Oldsmobile/Buick Repair: Ignition Control module, olds achieva, achieva

Question
I have a 1994 Olds Achieva, 4cy 2.3 engine. While driving car just killed on me. I was told it was the ignition control module. I changed it with a used part. Car started right up. I drove about 4 miles and car killed again. I then put another module on. Car started right up and killed almost immediately. What else can I check to see why it keeps killing. The fuel pump seems to be working o.k. Can you help please?

Answer
Hi Michelle,
Two things...
First, you might be resetting something by just the act of replacing the module, so try going through the same steps, including unhooking the battery and connectors, and see if it will start on an existing module.
If it doesn't, by all means, don't stick another new one in it.
If there is a short that destroyed the first module, and you replace the module without finding the short and correcting it, then the replacement module will also be destroyed, and the third, fourth, etc.
A Mitchell or Motors manual for that vehicle will have a section telling how to test all the sensors, controllers, and wires. Get one, and do the tests.

Van