What is "ignition mode"?

[chadicenhour]

Alright, so I've been tinkering with this 99 GAGT for a long time on and off since I first bought it. This thing doesn't have all the power it suppose to. I've tried everything. Today I put the scanner on it and went to a test that was igntion mode. It said that if it said yes beside it while running that it was in ignition mode. According to the scanner, igntion mode is on when there is a fault in the igntion system. When that happens, it uses the ICM to control ignition timing instead of the ECM. It also said that the ICM will maintain base timing at 10 degrees BTDC and affect driveability noticeably. Does that sound like something that would make the car sluggish?? I don't know much about ignition timing. Also, what kind of ignition fault could I have? The ICM is new and not that it matters, all the coils, plugs and wires are also new. BTW, I have no fault codes so diagnosing this igntion fault is gonna be tricky. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks in advance.


EDIT: Also, I read that the wiring from the crank sensor to the ICM has to have a minimum of 9 turns per foot. WHY? How do I know of my crank sensor needs replaced? I HATE THIS CAR!!

[86FieroSEv6]

Ignition mode . . . . . sometimes called "set timing" mode. If you went to it as a "test" on your scanner, it was the scanner that placed the system into EST(Electronic Spark Timing) bypass mode so that the base ignition timing of the engine can be checked with a timing light. The problem is that after a certain year there may not be any strobe marks or indicators. In some cases there are fixtures for a magnetic probe type timing light trigger. Sometimes there will simply be a notch on the damper with a pointer on the timing cover. If you were attempting to drive while in this mode, you would most certainly notice a lack of "ooooooomph". The reason that there are no codes is because as I said earlier, you commanded this mode with the scanner test function. BTW, what engine do you have? Auto' or Manual trans.? Are you running on oversized wheels?

[chadicenhour]

Ignition mode . . . . . sometimes called "set timing" mode. If you went to it as a "test" on your scanner, it was the scanner that placed the system into EST(Electronic Spark Timing) bypass mode so that the base ignition timing of the engine can be checked with a timing light. The problem is that after a certain year there may not be any strobe marks or indicators. In some cases there are fixtures for a magnetic probe type timing light trigger. Sometimes there will simply be a notch on the damper with a pointer on the timing cover. If you were attempting to drive while in this mode, you would most certainly notice a lack of "ooooooomph". The reason that there are no codes is because as I said earlier, you commanded this mode with the scanner test function. BTW, what engine do you have? Auto' or Manual trans.? Are you running on oversized wheels?

3400 with AT. BTW, I didn't command this as a test. It was simply a yes or no as to whether it was in ignition mode or not. Also, it showed up in live data. I found no way of turning ignition mode on or off. When I shut the engine off, it said no, started it up, it said yes. The way I see it, its in a kind of "limp mode" using predetermined values instead of relying on sensors to correct igntion timing. I'm just unsure of how to correct the problem. Thanks for the help. Anyone else care to chime in?

[86FieroSEv6]

What kind of scanner is it? Are you certain that "ignition mode=yes" doesn't mean that the ECM is in control? Does the ignition timing parameter change or is it fixed at 10 degrees?

[chadicenhour]

What kind of scanner is it? Are you certain that "ignition mode=yes" doesn't mean that the ECM is in control? Does the ignition timing parameter change or is it fixed at 10 degrees?

I'm using a Snap-On Solus as a scanner. Also, I am absolutely positive that ignition mode=YES means that it is in ignition mode. I wish I didn't have the crank sensor wires off or I'd make a video of the LIVE DATA showing it is in ignition mode. I can't remember what the igntion timing parameter was.

[86FieroSEv6]

I have a "brick" (MT2500) and a Modis. I'll hook up and take a look at a couple of cars and confirm, but I have seen "ignition mode=yes" on perfectly good vehicles with no known symptoms.

[chadicenhour]

I have a "brick" (MT2500) and a Modis. I'll hook up and take a look at a couple of cars and confirm, but I have seen "ignition mode=yes" on perfectly good vehicles with no known symptoms.

Sounds good. Your Modis or brick should give the same description my Solus did. I'm pretty sure this is my problem. I've been searching for this problem for a long time.