Reoccuring Dead Spark Plug Coil on 2003 vibe

There should be three coils mounted on the ignition module.
Each coil fires two plugs, one positive and one negative.
If one of the three coils is dead, it could be the coil. If every other plug is not firing, it could be the module.

Either engine computer (ecu) or ignition control module. It may have different names like power transistor unit, ICM, ECM etc. Power runs from engine computer to ignition module then that powers the coilpack/coils. Also check the ground connections as they corrode over time. If you replace any units make sure the make a great connection and use any heatsink paste required

it happen to me a few time the passkey module defect intermittent.

Bad MAF sensor.

Hi!!

When a faulty coil gets hot, it quits working, you have a 3 pack and they hardly ever go out in packs, usually one at the time and it will be misfiring and loss of power before the engine dies and the check engine light will come on. If check engine light is on, have the codes scanned to find out which coil is defective.

Otherwise, I would go for the ignition module, it is the flat part in wich the coils sit on. Check connector and wiring.

Check for spark in all 3 colis when no start condition occurrs, if no spark in nither one, replace ignition module.

Don't forget to rate this post!! Good Luck!!

The ignition coils are mounted on it. Just follow the spark plug wires.

Hello genobeano: My name is Roger and I will give some information that should help. When you replace the pick up coil also replace the ignition module. The ignition module will short out the pick up coil. If the module is attached to the side of the distributor be sure to use die electric grease when installing the module on the distributor. Should you not use the grease you will burn up the ignition system. By the same token should the pick up coil short out the module will burn out. The fact it runs for a short time says that you have a heat problem. Normally is in the ignition system. There was a tech bulletin to replace the pick up and module as a unit to correct the problem.
Please rate the answer as this lets us know you received correct information. Should you need further help please just ask. Thank You for using Fix Ya. Roger

it sounds like you may have the wires on the wrong coil. It should be #1 on the #4 coil, and the #3 wire on the #2 coil. you probably have them backwards so 1 and 3 are firing on the exhaust stroke.
the firing order is 1-3-4-2.
they should be hooked like this.

Follow the spark plug wires away from the spark plugs. The coil packs are on top of the ignition module. The coil packs have two terminals each and will have two spark plug wires attached to each coil pack. There are 3 coil packs and I would recommend replacing all three at once. They are bolted down to the ignition module bracket with a total of 6 small screws. Two per coil pack. Remove the small screws and the electrical connectors and the plug wires. Dont forget to mark the wires so you can replace them as you found them. Installation is just the opposite of removal.

First thing to do is change the cap and the rotor in the distributor.They can cause the car to just die like tha tbecause the rotor can burn through or the carbon button in the cap can wear away. Both these can cause the spark to go directly to ground.The ignition module or pickup in the distributor could also be the cause.Very common failure items in older GM's.