I installed a new distributor in 1997 Chevy C1500 4.3L Vortec V6 (replaced the crappy plastic OEM version with new billet aluminum). Truck runs perfectly and idles better than ever. But... SES light comes on stating: "Manufacturuerd ignition control module or misfire". Do I have to reprogram the PCM and if so, how is this done?
Check the wire harness to the Ignition control module (ICM) or replace it. It cost around $40,00 from Auto Zone and it's common for the ICM to fail, or it may just be starting to fail and it's also know that the OEM distributor had a screen vent at the bottom of the distributor for ventilation to prevent condensation from forming in the distributor. Check to make sure your new distributor has a vent and that it's not plugged up with shipping plastic. Condensation may be forming causing the misfire in the distributor. Good luck and keep me posted.
If the Malfunction Indicator lamp is turned on after installing the distributor, and a DTC P1345 is found, the distributor has been installed incorrectly.
You may have to reinstall the distributor the long way.
Rotate the number 1 cylinder to (TDC) of the compression stroke. The engine front cover has 2 alignment tabs and the crankshaft balancer has 2 alignment marks (spaced 90 degrees apart) which are used for positioning number 1 piston at top dead center (TDC). With the piston on the compression stroke and at top dead center, the crankshaft balancer alignment mark must align with the engine front cover tab and the crankshaft balancer alignment mark must align with the engine front cover tab.Rotate the crankshaft balancer clockwise until the alignment marks on the crankshaft balancer are aligned with the tabs on the engine front cover and the number 1 piston is at top dead center of the compression stroke.
Align white paint mark on the bottom stem of the distributor, and the pre-drilled indent hole in the bottom of the gear. The ignition system distributor driven gear and rotor may be installed in multiple positions. In order to avoid mistakes, mark the distributor on the following components in order to ensure the same mounting position upon reassembly:
-The distributor driven gear-The distributor shaft-The rotor holes, Installing the driven gear 180 degrees out of alignment, or locating the rotor in the wrong holes, will cause a no-start condition. Premature engine wear or damage may result.
Just food for thoughts and hope this helps, If you know someone with a tech 2 scanner, that would be great and the tech 2 scanner can fine tune the timing.
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QUESTION: I've been looking for a quality billet distributer for my '98 c1500 4.3L V6--mounting tab broken on cheapo OEM unit. Where did you get one from? Thx. email me at [email protected] if you can help.
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