Pontiac Repair: 1988 Pontiac grand prix, pontiac grand prix, crank sensor

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
1988 Pontiac grand prix,2.8

We have had this car 2 months. Last week it started dying. It dosen't overheat, and it's charging fine. I was told by a friend that it could be the crank sensor,control module, or the coil packs. It could be alot of stuff! How can we tell without replacing everything?

Thank you,
Rachel
Answer -
Test everything! If you are not sure how to test all of the components you listed or how to diagnose all of the systems on this car, you should probably take it in to the shop and have it diagnosed. It will be cheaper in the long run to have it diagnosed and repaired, than to start trying parts. It is way to difficult for me to give you a crash course in driveability related diagnostics. If you have any specific part that you want to know how to check let me know and I will try my best to help you.

Harold, thank you for the quick reply, how can we test the coil packs?

thank you,
Rachel

Answer
There are 2 plug wires on each one of the coil packs. Take the 2 wires off and check across the 2 terminals with an ohm meter. The reading should be between 5k and 7k ohms.
You can also crank the engine with the wires still off and watch for spark between the 2 terminals. The spark should be blue and it should only jump from the silver tip to tip. If it jumps down the side of the coil, replace it.