A: The ignition module is generally found next to the ignition coil, in the distributor, or bolted to the side of it depending on the platform. Since the mid 1990s, the ignition module circuitry has been integrated into the PCM/ECM rather than having a separate module.
The ignition module basically does what the points in the distributor once did: it switches the coil primary to trigger the coil’s high voltage spark. The ignition module first appeared on domestic vehicles in 1972 on Chryslers and Dodges. The Dodge/Chrysler module was remotely mounted, meaning, it wasn’t in the distributor. GM followed with HEI ignition, which has a module in the distributor, and Ford with a remotely mounted Duraspark module a couple of years later.
A remotely mounted module may be bolted to a heat sink, with dielectric grease between the module’s backing and the heat sink.
First, you need to find out where the module is, then determine what you need to do to get to it and which tools you’ll need to replace it. Pay close attention to the special procedures that come with the new module.
For some vehicles, you’ll need to remove the distributor cap to access the ignition control module. You’ll see a lot of wires, and some experts recommend leaving them to prevent messing up the firing order once a new ignition control module is installed.
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