN AND TIGHTEN
POS. BATTERY CABLE
TERMINALS
ANDlOR REPLACE CABLE. CONNECTOR.
FUSIBLE
CHECK CONNECTIONS
AND VOLTAGE AT
SOLENOID
"S' TERM.
LESS THAN
7 VOLTS b
FAULTY PURPLE WITH KEY IN START,
WIRE TO STARTER CHECK
VOLTAGE AT
G20201-6D
Fig. 1 Electrical System General Diagnosis - 1 of 2
GENERAL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSIS 6D3 - Charging System
6D4
- ~~nitcon-§~stem Diagnosis and repair procedures for engine
6D5 - Engine Wiring
electrical subsystems are located in the following
subsections: Where a
"driveability" complaint
exists, or an
ECM code is set, go to Section
6E. Wiring diagrams,
6D
1 - Battery component locations and system checks are located in
6D2
- Cranking System Section 8A.

ENGINE ELECTRICAL 6D-3
SLOW CRANKING, SOLENOID CLICKS OR CHATTERS
VISUAL CONDITION OF BATTERY CABLES AND CONNECTIONS.
IF BATTERY NEEDS CHARGING, MAKE GENERATOR AND BATTERY DRAIN
CHECK, CHARGE BATTERY AND RECHECK CRANKING. IF TROUBLE HAS
NOT BEEN FOUND, PROCEED.
AKE ALL VOLTMETER READINGS
WITH KEY IN START POSITION.
CABLE AND AT SOLENOID
"8"
TERMINAL, CLEAN
AND TIGHTEN
CONNECTIONS AT
THIS PROCEDURE IS DESIGNED FOR USE ON
ENGINES AND BATTERIES AT ROOM OR NORMAL
OPERATING TEMPERATURES. IT ALSO ASSUMES
THERE ARE NO ENGINE DEFECTS WHICH WOULD
CAUSE CRANKING PROBLEMS. TO USE IT UNDER
OTHER CONDITIONS MIGHT RESULT IN
MISDIAGNOSIS.
Fig. 2 Electrical System General Diagnosis - 2 of 2