Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis

2013 Chevrolet Sonic L4-1.8LSECTION Electronic Ignition (EI) System Diagnosis



Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis

Diagnostic Instructions

* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.

* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

This ignition system uses an ignition coil module. The engine control module (ECM) controls the spark events by transmitting the timing pulses on the ignition control (IC) circuits to the cylinder ignition coils in firing order sequence. The ignition coil module has the following circuits:

* An ignition 1 voltage circuit

* A ground circuit

* An IC circuit for each cylinder coil

* A low reference circuit

Diagnostic Aids

* An open/high resistance on the low reference circuit to the ignition coil may cause a misfire.

* An erratic or weak spark is considered a no spark condition.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Engine Controls Schematics [1][2]Electrical Diagrams

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views Fuel Pump and Level Sensor Assembly

Description and Operation

Electronic Ignition System Description Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

* Circuit Testing Circuit Testing

* Connector Repairs Connector Repairs

* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

* Wiring Repairs Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References Control Module References

Circuit/System Testing

Note: Do not perform this diagnostic procedure unless you were sent here from a misfire DTC or the Engine Cranks But Does Not Run diagnostic.

1. Ignition OFF and all vehicle systems OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the K35 Ignition Coil Module. It may take up to 2 minutes for all vehicle systems to power down.

2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal B and ground.

If 5 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ground circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, repair the open/high resistance in the ground connection.

If less than 5 ohms

3. Test for less than 5 ohms between the low reference circuit terminal C and ground.

If 5 ohms or greater

1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the K20 Engine Control Module.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the low reference circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, replace the K20 Engine Control Module.

If less than 5 ohms

4. Ignition ON.

5. Verify a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal A and ground.

If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is good

1. Ignition OFF, remove the test lamp.

2. Test for less than 2 ohms in the ignition circuit end to end.

If 2 ohms or greater, repair the open/high resistance in the circuit.

If less than 2 ohms, verify the fuse is not open and there is voltage at the fuse.

If the test lamp does not illuminate and the circuit fuse is open

Note: The ignition circuit supplies voltage to other components. Make sure to test all circuits and components for a short to ground that share the ignition circuit.

1. Ignition OFF, remove the test lamp.

2. Test for infinite resistance between the ignition circuit and ground.

If less than infinite resistance, repair the short to ground on the circuit.

If infinite resistance, replace the K35 Ignition Coil Module.

If the test lamp illuminates

6. Replace the K35 Ignition Coil Module.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification Verification Tests after completing the repair.

* Ignition Coil Replacement Service and Repair

* Control Module References Control Module References for engine control module replacement, programming, and setup.

RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

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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.