Intermittant no spark situation

[Rob W.]

Wasn't sure where to put this because The problem is the engine but its on an 87 Maxima so here it is.

 

I bought this 87 Maxima for $100 and I am having a strange problem. Sometimes it will start and run fine and then it sometimes it won't. It will die after starting when you drive it around the block, won't even make it home. The motor feels fine when its running. oh before I forget here's a pic

 

 

I have determined it is a spark issue not fuel. So replaced the coil and still same problem so I returned it. Checked the crank angle sensor and it's cycling 0-5volts at the right times there is a finned little electrical bit under the coil that feeds power to the coil but it always seems to have 12 volts coming out of it. Any ideas or does anyone know where I can find an engine electrical diagram. The shop manual I have only has the chassis electrical, stupid Haynes. Help please

[Pumpkn210]

I would run it till it dies, then check for power. Whatever it is should be fairly easy to find when its actually doin it.

[ggzilla]

Bad ignitor, which is the finned transistor under the coil. They have them at the pick-n-pull, like $10.

[Rob W.]

could it be bad and still pass voltage. The book doesn't even show it as being there so no way to test it... What do you think?

[Rob W.]

Bump any ideas

[datzenmike]

Down load the fault codes.

[jonesy510]

maybe just a lose connection someplace in the system. perhaps sometimes is has just enough of a connection the the engine will run fine but other times the vibration of the engine and road will disrupt the connection causing it to die hence the reason it dies after going around the block..

 

i would start at checking and cleaning all the connections for the ignition system..