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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET1993CAVALIER Z24, 2D COUPE, AUTOMATICREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE PERFORMANCETESTING & DIAGNOSISENGINE CONTROLS - BASIC TESTINGNO START DIAGNOSIS (A-3)NO START - ENGINE CRANKS OKAY (TBI WITH HEI DISTRIBUTOR)IGNITION SYSTEM
1993 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24, 2D Coupe, Automatic

Ignition System

1993 Chevrolet Cavalier Z24, 2D Coupe, AutomaticSECTION Ignition System
  1. Disconnect tachometer wire (if equipped) from tachometer terminal lead. A shorted tachometer or tachometer circuit will prevent vehicle from starting.
  2. Connect Spark Tester (ST-125) to end of one plug wire and crank engine. Check at more than one wire. If spark occurs, check spark plugs and fuel delivery.
  3. If spark does not occur, disconnect 4-wire EST connector at distributor. If spark now occurs, replace pick-up coil in distributor.
  4. If spark does not occur, reconnect EST connector and connect Spark Tester (ST-125) to coil wire. Leave tester connected to coil wire for balance of tests or until problem is resolved. Crank engine. If spark occurs, check distributor cap for moisture, cracks or damage. If cap is okay, replace rotor.
  5. If spark does not occur, disconnect 2-wire connector at distributor. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Check voltage between ground and harness terminals "+" and "C". See Figure or Figure .
  6. If reading is less than 10 volts on terminal "C" only, check for open or ground in circuit between "C" terminal connector and ignition coil. If reading on both terminals is less than 10 volts, repair wire from "+" terminal of harness to terminal "B" of Black connector at coil.
  7. If voltage at both terminals is greater than 10 volts, check voltage between ground and tachometer terminal of coil harness. If reading is 1-10 volts, replace ignition module and check for spark again. If spark does not occur, replace ignition coil.
  8. If voltage reading at tachometer terminal is less than one volt, repair open or shorted tachometer lead or tachometer circuit. Repair tachometer lead or replace coil as necessary. If voltage reading at tachometer lead is greater than 10 volts, connect test light between ground and tachometer lead at coil. Crank engine and observe test light.
  9. If test light is on steady, go to next step. If test light blinks, replace ignition coil and recheck for spark with tester. If there is still no spark, reinstall original coil and replace ignition module.
  10. Disconnect distributor 4-wire connector. Remove distributor cap. Disconnect pick-up coil connector from module. Connect voltmeter from tachometer terminal to ground. Turn ignition on. Connect positive end of a known good 1.5-volt test battery to terminal "P" of module.
  11. Observe reading on voltmeter connected to tachometer lead as negative end of test battery is momentarily grounded to distributor housing. If voltage reading on voltmeter does not drop, check ignition module ground. If ground is okay, replace ignition module.
  12. If voltage reading on voltmeter drops, check for spark from coil wire as jumper to negative end of test battery is removed from distributor housing ground. If spark does not occur, go to step 14).
  13. If spark occurs, ensure rotating pole piece in distributor is magnetized. If pole piece is not magnetized, replace pole piece and shaft assembly. If pole piece is magnetized, check pick-up coil connections and ensure pick-up coil resistance is 500-1500 ohms and does not have continuity to ground.
  14. Test ignition module using Module Tester (J-24642). If ignition module tester is unavailable, replace ignition coil and repeat step 10). If spark occurs, system is okay. If spark does not occur, reinstall original ignition coil. Check coil wire from distributor cap. If coil wire is okay, 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.