Yes the dreaded ICM failure on these motors is no joke. A few tips I found doing these. Always use thermal paste between icm and base plate to help transfer heat. Also if you do buy a new one in never buy aftermarket, either go Ac delco or delphi.
One day my '02 died in my driveway. I did notice it running slightly rough on my way home the day before and these cars normally run so smooth you don't even know the engine is running. Anyway I first replaced my crankshaft position sensor, but she still had the crank no start. Some further troubleshooting indicated that my ignition control module (ICM) was bad. So I ordered a new one and my LeSabre was alive again. A new ICM was about $120.00 depending on the manufacturer. Great video and nice to see someone else appreciating and taking care of their LeSabre. They are great cars and cars like these will never be manufactured again. So the remaining fleet must be cared for.
When u purchase a new engine control module, it comes with a white paiste that u smear on the ecm & u smear it on top of the ecm where the coil packs sit. I believe it is a heat dissapator. If you get that white paist, maybe the ecm will last longer?
Thank you for this video. I went and bought 3 coils before I watched this video. Now i can take those back and get my 100 bucks back. Went to the salvage yard got a icm for 27 bucks and I'm running again. Especially since a brand new one is 200 to 250 depending where you go. I live in Texas and like you said these cars don't like hot weather. I'm probably gonna go pick up another one as a back up. Thank you again.
Good information. These engines have a few issues but all in all you can't beat em. Parts are cheap and an average guy can actually diagnose and fix them
This was super helpful. Mine is a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix but only has a misfire when it warms up it seems. So thinking bad ground or the ICM. Ohm tested the coils and all the same about 6.5 avg. Will post again when I have it fixed.
I used to own a 2003 Impala LS with that 3.8 Series II engine. The mass air flow sensor failed, and the check engine light never came on. When accelerating the engine was taking a holiday. It would cut off and on again. A friend of mine has a auto repair shop. He found the mass air flow sensor tested bad. A new one was installed, and it was a Delphi brand. When the engine ran with the new sensor in place the check engine light came on. He explained the system is set up to store data, and the light came on due to the old sensor not working, and the computer was behind in sending the data to the light. The codes were erased, and the light went off. It didn't come back on. I drove the car, and there was no pick up when you were accelerating. I took it back to my friend, and we disconnected the catalytic converter, and had all sorts of power. The catalytic converter had to be replaced. The Buick, GMC dealer said a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor will clog the converter. A new catalytic converter was installed, and the mass air flow sensor went out again about a year later. The second mass air flow sensor was a GM Goodwrench, and manufactured by Hitachi. The other sensors on the market are aftetmarket, and they say they are OEM quality. My mechanic said they are no good, and to stick with Genuine GM Parts on the sensors.
My dad has a 04 LeSabre that I'm borrowing (I have a '96 Corolla but needs a starter) & I got the issue diagnosed & it was the ICM, replaced the coils, wires, plugs, & even the air filter & that still didn't fix the problem & apparent the bottom coil pack wasn't giving spark to cylinders 1 & 4 & even when I switch one coil pack with another, the bottom coil pack doesn't get spark at all
Love my 2003 Park Avenue. Yes, she has/had issues, but parts are cheap and plentiful! And this thing is a breeze to work on compared to newer cars. The systems are simple, no weird or exotic parts, which is nice. A good scan tool that can clear codes is a must, but after that, simple hand tools and a bit of of elbow grease, just about anything on the motor can be repaired in the driveway. One thing, try to use OEM parts when you can, especially for items like this ICM and the sensors. A tip on the MAF sensor. Hitachi was the original OEM manufacturer for GM, and they still make that MAF sensor for purchase, it is MAF0047 and can be found on Rock Auto for $70. I just installed one, works perfectly.
Man u are lucky..i jus did wires and plugs and the ignition control module that was 256 dollars and ignition coils that was 56 dollars a piece and i needed 3 and my problem still isn't fixed all the way..last thing is the sensor..man this kicked my ass and my pockets
I'm not sure because I don't exactly know what it controls. Does it run differently after doing that? I would still recommend finding a place to ground that wire, even if it means extending the wire or moving it somewhere else.
I ran a code check at Autozone and it said my Buick Lesabre 2003 was having a misfire in cylinder 4. I’ve replaced the coil for that cylinder and nothing changed. Anyone know what I should do next?
@reggiemeigs5074 c Could just be a bad spark plug. Or a worn fuel injector. Fuel injector should read 13-18 ohms roughly. Easy check with a multimeter.
I was helping my friend diagnose his 2000 Lesabre with the same problem/p0300 code. The car was turned on (not running) while we were looking under the hood, and the 1/4 coil just started smoking and melting before our eyes. He bought a new coil, but maybe he shouldn't install it until he gets the ICM replaced?
If the contacts on the ICM are burned as well, you should probably replace it. However, if they look clean, you'd probably be fine with just a coil. Inspect the condition of the plug wire as well and make sure it's not burned up too.
@@caayydenn Thanks! The wire was disconnected from the spark plug when it happened. It just seems strange to me that an ignition coil would cook itself with the engine not even running.
U said spark plug wires talking about the sparky things next to the coils? But not to be confused with the spark plugs next to the firewall and in front of the engine right?
Mine starts sometimes .. shuts off after a few minutes... doesn't idle rough at all.. after i start it once it shuts off and doesnt cut back on untill a day or two after.. normally. 2001 buick lesabre.. coils??? What do you think it is?? Please
I get this is an older video but im trying this tmr on my 2003 buick lesabre custom bc i have replaced plugs plug wire all 3 coils cam shaft postion censor and crank shaft postion censor i pray this is whats wrong
Had the p0300 , changed the ICM ran good code went away then all a sudden I get a P1635 code any help , been searching the web and can’t find any solid leads on this new code …
Did you get a new or used module? Aftermarket or OEM? That's a tricky code but if it happened soon after a different ICM was installed, I'd be skeptical of it.
