1988 PONTIAC FIERO ignition coil

6E3-A-2 2.88, (VIM S) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
'Fa SERIES
COMPUTER HARNESS
C1 Electronic Control Module (ECM)
C2 ALDL diagnostic connector
C3 "SERVICE ENGINE
SOON" light
C4 ECM powerlfuel pump fuse
C5 ECM harness ground
C6 Fuse panel
C8 Fuel pump test connector
(ALDL"G")
C9 MAFfuse
CONTROLLED DEVICES
1 Fuel injector
2
Idle air control motor
3 Fuel pump relay
5 Trans. Conv. Clutch connector
6a Remote ignition coil
8 Engine coolant fan relay
9 Air control solenoid (M.T. only)
12 Exhaust Gas Recirculation solenoid
0 INFORMATION SENSORS
B Exhaust oxygen
C Throttle position D Coolant temperature
F Vehicle speed
K Mass Air Flow
S Power steering pressure switch
T Manifold Air Temperature
U AIC pressure fan switch
13 AIC compressor relay
,..,a :'"' NOT ECM 'ONNECTED 15 Fuel vapor canister solenoid N1 Crankcase vent valve (PCV) 17 bass air flow sensor relay N4 Engine temp. switch (telltale)
N5 Engine temp. sensor (gage) Exhaust Gas Recirculation valve
N6 Oil press. switch (telltale)
N7 Oil press, sensor (gage)
N8 Oil press. swich (fuel pump)
N10 Cold start fuel injection switch
N11 Cold start valve 7-29-87 N12 Deceleration Valve (MIT only)
N13 Fan Override Switch *5S 2127-6E
Figure Al-l - Component Locations 2.8L "F" Series

6E3-A-"I 2.8L (VlN S) DRIVEABILITY AND EMlSSlONS
TO OIL PRESS. SW.
&FUEL PUMP RELAY
FUSE
81 HOLDER BATTERY 12 V .. m.. . n.
. . . . . . . . FUSIBLE LINK
439 PNWBLK
419 BRNNVHT
SERIAL
DATA
451
WHTJBLK
450 BLKNVHT
ALDL CONNECTOR
NO "SERVICE ENGlNE SOON" "LIGHT
2.8b (VIM 5) 'T" "SERIES (PORT)
Circuit Description:
There should always be a steady "Service Engine Soon" light when the ignition is "ON" and engine stopped.
Battery is supplied directly to the light bulb. The electronic control module
(ECNI) will control the light and
turn it "ON" by providing a ground path through CKT 419 to the ECM.
Test Description: Numbers below refer to circled
numbers on the diagnostic chart.
1. If the fuse in holder is blown refer to facing page of
Code
54 for complete circuit.
2. Using a test light connected to 12 volts probe each
of the system ground circuits to be sure a good
ground is present. See ECM terminal end view in
front of this section for
ECM pin locations of
ground circuits.
Diagnostic Aids:
Engine runs OK, check:
@ Faulty light bulb.
@ CKT 419 open.
@ Gage fuse blown.
This will result in no oil or
generator lights, seat belt reminder, etc. Engine
cranks but will not run.
@ Continuous battery - fuse or fusible link open.
@ ECM ignition fuse open.
@ Battery CKT 340 to ECM open.
@ Ignition CKT 439 to ECM open.
e Poor connection to ECM.
Solenoids and relays are turned "ON"
and "OFF"
by the ECM, using internal electronic switches called
"drivers". Each driver is part of a group of four called
"Quad-Drivers". Failure of one driver can damage
any other driver in the set. Solenoid and relay coil
resistance must measure more than 20 ohms. Less
resistance will cause early failure of the ECM
"driver".
Before replacing ECM, be sure to check the coil
resistance of all solenoids and relays controlled by the
ECM. See ECM wiring diagram for the
solenoid(s)
and relay(s) and the coil terminal identification.

6E3-A-92 2.8b (VIN SI DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
TO OIL PRESS. SW.
&FUEL PUMP RELAY
FUSE
& HOLDER BATTERY 12
V
.. am.. . FUSIBLE LINK 15 WAY
439
PNWBLK
- 419 BUNNVHT
SERIAL DATA
451
WHTIBLK
450 BLWHT
ALDL CONNECTOR
CHART A-2
NO ALDL OR WONT FLASH CODE 12
""SERVICE ENGlNE SOON" MGHT ""8N13SPEADY
2.8L (VIN S) ""FYSERlES (PORT)
Circuit Description:
There should always be a steady "Service Engine Soon" light when the ignition is "ON" and engine stopped.
