well, a while back I took my Rodeo to the local CAT scales to find out its weight along with my trailer. while there, I suffered the misfortune of a dead battery and wasn't able to unload for empty weight. I solicited help from a curious diesel mech who was on his lunch break and offered to bring over his service truck and give me a jump. it jumped right away but due to some clutch problems, cut off again. So back out with the jumper cables... this time, nothing. no starter, totally dead, she's not even turning over.

When I got back to my shop I quickly discovered a blown 100A main fusable link (maybe due to the high output electrical system on the service truck, who knows). Took me a bit to find a replacement, but got one and now the starter will turn over just fine, but she won't ignite. I've checked, we're getting fuel, just no spark. with the blown 100A link, I'm wondering what else may have fried before it let go. I've already checked the fuse boxes and couldn't find anything else tripped.

can anybody help me out with a checklist of components for a basic ignition sequence (3.2L SOHC)? I assume my haynes manual's got a procedure for checking the coil packs with an ohm meter which is my next on my list to rule out. I've verified the fuses. haven't checked the relays, but did swap a few just to make sure. and what about the ECM? anyway to know its good? I'm hoping it remained intact, but I'm afraid its the worst case scenario.

I hate chasing down electrical problems, so any advise to save me some time and approach this methodical would be appreciated.

Thanks
-Rob

bump


did some more testing this afternoon. probed all the fuses with a test light, everything appears good. Also checked the main relays with an ohmmeter, resistance is about 75ohm, so appears good as well.

jumpered the diagnostic port on the 3.2L to see if I could pull any codes from the ECM. but all it seemed to do is repeatidly flash code 12, the default (I waited over 5 cycles). I found this a bit odd because my check engine light has always been on, even back when she was running, I fully expected to see some sort of code for some part I've stripped off. But I guess if its returning a normal 12, I can assume I didn't fry the ECM.

does anyone know how to verify the coil packs on the distributorless 3.2L? my Haynes manual just says you have to go to the dealership as special equipment is required.

any more ideas? wildshots? I really need to get this thing back running so I can have some fun in this warm weather.

-Rob

after chatting with Jerry, I'm off to see if I can find a replacement ignition control module. I'll report back if this does the trick.

Thanks Jerry!

-Rob

Talking to Jerry is better than any idea I had. Good luck!

The replacement ignition control module was the ticket! I'm back up and running. Thanks Jerry!

on an interesting side note, when I went to advance autoparts, what their computer brought up for an 95 or 96 rodeo 3.2L didn't match my part... any of the options. luckily, the counter guy happen to recognize what I brought in and sure enough cross referenced it to a GM part, mid 90's Chevy Caviler and brought out the identical part. Isuzu's used many Chevy parts before, but its really odd to me that a Chevy ignition control module made its way on the otherwise Isuzu powerplant.

-Rob

Rodeos do infact use GM parts i have Pontiac grand prix and my 1995 rodeo uses the SAME coils, ignition module, MAP sensor and IAC <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />