MSD DIS4 Failure

[geoffinbc]

While driving my MSD DIS 4 seemed to just die on me. The engine started to run rough it let out a backfire and quit. I installed the jumper to bypass the ignition box and the car started and ran perfect.

The car is a 1990 Chevrolet Cavalier with a 3.1L V6 with DIS wastespark ignition. The box has run perfect for a few years now. When I try and crank the car with the box plugged in the car will constantly crank but will never fire. My spark tester will not show even the faintest spark. I do get a flashing LED that flashes at a constant rate on the box after I have cranked the car over. I have already checked the battery voltage and it is a healthy 13V. I also checked all my coil pack wires and they are not grounding out. When I installed the system everything was soldered and covered in shrink tube. I do not think it is wiring with the coil packs. First of all it has run fine for a couple years now and second when I bypass the ignition box it runs like normal.

Are there any tests I can do on the ignitioin box to see if it still functions? Or does this sound like an internal failure of the box?

[SappySE107]

I think the flashing light will tell you whats its problem is but I dont remember where the diag list for it. Could be internal or it could be your grounded purple wire isn't grounding now? Hard to say but MSD should have some info on their site to tell you what the flashing light means.

[SappySE107]

I just checked and it says that it will light up every time there is a spark. If you dont have spark, the battery supply voltage could be too low or a coil positive wire could be grounded.

Sounds like the box went bad.

[StudlyCamaro]

the MSD tech board guys are great, they really know their products well, i'd ask them

http://www.msdignition.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/index.php

EDIT: oops, i just noticed you posted there also, i'd just wait and see what they have to say

[geoffinbc]

Yea I posted. Its really odd. The purple wire on the MSD box is still grounded.

There is no list of toruble codes for the LED. I think it just flashes if there is a problem. I dont think it flashes a code.

[torq455]

Sounds like a bad box to me.

[Juglenaut]

I would fix it but to much pot in the unit to fix it at any good amount of time.

I would buy it cheap, or you can just throw it. I can't remember what MSD warranty is.

Take a look at the dips and tell me what you have it set for....

read me:

http://www.msdignition.com/forums/invboard1_1_2/upload/index.php?act=ST&f=5&t=4796&hl=dis4&s=92e775f6ba3d964fdf5ec8fc5455a167

[geoffinbc]

Hmmm some not so happy people. Ohwell. That is not my problem ovbiously since on day 1 the install was flawless and the car fired up instantly. Nothing has changed since then.

Except it has now died.

[donk_316]

I just bought a DIS4... did you notice any difference / power increase / idle changes?

It seems like an awfully complicated install for little return and low reliability

[SappySE107]

I got rid of mine years ago. Its nice for gas milage and a smoother idle but other than that, nothing at the track. I could have sworn someone was going to dyno with and without it but it hasn't happened yet. Perhaps it was kevwood, in which case hopefully this year we will see the results.

[geoffinbc]

I just bought a DIS4... did you notice any difference / power increase / idle changes?

It seems like an awfully complicated install for little return and low reliability

Well reliability is yet to be seen. I have not confirmed if it has failed yet.

The install is not hard. I suggest using MSD coin interface blocks (or whatever the hell they call it) so you dont have to cut your stock harness. That way if you do decide it sucks you can go back to normal in as long as it takes to un bolt everything.

[Juglenaut]

I bought one then sold it before it failed, the first sign was it lasted longer with stock coils.

I didn't get any perf out of it, except I thought it was neat that I could set the advance and whatnot to give the car more grumble.

[sharkey]

you cant advance the timing with the dis4, only retard it. the only real good thing that is for is boost or nitrous. another cool feture is the 2 step, but realy only for racing.

basicly, the dis4 is designed for racing. if you dont race at all, its a waste of time