Battery ignition voltage is supplied to the light bulb. The electronic control module
(ECM) will turn the light
"ON" by grounding CKT
419 at the ECM.
With the diagnostic terminal grounded, the light should flash
a Code 12, followed by any trouble code(s)
stored in memory.
A steady light suggests a short to ground in the light control CKT 419, or an open in diagnostic CKT 451.
Test Description: Numbers below refer to circled
numbers on the diagnostic chart.
1. If there is a problem with the ECM that causes a
"Scan" tool to not read serial data, the ECM
should not flash a Code 12. If Code 12 is flashing
check for CKT
451 short to ground. If Code 12
does flash be sure that the "Scan" tool is working
properly on another vehicle. If the "Scan" is
functioning properly and CKT 461 is OK the
PROM or ECM may be at fault for the NO
AL,DI,
symptom.
2. If
the light goes "OFF" when the ECM connector is
disconnected, CKT 419 is not shorted to ground.
3. This step will check for an open diagnostic CKrl'
451.
4. At this point the "Service Engine Soon" light
wiring is OK. The problem is a faulty ECM or
PROM. If Code 12 does not flash, the ECM should
he replaced using the original PROM. Replace the
PROM only after trying an ECM, as a defective
PROM is an unlikely cause of the problem.
Diagnostic Aids:
Solenoids and relays are turned "ON" or "OFF" by
the ECM using internal electronic switches called
"drivers". Each driver is part of a group of four called
"Quad-l)rivers". Failure of one driver can damage
any other driver in the set.
Hefore replacing ECM, be sure to check the coil
resistance of
all solenoids and relays controlled by the
14:CM. Set: I':C%f wiring cliugrntn for the solcnoid(s)
.c~~cl rel;~ (-1 ~ititl lllc coil tcrtriitlul itlentilication.

6E3-A-14 2.8L (VIN S) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
PICK-UP COIL
CHART A-3
(Page 1 of 2)
ENGINE CRANKS BUT WON'T RUN
2.8L (VIN S) ""F'" SERIES (PORT)
Test Description: Numbers below refer to circled
numbers on the diagnostic chart.
1. This chart
assunles that battery condition and
engine cranking speed are OK, and there is
adequate fuel in the tank. If engine starts but
immediately stalls, see "Symptoms", Section
"B"
(Hard Start). A "Service Engine Soon" light "ON"
is a basic check for ignition and battery supply to
the electronic control module
(ECM).
2. No sparlc indicates a basic HE1 problem.
3. This test will determine if the ECM is receiving
the reference signal and controlling the injectors.
This test could also be performed at the 4-way
injector connector by using a test light between
terminals
"A" and "D".
If the test light "blinks" while cranking, then
ECM control should be considered OK.
How
bright the test light "blinks" is not important.
However, the test light should be a
5-34730-2 or
equivalent.
4. Use pressure gage 5-34730-1. Wrap a shop towel
around the fuel pressure tap to absorb any small
amount of fuel leakage that may occur when
installing the gage.
Diagnostic Aids:
@ An EGR valve sticking open can cause a low
airlfuel ratio during cranking. Unless engine
enters "Clear Flood" at the first indication of a
flooding condition, it can result in a no start.
@ Check for fouled plugs:
@ If the TPS is sticking or binding in the wide open
throttle position, the ECM will be in the "Clear
Flood" mode.
@ A defective cold start circuit or water in fuel line
can cause a no start in cold weather.
To check cold
start circuit: See CHART
A-9.
e A defective MAF sensor may cause a no start or a
stall after start. 'I'o determine if the sensor is
causing the problem, disconnect it. The ECM will
then use a default value for the sensor, and if the
condition is corrected and the connections are OK,
replace the sensor.
@ Also check that injectors on both sides of engine
will cause a test light to "blink". Checking of two
injectors on each bank in this manner will locate a
shorted injector.
If
above are all OK, refer to "Symptoms" in
Section
"R" "Hard Start".
@ Also checlc that injectors are not open or shorted.
Injector resistance should be greater than ohms.

6E3-B-2 2.8L (VIN 5) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
Problem may or may not turn "ON" the "Service Engine SoonJ' light, or store a code.
DO NOT use the trouble code charts in Section
"A" for intermittent problems. The fault must be
present to locate the problem. If a fault is
intermittent, use of trouble code charts may result
in replacement of good parts.
@ Most intermittent problems are caused by
faulty electrical connections or wiring. Perform
careful check as described at start of Section
"B". Check for:
@ Poor mating of the connector halves, or
terminals not fully seated in the connector
body (backed out).
