4.9L '93 Seville: How do I replace the pickup coil?

[SubieHo]

Hello All,

The engine cranks but will not start.

I have a couple trouble codes:

P012 (current)
P053 (history)

I replaced the ignition control module (ICM), and it did not solve my no start problem.

I just tested the continuity in the two wires (green and yellow) that go down into the distributor and connect to the two spades on the ICM and got an infinite (1.) reading -- no continuity.

This confirms that the pickup coil is bad, right?

If so, I want to replace it, but how do I remove the distributor?

I read in another post about a single nut or bolt that holds it down, but where is it, exactly?

[Edahall]

Originally Posted by SubieHo

Hello All,

The engine cranks but will not start.

I have a couple trouble codes:

P012 (current)
P053 (history)

I replaced the ignition control module (ICM), and it did not solve my no start problem.

I just tested the continuity in the two wires (green and yellow) that go down into the distributor and connect to the two spades on the ICM and got an infinite (1.) reading -- no continuity.

This confirms that the pickup coil is bad, right?

If so, I want to replace it, but how do I remove the distributor?

I read in another post about a single nut or bolt that holds it down, but where is it, exactly?

That single nut holds down the distributor to the block but you won't need to unloosen that unless you want to time the engine.

There are 3 hold down screws located on the edge of the cap that you need to unloosen. It just requires a long flat bladed screw driver.

[SubieHo]

Thanks for your input.

On my car, I don't think it's possible to replace the pick-up coil without first removing the distributor. I made some alignment marks so shouldn't need to retime the engine. Now I just need to wait for the new part to arrive, and hopefully, things will be back up and running.

[HUF]

Originally Posted by SubieHo

Thanks for your input.

On my car, I don't think it's possible to replace the pick-up coil without first removing the distributor. I made some alignment marks so shouldn't need to retime the engine. Now I just need to wait for the new part to arrive, and hopefully, things will be back up and running.

I do not think your 4.9 ia different. I used a socket to remove the bolts holding down the cap, not a flat screwdriver. Fasteners may differ, but the rest should be the same. You may need an extension.

[SubieHo]

ah, ok... you guys are referring to the ignition coil that's just under the distributor cap cover. Mine tested fine so I don't think that's the problem.

I'm in the process of replacing the pick-up coil that is inside the distributor.

[HUF]

Originally Posted by SubieHo

ah, ok... you guys are referring to the ignition coil that's just under the distributor cap cover. Mine tested fine so I don't think that's the problem.

I'm in the process of replacing the pick-up coil that is inside the distributor.

Yes, I meant the coil inside of the cap. Let us know what you find.

[SubieHo]

The P012 code signifies no distributor signal. There are four electronic components in the distributor:

1) ignition control module (ICM)
2) pick-up coil
3) hall effect switch (crankshaft position sensor) (You'll get a code P041 if
there's an issue here)
4) wiring harness


Items 1,2,&3 can be replaced by removing the cap and rotor.

The distributor must be removed in order to replace item #4.

I replaced items 1 & 2 with parts from Autozone for 19.99 and 32.99, respectively.

The other components on the distributor can fail mechanically, but I would guess that most failures are electrical:

5) housing
6) shaft
7) drive gear
8) shaft magnet (this is an electrical component but seemed a better fit on
this list)

I'll take some photos and post them after I get the pick-up coil

[SubieHo]

Photos:
1) old pick-up coil on left next to new one
2) New pick-up coil installed on top of the distributor. A c-clip secures the coil
on top of the housing.
3) Hall-effect switch mounted and all connections plugged in.
4) Distributor shaft back into housing -- it goes in only one position so be
careful.
5) Gear drive back onto the shaft.
6) Lining things up and driving the spring pin back in.

[nycnftm]

HUF, How do I create my own avatar?

[SubieHo]

I just reinstalled the distributor back into the car, and it fired right up.

The pick-up coil was the problem.

Edit for previous post: "The distributor must be removed to replace item #4." I meant #2, the pick-up coil.

[HUF]

Originally Posted by SubieHo

I just reinstalled the distributor back into the car, and it fired right up.

The pick-up coil was the problem.


Edit for previous post: "The distributor must be removed to replace item #4." I meant #2, the pick-up coil.

Good job, and thank you for posting the pictures!

[cadillac_al]

Those pictures sure helped me out. Everything is much easier to see when it's clean. I have worked on plenty of HEI's over the years but when I changed the distributer cap on my 4.9, I didn't know what I was looking at under there. Thanks again for posting.

[SubieHo]

I'm glad you guys found it helpful.


It was annoying me that I could not edit this post, so here's my final edit -- promise:

Originally Posted by SubieHo

The P012 code signifies no distributor signal. There are four electronic components in the distributor:

1) ignition control module (ICM)
2) pick-up coil
3) hall effect switch (crankshaft position sensor) (You'll get a code P041 if
there's an issue here)
4) wiring harness


Items 1,3, & 4 can be replaced by removing the cap and rotor.

The distributor must be removed in order to replace item #2.

I replaced items 1 & 2 with parts from Autozone for 19.99 and 32.99, respectively.

The other components on the distributor can fail mechanically, but I would guess that most failures are electrical:

5) housing
6) shaft
7) drive gear
8) shaft magnet (this is an electrical component but seemed a better fit on
this list)

I'll take some photos and post them after I get the pick-up coil