[Lana]

Hey guys, I'm having problems with my sierra stopping suddenly while driving (not fun on busy roads >.<) but then starting again fine after 5-10 minutes, until last time I drove it when I left it parked and then found it wouldn't start again at all. So the RAC guy said it was something to do with the distributor/modulator and it started again but he said it wasn't fixed and would probably do the same thing again anytime.

I called some places about getting another 2nd hand dizzy and got quoted about $200, and told that they sell a lot of distributors for sierras because they have a common problem of the modulator (?) over heating.

So, I'm just wondering if anyone else has also had this problem, or has any ideas about what else it could be? My mechanical knowledge is pretty much zero so I'd really appreciate any feedback or advice on this. Sorry there's already a related post, but I couldn't find one.

[royce]

Hi Lana, Welcome to Auszookers

sounds like a module to me, pretty common for ignition modules and a lot of eelctronic sensors over time to get affected by heat and stop working, then come good again later on

the module itself shouldnt be to dear from most auto parts shops and a straight forward swap, its a matter of unscrewing the module and swapping the wires

I would stay clear of a second hand dissy as its more than likely going to do the same thing soon enough anyway

and dont worry about there being any similar posts already, we all understand that sierras are old and simple so sooner or later things will come up a few times over

[joeblow]

welcome.....another thing to try is to diconect the tank breather line from the charcoal canister that sits on the passenger side of the engine bay. these over time will break down the charcoal and block the breather causing the tank to pressurise and flood the engine, after a while when the pressure has subsided the engine will start again. charcoal cannisters are a service item...but nobody changes them.....

[Lana]

Great, thanks guys, I'll replace the module first and then try the 2nd option if that fails, but they sound like simple enough solutions so fingers crossed it should be sweet =p Cheers again

[Lana]

Ok so you'd think ordering a new module would be simple enough, even if I had to do some ringing around after the first place quoted me $400. But now the parts guy tells me the module is actually two parts, the Generator Assembly and the Igniter and so I'm not sure which one I need or whether maybe it's both...? I'm thinking the generator assembly but kinda want to be sure so I don't waste money on the wrong thing It would probably be obvious to anyone else, so I'm sorry for bugging you guys with such basic questions, but it'd really help me out if someone let me know... thanks heaps

[royce]

the igniter is the common bit to go, its the little box looking thing that wires connect to, not the ring with a heap of fine wire coiled around it inside the dizzy, to use technical descriptions

there are ways to test to make sure its one or the other if you have access to somebody with a multimeter, always better to be sure than to jsut throw parts at something till it works

[Rockhopper]

Sounds like the dude that quoted you $400 is trying to make a quick buck out of you. Most common problem would be the igniter. I havn't had to purchase one for any type of car over the last few years, but from memory shouldn't be anymore than $50 to around $125. Could be wrong but can't see it being anymore than that

[joeblow]

if its genuine don't be surprised at the price. i was qouted 1000 bucks for a genuine 1.6 mpi throttle body. try find a dizzy specialist and see if they have anything lying around. alot of manufacturers use the same electronics.