@ Improperly formed or damaged terminals.
All connector terminals in problem circuit
should be carefully reformed to increase
contact tension.
@ Poor terminal to wire connection. This
requires removing the terminal from the
connector body to check. See "Introduction"
to Section
"6E".
@ If a visual check does not find the cause of the
problem, the car can be driven with a voltmeter
connected to a suspected circuit. A "Scan" tool
can also be used for monitoring input signals to
the ECM to help detect intermittent conditions.
An abnormal voltage, or "Scan" reading, when
the problem occurs, indicates the problem may
be in that circuit. If the wiring and connectors
check OK and a trouble code was stored for a
circuit having a sensor, except for Codes
43, 44,
and 45, substitute a known good sensor and
recheck. An
intermittent "Service Engine Soon" light
with no stored code may be caused by:
@ Ignition coil shorted to ground and arcing at
spark plug wires or plugs.
@ "Service Engine Soon" light wire to ECM
shorted to ground. (CKT 419).
@ Diagnostic "Test" terminal wire to ECM,
shorted to
ground.(CKT 451)
@ ECM power grounds. See ECM wiring
diagrams.
@ Loss of trouble code memory. To check,
disconnect TPS and idle engine until "Service
Engine Soon" light comes "ON". Code
22 should
be stored, and kept in memory when ignition is
turned "OFF". If not, the ECM is faulty.
@ Check for an electrical system interference
caused by a defective relay, ECM driven
solenoid, or switch. They can cause
a sharp
electrical surge. Normally, the problem will
occur when the faulty component is operated.
@ Check for improper installation of electrical
options, such as lights, 2-way radios, etc.
@ EST wires should be kept away from spark plug
wires, distributor wires, distributor housing,
coil, and generator. Wire from ECM to
distributor (CKT
453) should be a good
connection.
@ Check for open diode across A/C compressor
clutch, and for other open diodes (see wiring
diagrams).
HARD START
Definition: Engine cranks OK, but does not start for a long
time. Does eventually run, or may start hut immediately dies.
@ Perform careful check as described at start of -
Section "B".
@ Make sure driver is using correct starting
procedure.
@ CHECK:
- TPS for sticking or binding or a high TPS
voltage with the throttle closed (should read
less than
,700 volts).
- High resistance in coolant sensor circuit or
sensor itself. See Code 15 chart or with
a.
"Scan" tool compare coolant temperature with
ambient temperature on
a cold engine. 8
- Fuel pressure CHART A-7. Water contaminated
fuel.
EGR operation. Be sure valve seats properly and
is not staying open. See CHART C-7.
Both injector fuses (visually inspect).
Ignition system
- Check distributor for:
Proper output with ST-125.
Worn shaft.
Bare and shorted wires.
Pickup coil resistance and connections.
Loose ignition coil ground.
Moisture in distributor cap.
If problem exists in cold weather, check cold start
valve. See CHART A-9.

DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS 2.8L (VIN S) 6E3-B-3
e A faulty in-tank fuel pump check valve will @ If engine starts but then immediately stalls,
allow the fuel in the lines to drain back to the open
distributor by-pass line. If engine then
tank after the engine is stopped. To check for starts
and runs OK, replace pickup coil.
this condition:
@ If engine starts and stalls, disconnect MAF
Perform Fuel System Diagnosis, CHART A-7. sensor. If engine then runs and sensor
@ Remove spark plugs. Check for wet plugs, connections are OK, replace the sensor.
cracks, wear, improper gap, burned
f lectrodes,
or heavy deposits. Repair or replace as
necessary.
HESITATION, SAG, STUMBLE
Definition: Momentary lack of response as the accelerator is pushed down. Can
occur at all car speeds.
Usually most severe when first trying to make the car move, as
from a stop sign. May cause the engine to stall if severe enough.
Perform careful visual check as described at
start of Section
"B".
a CHECK:
- Fuel pressure. See CHART A-7. Also check for
water contaminated fuel.
- Air leaks at air duct between MAF sensor and
throttle body.
- Spark plugs for being fouled or faulty wiring.
- PROM (2.8L) or MEM-CAL (5.OL & 5.7L)
number. Also check service bulletins for latest
MEM-CAL or PROM.
- TPS for binding or sticking. Voltage should
increase at a steady rate as throttle is moved
toward WOT.
- Ignition timing. See Emission Control
Information label.
- Generator output voltage. Repair if less than 9
or more than 16 volts.
- HE1 ground, CKT 453.
- Canister purge system for proper operation.
See CHART C-3.
- EGR - See CHART C-7.
@ Perform injector balance test CHART C-2A.
