Check engine lights and stalling!

[JTM]

So some of you might know my car has been throwing CEL 8 for a while (TDC sensor). I was told that means replace the whole distributor. However they are expensive etc. I had some stalling issues in a very bad intersection and could of gotten in trouble. The car would start then turn off, start then put in D, or R and die. Finally after ten minutes I was able to zoom away.

Well I had the car checked by a friend and he said that the distributor most likely doesn't need to be replaced. Valve cover was done, tube seals, fuel filter, spark plugs etc.

So this morning it happened again about 5 minutes after driving it I went to make a turn and it shut off. It fired up, shut off, put in D or R and shut off. What is going on and does the distributor cause this?

I make it home after stalling out a few times getting there until it stayed running I guess you could say.

Now I am getting CEL:

15-Ignition Output Signal.

8-Top Dead Center Position

4-Crank Angle Sensor


So 4 and 8 recommend a new dizzy while 15 recommends a new ignition coil. I own a 91 LX 105k what should I do.?

[JoshM]

Okay, forgive me if this explanation makes no sense... but here it goes...



When I got a code 15, I had the same problems as you.
I replaced a white box that's beside the steering column.
Just take off the black plastic behind the steering wheel and look on the bottom of it, there you'll see the white box.
I have a used on in now, and haven't had a problem since.
I don't know what the white box is called, so don't ask.

[JoshM]

Oh, and as for the Top Dead Center code... my roommate had the same problem.
It was tough to start, and ran bad.
We went to the JY and bought a dizzy for $10.
Came back home, and 10 minutes later his car started and ran fine.

[JTM]

So does a new Dizzy sound good?

[ExplodingCake]

yup

[midnight_1]

It's the Dizzy alright. I went through problems like this with my 'Lude. It has the F22a1. There are 3 sensors in the dizzy. I replaced the Ignition Control Module that's in the distributor and my problems went away. But yours sounds like you need the whole thing replaced.

[AbsurdNY]

The symptoms are all pointing to the dizzy.