Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1986CAMARO BASE, 2.8 S, STANDARDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE PERFORMANCETESTING & DIAGNOSISV6/V8 PFI TESTS W/CODESDIAGNOSTIC CHARTSCHART C4A - IGNITION SYSTEM CHECK (5.0/5.7L)
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Base, 2.8 S, Standard
Chart C4A - Ignition System Check (5.0/5.7L)
1986 Chevrolet Camaro Base, 2.8 S, StandardSECTION Chart C4A - Ignition System Check (5.0/5.7L)
NOTE:
The following step numbers refer to the numbers on the Diagnostic Flow Charts.
- 1) This test checks for proper output from the ignition system. The spark tester requires a minimum of 25,000 volts to fire. This check can be used in case of an ignition miss because the system may provide enough voltage to run the engine but not enough to fire a spark plug under heavy load.
- 1A) If spark occurs with EST connector disconnected, pick-up coil is too low for EST operation.
- 2) A spark indicates that the problem is a faulty distributor cap or rotor.
- 3) Normally, there should be battery voltage at the "+" terminal. Low voltage would indicate an open or high resistance circuit from the distributor to coil or ignition switch.
- 4) This test checks for a shorted module or grounded circuit from the ignition coil to the module. The distributor module should be turned off so normal voltage should be about 12 volts. If the module is turned "ON", the voltage would be low but above 1 volt. This could cause the ignition coil to fail from excessive heat. With an open ignition coil primary winding, a small mount of voltage will leak through the module from the "BAT" to the tach terminal.
- 5) This test checks for an open module or circuit to it. Applying 12 volts to the terminal "P" will turn the module "ON" and the voltage should drop to about 7-9 volts.
- 6) This should turn off the module and cause a spark. If no spark occurs, the fault is most likely in the ignition coil because most module problems would have been found before this point in the procedure. A module tester could determine which is at fault.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.