Ignition System: Service and Repair

Removing ignition coil cover. Models with internal coil--Typical:

Units With Internal Coil
1. Remove electrical connector from distributor cap by lifting retaining tabs.
2. Remove three coil cover attaching screws, then remove cover, Fig. 1.
3. Remove coil attaching screws, then remove ignition coil with leads from distributor cap.
4. Remove coil arc seal.
5. Reverse procedure to install.

Units With External Coil
1. On 1982-85 Skylark, 1982-86 Citation, Omega, Phoenix, 1982-86 Celebrity, Century, Cutlass Ciera, 6000 & 1984-86 Cutlass Cruiser, proceed as follows:
a. Remove bolt securing radio capacitor to coil.
b. Disconnect coil electrical connector and high tension lead.
c. Remove three coil mounting bolts, then remove coil.
d. Reverse procedure to install.

2. On Chevette and 1000 models, proceed as follows:
a. Remove coil cover, then disconnect ignition switch to coil lead at coil.
b. Disconnect coil high tension lead, then remove coil retaining bolts and the coil.
c. Reverse procedure to install.

3. On Cavalier, CIMARRON, FIRENZA, 2000, Sunbird & Skyhawk models, proceed as follows:

Note:On 1982-86 FIRENZA, Skyhawk, Sunbird & 2000 with 1.8L OHC engine, the coil is located at the rear of the engine near the end of the cam cover.

a. Disconnect battery ground cable, then raise and support vehicle.
b. Disconnect fuel pump lines at fuel pump, then remove vacuum pipe retaining bracket nut at coil and position pipe aside.
c. Remove fuel pump, then remove coil mounting bolts.

MODULE REPLACEMENT
1. Remove distributor cap and rotor.
2. Remove module retaining screws, then lift module upward.
3. Disconnect module electrical connector. Note position of electrical connector prior to disconnecting. Remove module from distributor.
4. Reverse procedure to install. Check to ensure that module electrical connector is installed in proper position. If module is not being replaced, do not wipe grease from module or distributor base. If new module is to be installed, coat module and distributor base with pack of grease supplied with replacement module.

PICKUP COIL, REPLACE
1. Remove distributor from engine.
2. Mark relationship of distributor shaft and driven gear for reference during assembly.
3. Remove roll pin and driven gear from shaft.
4. Remove distributor cap, magnetic shield (if equipped), shaft and rotor.
5. Remove C-washer on top of pickup coil assembly, then disconnect pickup coil leads from module and remove pickup coil assembly.
6. Reverse procedure to install.

HALL EFFECT SWITCH (IF EQUIPPED), REPLACE
1. Remove distributor cap and rotor.
2. Remove switch retaining screws, then while pulling switch away, remove wiring connector. Remove switch.
3. Reverse procedure to install.

Note: After Hall Effect switch is installed, spin distributor shaft to ensure teeth do not touch. If necessary loosen, then re-tighten pickup coil teeth and Hall Effect switch to eliminate contact.