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How to Replace a Control Module

The control module on your vehicles ignition is an electronic device that controls the ignition spark sequence. The device resembles a fuse, and also allows your vehicles starter to fire up your engine. Though this device is durable, it is sensitive to extreme heat. Since most control modules are located beneath the hood near the engine, over time the module can go bad. If the control module goes bad, your engine will not start.

Instructions

1

Turn your vehicles ignition so it is in the off position. Make sure your gear shifter is in the "Park" or "Neutral" position, and that the emergency brake is engaged.

2

Examine the bottom side of the steering wheel near the wire harness beside your vehicles fuse box. In some cases, the module will be located beneath the dashboard. But in most cases the module is located inside the distributor cap beneath the hood.

3

Pull on the hood release lever below the dashboard on the drivers side of the vehicle. The release lever may also be located along the left side of the drivers seat on the floor. Get out of the car, and go to the front of the car. Pull up on the hood slightly, and locate the hoods release latch beneath the front edge of the hood. Lift up on the hood, and prop the hood up with support mechanism under the hood.

4

Locate the distributor cap on the engine, and loosen its retaining Phillips-head screws. Remove the distributor cap from the engine, but do not remove the spark plugs or spark plug wires.

5

Examine the revealed distributor area for the control module. It will either be mounted inside the distributor assembly, or on the outer section of the distributors casing. Disconnect the wire connectors from the module. Remove the Phillips-head bolts mounting the module to the distributor. Remove the bad control module from your vehicle.

6

Attach the new control module to the distributor assembly with the included mounting bolts and washers. Reconnect the wire connectors to the control module. Replace the distributor cap, and its retaining screws. Remove the hoods support mechanism, and close the hood.