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Secondary Ignition Check

NOTE: The secondary ignition check tests for faulty spark plugs, plug wires or ICM/coils. This chart requires J 26792 spark tester (ST-125).
NOTE: The following step numbers refer to circled numbers on diagnostic chart. See Fig 1 -Fig 3 . For circuit identification, see Fig 4 .
  1. After performing the power balance test, if one cylinder or non-companion cylinders had no RPM change use Fig 1 . If 2 companion cylinders had no RPM change, use Fig 2 . Otherwise use Fig 3 .
  2. The J 26792 spark tester (ST-125) presents a more difficult load on the secondary ignition than a normal spark plug. If a miss, stumble or hesitation is being caused by a spark plug not firing, the spark tester should also not fire.
  3. The companion spark plug shares the same ignition coil with the spark plug being tested (1-4, 2-5, 6-7, 3-8).
  4. A suspected ignition system miss may actually be a fuel system problem. Perform FUEL PRESSURE CHECK  , if it has not yet been performed.
  5. If the no spark condition follows the suspected coil, that coil is faulty. Otherwise, the ignition module is the cause of no spark. This test cold also be performed by substituting a known good coil for the one causing the no spark condition.
  6. If the no spark condition follows the suspected coil, that coil is faulty. This test could also be performed by substituting a known good coil for the one causing the no spark condition.
Fig 1: Code 6D4-4: Secondary Ignition Check Flow Chart (1 Of 3)
G00122402Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 2: Code 6D4-4: Secondary Ignition Check Flow Chart (2 Of 3)
G00122403Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 3: Code 6D4-4: Secondary Ignition Check Flow Chart (3 Of 3)
G00122404Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Fig 4: Code 6D4-4: Secondary Ignition Check Circuit Flow Chart
G00122401Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.