SURGES AND/OR CHUGGLE
Definition: Engine power variation under steady
throttle or cruise. Feels like the car speeds up and
slows down with no change in the accelerator pedal.
Be sure driver understands transmission
converter clutch and
A/C compressor operation
in Owner's Manual.
e Perform careful visual inspection as described
at start of Section
"B".
CHECK:
- TCC and 4th gear switch operation - See
CHART C-8A.
- Loose or leaking air duct between MAF sensor
and throttle body.
- Generator output voltage. Repair if less than 9
or more than 16 volts.
- EGR - There should be no EGR at idle. See
CHART C-7. Also check for plugged EGR
solenoid filter.
- Vacuum lines for kinks or leaks.
- Ignition timing. See Emission Control
Information label.
- In-line fuel filter. Replace ifdirty or plugged.
- Fuel pressure while condition exists. See
CHART A-7.
@ Inspect oxygen sensor for silicone contamination
from fuel, or use of improper RTV sealant. The
sensor may have a white, powdery coating and
result in a high but false signal voltage (rich
exhaust indication). The ECM will then reduce
the amount of fuel delivered to the engine,
causing a severe driveability problem.
@ Remove spark plugs. Check for cracks, wear,
improper gap, burned electrodes, or heavy
deposits. Also check condition of distributor cap,
rotor, and spark plug wires.
@ To help determine if the condition is caused by a
rich or lean system, the car should be driven at
the speed of the complaint. Monitoring block
learn at the complaint speed will help identify the
cause of the problem. If the system is runnig lean
(block learn greater than
138), refer to
"Diagnostic Aids" on
facing page of Code 44. If
the system is running rich (block learn less than
118), refer to "Diagnostic Aids" on facing page of
Code 45.

DWI\/EABILITV AND EMISSIONS 2.8L (VIN 5) 6E3-B-5
CU"T SUP, MISSES
Definition: Steady pulsation or jerking that follows engine
speed, usually more pronounced as engine load increases. The
exhaust has a steady spitting sound at idle or low speed.
@ Perform careful visual check as described at
start of Section
"B".
@ Check for missing cylinder by:
1. Disconnect IAC valve. Start engine.
Remove one spark plug wire at a time
using insulated pliers.
2. If there is an rpm drop on all cylinders
(equal to within
50 rpm), go to "ROUGH,
UNSTABLE, OR INCORRECT IDLE,
STALLING" symptom. Reconnect IAC
valve.
3. If
there is no rprn drop on one or more
cylinders, or excessive variation in drop,
check for spark on the suspected
cylinder(s) with J 26792 (ST-125) Spark
Gap Tool or equivalent.
If no spark, see
Section
"6D" for intermittent operation or
miss. If there is spark, remove spark
plug(s) in these cylinders and check for:
- Cracks
- Wear
- Improper gap
- Burned electrodes
- Iieavy deposits
@ Perform compression check on questionable
cylinder(s) found above. If compression is low,
repair as necessary. See Section
"6".
@ Disconnect all injector harness connectors.
Connect
5-34730-2 injector test light or
equivalent 6 volt test light between the
harness terms, of each injector connector and
note light while cranking. If test light fails to blink
at any connector, it is a faulty injector drive
circuit harness, connector, or terminal.
@ Perform the injector balance test. See CHART C-
2A.
s CHECK:
- Spark plug wires by connecting ohmmeter to
ends of each wire in question. If meter reads over
30,000 ohms, replace wire(s1.
- Fuel System - Plugged fuel filter, water, low
pressure. See
CHART A-7.
- Valve timing.
- Secondary voltage using a shop ocilliscope or a
spark tester 5-26792 (ST-125) or equivalent.
@ Visually inspect distributor cap and rotor for
moisture, dust, cracks, burns, etc. Spray cap and
plug wires with, fine water mist to check for
shorts.
@ A miss condition can be caused by EM1
(Electromagnetic Interference) on the reference
circuit.
EM1 can usually be detected by
monitoring engine rpm with a "Scan" tool. A
sudden increase in rpm with little change in
actual engine rpm change, indicates
EM1 is
present. If the problem exists, check routing of secondary
wires, check all distributor ground circuits.
@ Remove rocker covers. Check for bent pushrods,
worn rocker arms, broken valve springs, worn
camshaft lobes. Repair as necessary. See Section
"6A".
BACKFIRE
Definition: Fuel ignites in intake manifold, or
in exhaust system, making a loud popping noise.
CHECK:
- Loose wiring connector or air duct at MAF
sensor.
- Compression - Look for sticking or leaking
valves.
