In this video I’ll show how to remove and replace an ignition module on a GM 3.8L V-6. (Albeit I did not actually get the module off but the information needed was provided.) The particular vehicle being worked on is a 2001 Pontiac Bonneville. The procedure is similar for a wide variety of GM vehicles including some GM 3.4L V-6 engines. This is a very simple removal and installation. Do note there may be differences between years and models. You need to confirm this procedure in your repair manual. Please note that many parts stores have the equipment on hand to test if this ignition module is faulty. So if you are ever in doubt have it tested. Just take it off the vehicle and take it to the parts store to be tested. It only takes 5 minutes.
Also, please add dielectric grease ,or whatever grease or compound the manufacturer of your ignition module recommends, to the entire bottom surface of the ignition module where the module mates to the mounting bracket. this helps to remove heat from the module. Some applications may vary depending upon year and model. Thermal grease may be recommended for other applications. You’ll need to verify the procedure in your manual and read all literature provided by the manufacturer of the ignition module you purchase. The life of your module could be cut short and warranty voided by not properly installing your module.
Note: The manual for this vehicle, 01 Pontiac Bonneville, did not mention anything about putting dielectric grease or thermal grease under the module before installation. The method of placing dielectric grease on the module was taught to me by some old timers back in the day. Even if your vehicle is equipped with a GM 3.8L series 2 engine, be sure to verify if the module you purchase requires a special grease to be applied to it. If it does then put it on.
DISCLAIMER
Barbour’s Auto Help is not responsible for any damage or personal injury incurred in the process of performing any auto repairs done by you the viewer. Automotive repair is extremely dangerous. Repair your vehicle at your own risk. It is the viewers responsibility to verify all information and procedures as outlined in YOUR REPAIR MANUAL AND OWNERS MANUAL FOR YOUR VEHICLE. Owning and using a repair manual suited for your vehicle is essential for correctly and safely performing ANY repair to your vehicle. Always wear safety glasses and heed all instructions for use applicable to any piece of equipment you may use. Due to circumstances out of the control of Barbours Auto Help, Barbours Auto Help makes no guarantee that by the use of the information given in this video a quality repair will be made. Barbour’sAutoHelp makes no guarantee that the information provided is totally complete, syncronized and accurate. Verify everything using an appropriate repair manual.
Repair your vehicle at your own risk! Barbour’s auto help does not guarantee a proper repair using these techniques.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
https://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
Do I have to replace the ignition control module if I am getting plugs and wires done?
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.
After replacing Ignition module. Do you have to have it reprogrammed?
Thank you so much
Thank you so much im about to replace my ignition coils this weekend
Thanks for these videos bro, saved me some trouble with my 2000 Bonneville.
I lost track of which wire goes where and which cap goes where how big of a deal is it?
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.
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.
My car said 3rd cylinder misfire changed spark plugs now it says random p0300 misfire any help?
Thanks for video it sure helped me get my 92 oldsmobile with 3300 engine back going great video
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!