What does the ignitor box on a '85 GSL-SE do and where can I find a replacement? I think I have a blown one.

 

I think it tells the coil when to fire...

I have an extra

 

That's what I was thinking but wasn't sure. My freaking manual wasn't clear on what it did. You have a extra one for a '85 GSL-SE? What do you want for it?

 

error,
Is this what you think is preventing your SE from starting?
So the ecu is ok?
hanman, topeka

 

Yeah, after doing some troubleshooting. It seems the ECU is fine(not 100% sure, but pretty confident). Are you doing anything this weekend? I could drive up and we can test it, to be sure?

 

you could switch the ignitor boxes if its anything like the gs,
then you will still have leading and your car will run off leading alone.
just to test if one is bad.

 

The engine needs trailing to run, without it the ECU doesn't see the engine running and won't energize the fuel pump.

 

thanks for the suggestions, but I don't have a GS to swap with. what about finding the other ignitor box on the GSL-SE. The haynes manual mentions two. could I switch the two around?

 

damnit peejay you beat me to the post. now i look like an *** for not reading yours. LOL

 

naw it's cool

the ignitors are the two little black things on the sides of the distributor, each one has a 2-prong connector plugged in to it. The trailing one (the one that causes a no-start condition when it fails) is the one that is close to the alternator - easiest way I've seen to remove it is to take the alternator belt off and the adjuster bolt and swing the alt. way up out of the way. It's two Phillips screws, and after being stuck in aluminum threads for the past 17 years they won't want to come out easily.

Before you start ripping in to all of that, though... just try switching the electrical connectors and see if it starts. I wouldn't drive it like that but it's a quick way to diagnose.

 

Are the ignitors on the GS's the same as the ones on the GSL-SE's?
Error, if they are the same, i have two spares. You could borrow one to see if would start.
By the way, I am out of town right now. I won't be back in Topeka until late Sunday night. If you need to though, we could hook up early in the week. I may be going over to KC to a hotel out by the airport. I could possibly meet you somewhere.
hanman

hanman56@yahoo.com

 

peejay - i'll try it, at this point i'm willing to try anything. if someone told me that my '85 would start if i put pepsi into the gas tank, i would try it. God knows I've tried everything else to get this thing started.

hanman - sweet! it seems everytime i need something you have it. either way i could drive out there if it would be easier for ya.

 

Same thing, just as long as its written J-109 on the ignitor