- EGR operation for being open all the time. See
CHART C-7.
- EGR gasket for faulty or loose fit .
- Valve timing.
- Output voltage of ignition coil using a shop
ocilliscope or spark tester 5-26792 (ST-125) or
equivalent.
- Spark plugs for crossfire also inspect (distributor
cap, spark plug wires, and proper routing of plug
wires).
- Ignition system for intermittent condition. (See
Section
"6D").
- Engine timing - see Emission Control
Information label.
- Perform fuel system diagnosis check, CIIART A-
7A.
- Perform injector balance test, CHART C-2A.
- Deceleration valve (2.8L ~nanualltrans) - See
Section
"C6".
- A.I.R. system check valves - See Section "C-6".

6E3-Cl-4 2.8L (VIN S) DRIVEABILITY AND EMISSIONS
BarWNeutral Switch (Auto Only)
The ParWNeutral (PIN) switch indicates to the
ECM when the transmission is in Park or Neutral.
This information is used for the TCC and the IAC
valve operation.
Important
Vehicle should not be driven with ParWNeutral
switch disconnected as idle quality will be affected
and a possible false Code
24 (VSS).
See Section "$A" for more information on the PIN
switch, which is part of the neutrallstart and backup
light switch assembly.
NC '"n" Signal
This signal tells the ECM that the A/C selector
Switch is turned on, and that the pressure cycling
switch is closed. The ECM uses this to adjust the idle
Speed when the air conditioning is working.
If this signal is not available to the ECM, idle may
be rough, especially when the
A/C compressor cycles.
The voltage at ECM terminal "B8" should equal
battery voltage when
AIC is requested and the
pressure cycling switch is closed.
The signal at
B8 will cause the ECM to turn on the
A/C clutch by energizing the A/C relay.
Distributor Reference Signal
The distributor sends a signal to the ECM to tell it
both engine RPM and crankshaft position. See EST
System for further information.
To read the codes, use a "Scan" tool or ground the
diagnostic terminal with the engine not running and
the ignition on. The "Service Engine Soon" light will
flash Code 12 three times and
then flash each code
stored in memory three times. All codes stored in
memory would have been read when Code 12 was
flashed again. No new codes can be stored when in the
Diagnostics Mode (diagnostics lead grounded).
This
eliminates confusion while the system is being worked
on. To clear the codes from memory:
@ Ignition off
@ Remove fuse located in a weather proof holder
located near the battery for 30 seconds.
Since the ECM can have
a failure which may
effect only one circuit, following the Diagnostic
Procedures in this section will determine which circuit
has a problem and where it is. If
a diagnostic chart indicates that the ECM
connections or ECM is the cause of
a problem and the
ECM is replaced, but does not correct the problem, one
of the following may be the reason:
€9
connections. - The diagnostic chart will say "ECM
connections or ECM. The terminals may have to be
removed from the connector in order to check them
properly.
@ The ECM or PROM is not correct for the
application.
- The incorrect components may cause a
malfunction and may or may not set a code.
@ The problem is intermittent. - This means that
the problem is not present at the time the system is
being checked. In this case, refer to the "Symptoms"
portion of the manual and make a careful physical
inspection of all portions of the system involved.
@ Shorted solenoid, relay coil, or harness. -
Solenoids and relays are turned "ON" and "OFF" by
the
ECM,using internal electronic switches called
"Drivers". Each driver is part of
a group of four called
"Quad-drivers". Failure of one driver can damage any
other driver in the set.
Solelloid and relay coil
resistance must measure more than 20 ohms. Less
resistance will cause early failure of the ECM
"driver". A shorted solenoid, relay coil, or harness,
with a GMP4 computer, will not damage the ECM, but
will cause the component to be inoperative.
Before replacing an ECM, be sure to check the coil
resistance of all solenoids and relays controlled by the
ECM. See ECM wiring diagram for the
solenoid(s)
and relay(s) and the coil terminal identification.
534636 or BT 8405 testers or equivalent provide
a fast, accurate means of checking for a shorted coil or
a short to battery voltage.
@ The PROM may be faulty. - Although these
rarely fail, it operates as part of the ECM. Therefore,
it could be the cause of the problem. Substitute a
known good PROM.
@ The replacement ECM may be faulty. - After the
ECM is replaced, the system should be rechecked for
proper operation. If the diagnostic chart again
indicates the ECM is the problem, substitute
a known
good ECM. Although this is a rare condition, it could
happen.
ECM
A faulty ECM will be determined in the diagnostic
charts or
by a Code 55.
PROM
A faulty PROM may result in a Code 51.