Chronic ignition problems with 1996 Suburban, replacing distributor cap makes it go away


Can distributor cap cause loss of power?

Bad spark plugs, fouled-up plug wires or a cracked distributor cap can cause spark loss, while compression loss — in which too much of the air-fuel mixture flees a cylinder before going bang — commonly arises from a leaky exhaust valve or a blown head gasket [sources: B&B; O’Reilly].

What happens when a distributor cap fails?

1) Car Won’t Start



If the distributor cap is not working as it should or is not firmly on, your car may not start. This is because the essential spark needed for combustion is not being delivered. Without the spark being delivered to the spark plugs, the engine won’t run.

What causes a distributor to short out?

The current will short out if the electrical connection is grounded. If the condenser is open, it is due to a broken wire lead. This causes point arcing and burn, which will stall out the engine.

How do I know if my distributor cap and rotor is bad?

Usually a faulty distributor rotor and cap will produce a few symptoms that alert the driver that service may be required.

  1. Engine misfires. Engine misfires can occur for a number of reasons. …
  2. Car doesn’t start. …
  3. Check Engine Light comes on. …
  4. Excessive or unusual engine noises.


What are the symptoms of a bad spark plug?

What are the signs your Spark Plugs are failing?

  • Engine has a rough idle. If your Spark Plugs are failing your engine will sound rough and jittery when running at idle. …
  • Trouble starting. Car won’t start and you’re late for work… Flat battery? …
  • Engine misfiring. …
  • Engine surging. …
  • High fuel consumption. …
  • Lack of acceleration.


Why is my car misfiring and losing power?

Engine misfires can be caused by a list of faults, but there are a few suspects that occur more than others. The primary villains are simple – spark or fuel – usually manifesting in spark plugs, plug wires, the coil(s) or the fuel-delivery system.

What would cause no spark from distributor?

Loss of spark is caused by anything that prevents coil voltage from jumping the electrode gap at the end of the spark plug. This includes worn, fouled or damaged spark plugs, bad plug wires or a cracked distributor cap.

Can a bad distributor cause no start?

Can A Bad Distributor Cap Cause A Car Not To Start? 1) Car won’t start If the distributor cap is not working as it should or is not firmly on, your car may not start. This is because the essential spark needed for combustion is not being delivered to the engine. In a car without a spark, the engine will not run.

How do you test a distributor module?

antennamediatorino.eu
Test light with an air gap going to ground go ahead and crank it. Please. As you can see there is no spark. The next step is to check coil positive and coil negative while we're cranking.

How do you diagnose a bad distributor cap?

Bad Distributor Cap Symptoms

  1. Trouble Starting. As the distributor cap gets worse, you are going to have trouble starting the engine. …
  2. Shaking. If you are experiencing intense vibrations or shaking in your car, it could be due to the distributor cap causing misfires. …
  3. Stalling. …
  4. Squealing Noises. …
  5. Check Engine Light.


What can bad ignition timing cause?

Incorrect ignition timing, can cause several engine problems, such as:

  • Knocking or Pinging.
  • Difficult Starting.
  • Excessive Engine Heat.
  • Increased Fuel Consumption.
  • Reduced Power Output.


What happens when ignition coil goes bad?

If an ignition coil is not working properly, your engine will likely misfire. A misfiring engine results in a jerking or sputtering feel when you are moving at normal speeds. When you stop, a misfire from a bad ignition coil may cause your vehicle to run roughly, vibrate or shake.

What are the signs of a bad ignition switch?

Signs Of A Faulty Ignition Switch

  • Car Won’t Start. If you turn your key and the car attempts to start, but fails, then you might have a broken ignition switch. …
  • Key Won’t Turn. …
  • Car Stalls. …
  • No Noise From The Starter. …
  • Dashboard Lights Flicker.


How can you tell if ignition coil is bad?

What are 7 Signs Your Ignition Coil Is Failing?

  1. Your Car Won’t Start.
  2. Your Check Engine Light Comes On.
  3. Your Engine Stalls.
  4. Decreased Fuel Economy.
  5. You See An Oil Leak.
  6. Backfiring & Poor Catalytic Converter Performance.
  7. You Are Overdue For New Spark Plugs.


Will a bad ignition coil throw a code?

a faulty ignition coil can cause several problems for your engine: 1. check engine light comes on: the car’s computer oversees coil pack operation. if it detects a problem with an ignition coil, it will turn on the check engine light and log any related trouble codes.

Can one bad ignition coil cause multiple misfires?

Can One Bad Ignition Coil Cause Multiple Misfires? You are absolutely right. In most vehicles today, each cylinder is connected to one coil. The engine will still run if a faulty coil occurs, but it will no longer fire on the cylinder that causes the fireball.

What does the ignition control module do?

the ignition module is responsible for firing the spark plugs. each spark plug must fire at exactly the right time for the engine to run properly. the ignition module uses input from the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor to determine when to fire the spark plugs.