No spark on cylinder 1 and 4

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 25, 2014

Hello everyone, I am having a problem were I am not getting any spark on cylinder 1 and 4 but I am getting spark on cylinder 2 and 3. I have check the coils by switching the wires and switching the coils and both coils are good. I also changed the power transistor, the cam angle sensor, the ECU and still no spark. I have no clue what else to check if anyone has any ideas please let me know any suggestion will be really appreciated.

901gtsi · Jan 25, 2014

Did you check to see if the plug for the power transistor is making good clean contact? Some times the plug gets corroded.

92AWDHX40 · Jan 25, 2014

Did you check for resistance in the coils?

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 25, 2014

901gtsi said:
Did you check to see if the plug for the power transistor is making good clean contact? Some times the plug gets corroded.

I just checked no corrosion at all looks new.

iugrad92turbo said:
Did you check for resistance in the coils?

In coil 1 and 4 I got 13.05 and in coil 2 and 3 I got 13.95. Is that normal or is the resistance to low?

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 27, 2014

Any one else have any other ideas of what this could be?

dacowgod · Jan 27, 2014

no spark on 1/4 is almost always a bad coil, bad ignitor/transistor, or a bad CAS (I'd check/replace them in that order as that tends to be the trend on how they go bad. ).

If its a coil a lot of times you can see arcing at the coil if you look while its running and its dark outside or in a dark garage...

FWIW on our cars there are only 2 coils in the pack.. 1/4 share the same coil and 2/3 share the same coil.. So when a coil goes bad you will lose them in a pair.

The transistor/ignitor sends the signal to the coils to fire...so they can fail in a way that you will lose signal to only one coil..and lose 1/4... Same goes for the Crank angle sensor..

DSM_GSX01 · Jan 27, 2014

Check the MFI/MPI relay in center console. Run test on that make sure it is working it controls fuel and spark.

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 27, 2014

dacowgod said:
no spark on 1/4 is almost always a bad coil, bad ignitor/transistor, or a bad CAS (I'd check/replace them in that order as that tends to be the trend on how they go bad. ).

If its a coil a lot of times you can see arcing at the coil if you look while its running and its dark outside or in a dark garage...

FWIW on our cars there are only 2 coils in the pack.. 1/4 share the same coil and 2/3 share the same coil.. So when a coil goes bad you will lose them in a pair.

The transistor/ignitor sends the signal to the coils to fire...so they can fail in a way that you will lose signal to only one coil..and lose 1/4... Same goes for the Crank angle sensor..

Ok I will buy a new crank sensor today to see if that solves my problem. I will post my results soon.

Archer Fabrications · Jan 27, 2014

DSM_GSX01 said:
Check the MFI/MPI relay in center console. Run test on that make sure it is working it controls fuel and spark.

Wtf dsm do you have that has an MPI relay in the center console?

It's in the engine bay....

Had this same issue last year, new coil pack and transistor fixed. Was probably the transistor alone though.

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 27, 2014

DSM_GSX01 said:
Check the MFI/MPI relay in center console. Run test on that make sure it is working it controls fuel and spark.

When I was checking for spark I did notice something was clicking and when I finally found it was one of the two relays that are right next to each other. Also my fuel pump was not turning on when I would open the ignition switch. I made a bridge in place of the relay and the fuel pump turned on but still no spark. Should I replace both of the relays? Also I called auto zone to find a relay but they do not sell them.

urbansmoker1 said:
Wtf dsm do you have that has an MPI relay in the center console?

It's in the engine bay....

Had this same issue last year, new coil pack and transistor fixed. Was probably the transistor alone though.

I have a 98 GS-T and mine is located in the center console on the passenger side below the radio.

serviceguy · Jan 27, 2014

urbansmoker1 said:
Wtf dsm do you have that has an MPI relay in the center console?

It's in the engine bay....

Had this same issue last year, new coil pack and transistor fixed. Was probably the transistor alone though.

Maybe you're thinking the MPI relay fuse?

Archer Fabrications · Jan 27, 2014

Maybe. I dunno ive been in and out of the center console and havent seen anything but the air bag computer. Not sure what relay your talking about.

I dont consider behind or below the radio the center console. I'd consider that the center of the dash....

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 27, 2014

I also forgot to mention that the starter isn't working with the key. I have the starter connected to a manual hand switch just in case it helps.

bskills · Jan 27, 2014

I had the same issue before and it was the ignitor/transistor. The car sounds like it lost a piston or missing when idling. Once I changed mine, everything was good.

Bo0sTeD 4G63 said:
Any one else have any other ideas of what this could be?

serviceguy · Jan 27, 2014

If two cylinders are firing Ok I wouldn't generally blame the MPI Control Relay anyway, there's only one wire going from the MPI Control Relay to both the Coil Pack and the Power Transistor.

DSM_GSX01 · Jan 28, 2014

Maybe the ignition switch went out. And i can post a picture of what I'm talking about.

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 28, 2014

DSM_GSX01 said:
Maybe the ignition switch went out. And i can post a picture of what I'm talking about.

Ok post a picture I am willing to try anything.

DSM_GSX01 · Jan 28, 2014

This is the MFI relay. On your 97 it will be just like this.

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This is the location of the relay. It is mounted with two 10mm bolts.

Spanky_DSM · Jan 28, 2014

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 28, 2014

DSM_GSX01 said:
This is the MFI relay. On your 97 it will be just like this.
You must be logged in to view this image or video.

This is the location of the relay. It is mounted with two 10mm bolts.

Yes I was actually going to try to replace that but they do not sell them at my local auto parts store so I was going to pass by the junk yard.

DSM_GSX01 · Jan 28, 2014

Yea i got a extra just incase i need it. I wiil also keep a eye out here where i live.

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 28, 2014

DSM_GSX01 said:
This is the MFI relay. On your 97 it will be just like this.
You must be logged in to view this image or video.

This is the location of the relay. It is mounted with two 10mm bolts.

I just wanted to keep you guys updated I found these relays online the part number is RY356. I also bought a set because apparently mine are not working.

98zx23369 · Jan 28, 2014

Did you check primary and secondary resistance of the coils? did you check too if you have 12 volts into the coil?

As a general rule diagnose it. Don't throw parts at it that people say they, they cant see or feel the car. A DMM and a wiring diagram are gonna be your best friend.

Bo0sTeD 4G63 · Jan 28, 2014

98zx23369 said:
Did you check primary and secondary resistance of the coils? did you check too if you have 12 volts into the coil?

As a general rule diagnose it. Don't throw parts at it that people say they, they cant see or feel the car. A DMM and a wiring diagram are gonna be your best friend.

I checked the resistance to the coils and power. I have also checked the CAS and the ECU. The only part I am missing to check is the CPS which I think has to be the problem to no spark on cylinders 1 and 4. The reason I bought the relay is because the fuel pump does not turn on when I turn the motor over but when I jumped it with a wire the fuel pump turns on so I am assuming that has to be the reason. Also my starter does is not working with the key I am using a manual hand starter.

98zx23369 · Jan 28, 2014

I don't understand why you think the CPS will only make one coil not work, I'm looking at a diagram right now and it goes straight to the ecm.

What are your readings at the coil?

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No spark on cylinder 1 and 4

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