Ignition System - Hard/No Start (Cranks Normal)
88pontiac12Bulletin Number: 88-6-65
Reference Number: 836410
Publish Date: 7/88
NO START/HARD START - COLD ENGINE
Subject: EXCESSIVE MOISTURE CONDENSATION ON DISTRIBUTOR CAP CAUSING WEAK SPARK
Models
Affected: 1988 LeMANS
Some of the subject vehicles may experience cold engine starting difficulties under ambient conditions of high humidity and cool temperatures (25-40 degrees Fahrenheit typical).
This starting difficulty may be caused by excessive moisture condensing on the distributor cap inner and outer surfaces resulting in a weak spark at the spark plugs.
Condensation of moisture at the distributor can be aggravated by the plastic distributor splash shield (plastic bag covering the distributor cap) that was installed on all vehicles built prior to VIN JB372711.
Corrective action for these vehicles is to discard the distributor splash shield and to dry off the exterior and interior of the distributor cap.
In some cases, excessive cranking coupled with a failure to start will result in "fouled" spark plugs. If, after removal of the splash shield and drying off the distributor cap, difficulty is still encountered in starting the engine, follow the appropriate service procedures for correcting "fouled" spark plugs and use an additional labor allowance of .7 hours when this condition is encountered.
Labor Operation: T1352
Labor Time : .3 Hours
Add:
A - For Correcting Fouled Plug Condition: .7 Hours