View Full Version : Why doesn't my car start when it's hot?
Pyru1485
Jan 13, 2012, 05:11 PM
I have a 93nissan maxima it will not start up when its hot It starts right up when its cold and runs fine when I cut it off after its warm I have to wait bout30 minutes to start it up
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 13, 2012, 06:16 PM
Replace the Ignition Control Module (ICM), BWD Part No. CBE624P, $86.49, Lifetime Warranty, Advance Auto Parts.
Pyru1485
Jan 13, 2012, 06:57 PM
I did and it ran fine for a day and now its doing it again
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 13, 2012, 07:12 PM
Did you apply silicone heat transfer grease to the back of the ICM? Heat is their nemesis. Try returning the one you bought for another, since I'm sure it was warranted.
If you don't think it's the ICM causing the problem, check the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor. Finally, focus on the coil--it may be breaking down under load (heat).
Pyru1485
Jan 13, 2012, 07:39 PM
I know I'm supposed to have a blue spark and mine is orangeand what does the ecm do and yes I used the grease
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 13, 2012, 07:51 PM
That tells me the coil is likely failing. The ICM, under the direction of the ECM, controls when current flows into the coil. In other words, it's an electrical switch, which creates a "type" of alternating current needed to "step-up" the voltage from 12 volts to 35,000 volts in the coil. The coil is a step-up transformer. Since your spark is orange, not blue, the odds are that the coil is bad, especially since you just replaced the ICM. I normally recommend replacing the ICM and coil together.
Pyru1485
Jan 13, 2012, 07:51 PM
And the coil still sparks when the car is hot
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 13, 2012, 07:55 PM
Yea, but it's likely breaking down and not generating 35,000 volts but something way less.
Pyru1485
Jan 13, 2012, 08:35 PM
Ill try that and my
Ign rotor is burnt on the tip and my dist cap has corrosion on the crome tips
TxGreaseMonkey
Jan 14, 2012, 07:15 AM
Distributor cap contacts can oxidize or corrode, creating high secondary resistance, which can result in rotor and ICM failure, reduced mileage, CEL coming on, catalytic converter failure, or failed emissions test. The secondary ignition system will destroy the ICM and coil, if you do not properly maintain the ignition system. This means replacing the distributor cap, rotor, and spark plug wires every 60,000 miles.