960: which ignition module is which? Topic is solved

spyder2000me · Post by **spyder2000me** » 07 Oct 2017, 10:17

I have a 1996 960.

Realizing that there are two ignition modules and one controls the even numbered cylinders while other controls the odd, which ignition module (power stage) is which?

Switching the two modules moved my uncooperative and elusive misfire from an odd cylinder to an even cylinder. My guess is the even cylinder is the rear one since that's the more difficult one to reach. (I access it from under the car.)

Thank you for your help and advice.

Post by **precopster** » 07 Oct 2017, 10:30

Hmm I always thought one of them did 1-3 and the other did 4-6. Front one does 1-3

Do you have before and after misfire codes from an OBDII reader to back that up? Surely it"s a question of checking which coil pack is getting pulse with a noid light while attempting to start.

Good luck with this as I had the same issue with my 1992 960 and it ended up being lawnmower syndrome. The 1992 model had a simple flashing LED diagnostic system that I hadn't yet come to terms with.

spyder2000me · Post by **spyder2000me** » 07 Oct 2017, 17:11

Yes. Misfire code was p0305 (cyl 5) prior to swap. Following, it became p0302 (cyl 2). No other changes made.

Post by **precopster** » 07 Oct 2017, 17:28

If the transistor has failed you would get three misfire codes.

Have you checked the connectors to the coilpacks? The insulation breaks away and the bullet connector pulls away from the coil connector. Have a close look as they are a royal pain.

spyder2000me · Post by **spyder2000me** » 08 Oct 2017, 14:57

All connectors to the coil packs and their wires have been replaced. Swapping the amplifiers (and the amplifiers only) moved the misfiring cylinder and the resulting code.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 09 Oct 2017, 04:22

Start the engine, disconnect the front one, scan for DCTs with the engine running. You should be able to figure out which is even and which is odd from the cylinders that are not firing. I'm pretty sure the engine will run on three cylinders not sure about two, you might need to disconnect the rear one instead of the front one to keep the engine running.

Post by **RickHaleParker** » 09 Oct 2017, 04:40

"Hmm I always thought one of them did 1-3 and the other did 4-6. Front one does 1-3"

I have been down this road with my '97 960. The split is odd and even.

spyder2000me · Post by **spyder2000me** » 10 Oct 2017, 15:48

Here's the answer to my question: the module closest to the firewall controls the even cylinders; the module toward the front controls the odd. This may vary, as there is enough cable to swap connectors on the modules. If this is the case, the cables will be under some stress as they really aren't long enough.

Tracing the wires back to the coils reveals it is odd/even on the modules. This also follows the concept of "banks" as one would encounter on a V arranged cylinder layout.

Thank you, everyone, for your time and information. My misfire is now resolved.

CoOlCat · Post by **CoOlCat** » 10 Nov 2020, 10:36

Isn't anyone bright enough to show pictures or give a diagram?

CoOlCat · Post by **CoOlCat** » 11 Nov 2020, 18:44

First two pictures are of the odd 1,3,5, right behind the alternator facing the front of the car, the last picture is the even 2,4,6. which is directly on the other side of the other, i took the picture from underneath my 1997 960.