GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 Regal 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 3.8L 🢒 Ignition Relay Diagnosis

Circuit Description

The ignition relay supplies voltage to the following components:

    • Oxygen sensors
    • Powertrain control module (PCM)
    • Ignition control (IC) module
    • A/C CLU relay

Diagnostic Aids

If the IGN relay fails to close:

    • Scan data will be available.
    • Vehicle will crank, no start.
    • Dash indicator lights will illuminate.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

  1. This step is testing the relay ground circuit.

    2.

  2. This step isolates the circuit from the IGN relay. All of the circuits at the relay are good if the test lamp illuminates.

Ignition Relay Diagnosis

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Power Distribution Schematics , Ground Distribution Schematics and Engine Controls Schematics

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic Check-Engine Controls ?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Engine Controls

2
  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the underhood fuse relay center cover.
  3. Remove the IGN relay with the J 43244 Relay Puller Pliers.
  4. Probe the IGN relay battery positive voltage circuit at the underhood fuse relay center with the test lamp connected to a ground--Refer to Probing Electrical Connectors in Wiring Systems.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 8

3
  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Probe the IGN relay ignition run/crank voltage circuit at the underhood fuse relay center with the test lamp connected to a known good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 9

4

  1. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  2. Probe the ignition main relay ground connector terminal with a test lamp connected to 12 volts.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 10

5

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Jumper the IGN relay battery positive voltage circuit and the IGN relay load circuit together using a fused jumper wire--Refer to Using Fused Jumper Wires in Wiring Systems.
  3. Probe the following fuses with the test lamp connected to a ground.
    4. • F/INJR
    • ENG EMIS
    • OXY SEN

Does the test lamp illuminate?

--

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 10

6

Inspect for poor terminal contact at the IGN relay underhood electrical center connector. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections in Wiring Systems.

Did you find and correct the condition?

--

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 7

7

Replace the IGN relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

--

Go to Step 11

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8

Repair the open or short to ground in the battery positive voltage supply to the IGN relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

9

Repair the ignition positive voltage circuit to the IGN relay. Refer to Wiring Repairs in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

--

10

Replace the underhood electrical center. Refer to Underhood Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement in Wiring Systems.

Did you complete the repair?

--

Go to Step 11

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11
  1. Remove all test equipment.
  2. Connect any disconnected components, fuses, etc.
  3. Turn ignition OFF for 30 seconds.
  4. Start the engine and operate the vehicle.
  5. Observe the MIL, vehicle performance, and driveability.

Does the vehicle operate normally, with no MIL illumination and no stored DTCs?

--

System OK

Go to Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) List