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ninjettekriz
May 5, 2011, 03:52 PM
I own a 2000 pontiac grand am se and it randomly stalls out on me and its not over heating according to the temp. gage I have had diagnostic tests done, replaced parts, even buying better gas and it keeps doing it what can I do about this?

TxGreaseMonkey
May 5, 2011, 04:15 PM
. Replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM), if you haven't already. Easy job.

. Check the ignition switch for wear or pitting.

ninjettekriz
May 5, 2011, 04:40 PM
Thank you, a few more things if you don't mind, it stalls usually in the hottest part of the day but like I said it says its not over heating and when it does stall I have to wait 20 to 30 minutes. And then it will run for about 5 to 10 miles then stalls again, the longer I wait to restart it the longer it runs, if you could give me anymore info about this please let me know I cannot afford to buy another car.

TxGreaseMonkey
May 5, 2011, 04:44 PM
To me, it definitely sounds like a bad ICM--common problem. Intermittent failure is usually related to heat, the nemesis of ICMs. Here's some background information on ICMs:

Conceptually, the ICM is a large output transistor (switch) controlling current through the primary coil. ICMs replace points and condenser in older vehicles. In the primary coil, current builds to 5 to 12 amps, generating lots of heat (due to inductance). Then, the ECM controls when the ICM "switches off" current to the primary coil, causing amperage to go to zero. When this happens, 12 to 14 volts in the primary coil is "stepped-up" to 30,000 volts in the secondary coil. This process creates a type of alternating current required for the coil (step-up transformer) to work. In a properly working ICM, timing is precisely when needed to fire each spark plug. WARNING: Intermittent ICM failure can allow fuel to build-up in the exhaust system. Detonation can then blow the exhaust system off the vehicle.

I recommend replacing ICMs every 120,000 or 10 years, whichever comes first.

TxGreaseMonkey
May 5, 2011, 05:15 PM
Heat is such a problem with ICMs, that heat transfer compound is often applied to the back of the ICM to help dissipate heat, just like with computer processors. I'll be surprised if this does not solve your problem.