ENGINE NO START/HARD START COLD/DAMP AMBIENT CONDITION. Pontiac LeMans 1988

For 1990-2009 cars

# ENGINE NO START/HARD START COLD/DAMP AMBIENT CONDITION

#### Models Affected: 1988-89 LEMANS W/1.6

Some of the subject vehicles may experience no start/hard starting conditions with a cold engine in cold and/or damp ambient conditions.

This starting difficulty may be caused by the ambient conditions creating a voltage demand at the spark plugs that is close to the maximum limit of the ignition system. This may result in the coil/ coil wire arcing to ground.

Corrective action for vehicles exhibiting the described starting difficulties is as follows:

1. Examine the coil tower and coil-to-distributor wire for signs of arcing to ground.

Replace components that show indications of arcing to ground. Remove distributor cap, clean cap inner and outer surfaces of oil and moisture deposits.

2. Remove existing spark plugs.

3. Install new spark plugs (R45XLS), P/N 5613878 (Package of 8) having a .045in GAP.

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

4. Install spark plug gap specification label, P/N 90409132 (supplied with service bulletin) next to the underhood emission tune-up label. Individual labels are available as part of a sheet containing 40 pieces under the above part number from Pontiac service publications.

Labor Operation Number: T1490 Replace Plugs T1491 Replace plugs, coil, wire

Labor Time T1490 0.5 Hours T1491 0.6 Hours

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.