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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1992CHEVY VAN G20, 5.0 HREPAIR AND DIAGNOSIS (SINGLE PAGE)ENGINE PERFORMANCETESTING & DIAGNOSISENGINE CONTROLS - BASIC TESTINGA-3, NO-START DIAGNOSISNO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY (EXCEPT 3.8L WITH C(3)I)IGNITION SYSTEM
1992 Chevrolet Chevy Van G20, 5.0 H

Ignition System

1992 Chevrolet Chevy Van G20, 5.0 HSECTION Ignition System
  1. Disconnect tachometer wire at distributor tachometer terminal (if equipped). A shorted tachometer or tachometer circuit prevents vehicle from starting. Ensure TPS and coolant sensor codes are not present and sensors are not out of calibration.
  2. Check for battery voltage at "+" terminal of ignition coil with ignition on. See. Figure - Figure . Repair as necessary.
  3. Connect ST-125 spark tester to end of one plug wire and crank engine. If spark is present, check fuel delivery.
  4. If spark does not occur, disconnect 4-wire EST connector at distributor and check for spark at ignition coil tower using ST-125. If spark now occurs, check cap and rotor for damage or wear. Check for opens in coil wires.
  5. If spark does not occur, reconnect EST connector. Leave ST-125 connected to coil tower for remainder of testing. Disconnect ignition coil Black 2-wire connector and check voltage on "C" and "+" terminals with ignition on.
  6. If voltage on both terminals is 10 volts or greater, go to step 7). If voltage on both terminals is less than 10 volts, repair wire from module "+" terminal to "B" terminal on coil Black 2-wire connector. If voltage is less than 10 volts on terminal "C" only, check for open or short to ground in circuit from ignition module terminal "C" to ignition coil. If circuit is okay, problem is faulty coil or coil connections.
  7. If voltage reading on both terminals is greater than 10 volts, connect voltmeter between ground and tachometer terminal at coil with ignition on. Tachometer terminal may be taped back against harness. If voltage is greater than 10 volts, go to step 9).
  8. If voltage is 1-10 volts, replace ignition module and check for spark at coil tower using Spark Tester (ST-125). If Voltage is less than one volt, repair open in tachometer lead or tachometer connector. After repairs, recheck voltage at tachometer terminal.
  9. Connect test light between ground and tachometer terminal. Crank engine. If test light remains on (steady), go to next step. If test light flashes, replace ignition coil with a known good unit and recheck for spark. If spark does not occur, reinstall original ignition coil and replace ignition module.
  10. Disconnect distributor 4-wire connector. Remove distributor cap. Unplug ignition module pick-up coil connector. Connect voltmeter between ground and tachometer terminal. Turn ignition on. Using jumper wires, connect positive end of a known good 1.5 volt battery to terminal "P" of module. Observe voltmeter at tachometer terminal as negative end of test battery is momentarily grounded to distributor housing.
  11. If voltage at tachometer terminal does not drop, check ignition module ground, and check for open in wires from ignition coil to module. If all is okay, replace ignition module.
  12. If voltage at tachometer terminal drops, check for spark at spark tester as jumper is removed from terminal "P". If spark does not occur, go to next step. If spark occurs, check pick-up coil connections and check for 500-1500 ohms resistance at pick-up coil leads and ensure leads are not shorted to ground. Repair as necessary.
  13. If spark does not occur, test ignition module with module tester. If module tests okay, check ignition coil wire. If module tester is not available, replace ignition coil, and touch terminal "P" again. If spark occurs, system is okay. If spark does not occur, reinstall original ignition coil and check coil wire from distributor cap. If no problem is found, replace ignition module.
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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.