92 Dead Pontiac Trans Sport SE

Our '92 Pontiac Trans Sport SE engine died under full open throttle (kickdown) in traffic without any warning. :frown:

After I managed to pull out and try to start the van, the engine would turn but not start and the Check Engine Light stays on.

Now I had a mechanic check the fuel pump and it's working only when you put the key but stops when you try to start the engine. I've tried to check for codes but jumping the A and B terminals on the OBD port won't show anything.

The mechanic says the engine, fuses/ECM are fine and that it's most probably an Ignition problem and the Ingnition Control Module needs to be replaced but I'm not so sure if that's all. Can a winde-open throttle cause the Ignition Control Module to die? What else can cause the engine to stop during a kickdown and refuse to start like this?

Is there anything I should be looking for/test under these circumstances (sensors, electronics, ignition coil)?

This is a 3.1 right?

Do you have spark and or Fuel?

And it is possible for the Ignition control module in the distributor to be bad..

Yes it's a 3.1 TBI

It's strange because I have neither spark nor fuel when I attempt to start the engine but when I put the key the fuel pump primes the system then stops and doens't start when I crank the engine.

I already ordered the Ignition Module - i hope it's this part that failed but are there any other sensor/electronic that can cause this situation (crank but no start)?

On my 3.8 the Throttle position sensor once got stuck after a full throttle. It caused some problems and the check light on. But it did not inhibit the start.
I'm not sure if it inhibits the start on the 3.1.
Worth a look as it is an easy repair.

Andy

Since the problem started during a WOT condition it's worth checking.

This TPS sensor can be "fixed" after it gets stuck or it need to be replaced completely?

Well in my case it just needed some WD40 and persuation to return to its normal position. (It's a springloaded rotating sensor) After that it worked again.
But again, this is the 3.8 version.

Good luck,

Andy

Problem is finally solved :)

It was the Ignition Control Module - we changed it and it runs like a champ again.

The ICM "caused" the no fuel pressure while cranking and no injector pulse condition also (ECU didn't get it's "reference signal" from the ICM and didn't activate either one of these systems).