Ignition - Hard Start Cold Engine, Cold/Damp Ambient
90pont14Bulletin Number: 89-6-74
Reference Number: 936513
Publish Date: 5/90
Subject: ENGINE NO START/HARD START CONDITION-COLD AND/OR DAMP AMBIENT CONDITIONS (REPLACE SPARK PLUGS)
Models
Affected: 1988-89 LEMANS W/1.6
Some of the subject vehicles may experience no start/hard starting conditions with a cold engine in cold and/or damp ambient conditions.
This starting difficulty may be caused by the ambient conditions creating a voltage demand at the spark plugs that is close to the maximum limit of the ignition system. This may result in the coil/ wire arcing to ground.
Corrective action for vehicles exhibiting the described starting difficulties is as follows:
1. Examine the coil tower and coil-to-distributor wire for signs of arcing to ground.
Replace components that show indications of arcing to ground. Remove distributor cap, clean cap inner and outer surfaces of oil and moisture deposits.
2. Remove existing spark plugs.
3. Install new spark plugs (R45XLS), P/N 5613878 (Package of 8) having a .045 in GAP.
Parts are currently available from GMSPO.
4. Install spark plug gap specification label, P/N 90409132 (supplied with service bulletin) next to the underhood emission tune-up label. Individual labels are available as part of a sheet containing 40 pieces under the above part number from Pontiac service publications.
Labor Operation Number: T1490 Replace Plugs
T1491 Replace plugs, coil, wire
Labor Time: T1490 0.5 Hours
T1491 0.6 Hours