Equinox FWD V6-3.0L (2010)
Ignition Coil: Testing and Inspection
Electronic Ignition System Diagnosis
Diagnostic Instructions
*
Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview/Diagnostic System
Check - Vehicle) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
*
Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview/Strategy Based Diagnosis) for an
overview of the diagnostic approach.
*
Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (See: Testing and Inspection/Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview/Diagnostic Procedure Instructions)
provides an overview of each diagnostic category.
Circuit/System Description
The ignition system on this engine uses individual ignition coils and ignition control circuits for each cylinder. Ignition voltage is supplied to each bank
of ignition coils. The engine control module (ECM) controls the ignition system operation. The ECM controls each coil using the ignition control
circuits. The ECM commands the ignition control circuit low when a spark event is requested. The sequencing and timing are controlled by the ECM.
Diagnostic Aids
*
The ignition coils for each bank are fused separately. If a fuse opens or the ignition voltage circuit opens between the fuse and the splice, all the
ignition coils for one bank of the engine would be inoperative. If the ground circuit opens at the engine block, the ignition coils would be
inoperative for one bank of the engine.
*
Inspect the ignition coils for aftermarket devices. An aftermarket device connected to the ignition coil circuits, may cause a condition with the
ignition coils.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Engine Controls Schematics (See: Diagrams/Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (See: Diagrams/Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Electronic Ignition System Description (See: Computers and Control Systems/Description and Operation/Electronic Ignition System Description)
Electrical Information Reference
*
Circuit Testing (See: Testing and Inspection/Component Tests and General Diagnostics/General Electrical Diagnostic Procedures/Circuit
Testing/Circuit Testing)
*
Connector Repairs (See: Testing and Inspection/Component Tests and General Diagnostics/General Electrical Diagnostic Procedures/Connector
Repairs/Connector Repairs)
*
Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (See: Testing and Inspection/Component Tests and General Diagnostics/General
Electrical Diagnostic Procedures/Circuit Testing/Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections)
*
Wiring Repairs (See: Testing and Inspection/Component Tests and General Diagnostics/General Electrical Diagnostic Procedures/Wiring
Repairs/Wiring Repairs)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (See: Testing and Inspection/Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Special Tools
*
EL 26792 - Spark Tester
*
For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools (See: Computers and Control Systems/Tools and Equipment).
Circuit/System Testing
Note: Do not perform this diagnostic procedure if you were not sent here from a misfire DTC or the Engine Cranks but Does Not Run diagnostic.
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector of the affected T8 ignition coil.
2. Ignition ON, test for battery voltage between the ignition voltage circuit terminal D or 2 and ground.
‹› If less than B+, test the ignition voltage circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the ignition
circuit fuse is open, test all the components connected to the ignition voltage circuit and replace as necessary.