@Head Honcho If you got a quality one and still have the code, the connector may be the culprit. But I would trace the whole wiring harness down for any broken wires before guessing. Also, if you have a multimeter, you can test for power at the plug while the key is on.
@@caayydenn yea I have a meter someone was saying it could be a vacuum leak I’m thinking maybe it is because it dosent wanna stay running on cold start and besides a rough idle sometimes it runs good
Wow great video! I replaced the MAF, ICM, coils, spark plugs & wires. Only thing left seems like the (cps) crankshaft position sensor or maybe the camshaft. My 01 lesabre is not accelerating smoothly and has a rough idle with P0366 code but no check engine light. It's also not stalling so your video is making me doubt it's the cps
If you have the code for the CPS replace the CPS. It's actually very rare for the vehicle to even throw a code when the CPS fails but when it does that's usually the case. Make sure the wiring to it is not damages as well.
@@caayydenn the problem actually ended up being the MAF sensor and the control module associated with that sensor. He also said it was the other MAF sensor, not the one near the air filter...
As a diagnostician I find that very time consuming and doing a new factory ICM and be done with it for a lifetime and done many and they have never came back after. Tip of the day : Test don’t guess cuz it can be pricey shooting the parts cannon. But had a couple of them and all been very reliable with no issue apart those them rusty rocker panels but overall very reliable and they don’t make them built like that anymore.
Not in this case. But a way to test that is get a long screwdriver and hold it to each injector while the engine is running and listen for irregular rythym or an injector that "ticks" differently than the others.
@@caayydenn man i got a stesoscooe for that. I changed the CPS and crank position sensor. Still same thing. When i pull injector 5 no change but when i pulse it manually it bogs down. I think I'll drop some k seal for head gasket. Any insight.
@@NorristopianKnifeGuy Don't throw any sealer in your radiator. I've never seen a 3800 blow a head gasket. The lower intake manifold is the problem gasket on these engines.
@@caayydenn i got a new plenum and lower intake gasket changed them. Still same issue ran some seafoam intake valve cleaner. Still the issue going to try the ICM i pulled one and lost it lol. Changes crank and cam sensor. So frustrating.
It's 50 where I'm from... Guess I'll fork it over, I changed the voltage regulator and same issue, to be fair the battery/alternator/starter thing they use at parts store said bad diode but... didn't fix unless lol i got a bad volt regulator but.... maybe the icm could be it.... it is p0300 that was on the code. No other thing that I wasn't already aware of already (like the missing cat)
@@johnjohn4882 I wouldn't risk it. It will void the warranty and may damage the unit. The heat sink paste should be applied evenly and a thin coat all across the metal on the back/mount.
My wife was driving when the motor started making noise and wouldnt accelerate. When i raised the hood, the motor is rocking back and forth really hard. Had plugs, wires and coil changed and it made no difference.
Yeah you're definitely misfiring super hard then. Gotta get it scanned and go through the diagnosis. A bad MAP sensor can also make the car run like garbage.
@@caayydenn we had a guy use a portable one. Got the 0300 (multiple cylinder misfire) and it also had 0449 (evap vent solenoid control circuit malfunction)
@@caayydenn everyone I've talked to says something different. I've had a few say the Icm. But ive also been told push rod, lifters, oxygen sensor. Like damn lol.
@indymudshow It's highly unlikely to be anything internal to the engine due to the fact it's affecting all cylinders, unless of course it's knocking or ticking loudly. If you had a dead cylinder or something, it would only miss on the one cylinder and not the whole engine. Like I said, P0300 affects the entire engine. Live data from a scan tool can tell you a lot as well. If this issue presented itself out of nowhere, it's likely electrical, and most likely still an ICM failure.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Yes the dreaded ICM failure on these motors is no joke. A few tips I found doing these. Always use thermal paste between icm and base plate to help transfer heat. Also if you do buy a new one in never buy aftermarket, either go Ac delco or delphi.
One day my '02 died in my driveway. I did notice it running slightly rough on my way home the day before and these cars normally run so smooth you don't even know the engine is running. Anyway I first replaced my crankshaft position sensor, but she still had the crank no start. Some further troubleshooting indicated that my ignition control module (ICM) was bad. So I ordered a new one and my LeSabre was alive again. A new ICM was about $120.00 depending on the manufacturer. Great video and nice to see someone else appreciating and taking care of their LeSabre. They are great cars and cars like these will never be manufactured again. So the remaining fleet must be cared for.
My 97 is doing this I’m currently changing the crank shift sensor but mine never stalled until
It cut off though
When u purchase a new engine control module, it comes with a white paiste that u smear on the ecm & u smear it on top of the ecm where the coil packs sit. I believe it is a heat dissapator. If you get that white paist, maybe the ecm will last longer?
Thank you for this video. I went and bought 3 coils before I watched this video. Now i can take those back and get my 100 bucks back. Went to the salvage yard got a icm for 27 bucks and I'm running again. Especially since a brand new one is 200 to 250 depending where you go. I live in Texas and like you said these cars don't like hot weather. I'm probably gonna go pick up another one as a back up. Thank you again.
Good information. These engines have a few issues but all in all you can't beat em. Parts are cheap and an average guy can actually diagnose and fix them
Most definitely I have an 02 buick century dealing with P0300 code right now but I've done all the tuning myself and a handful of other things
This was super helpful. Mine is a 2006 Pontiac Grand Prix but only has a misfire when it warms up it seems. So thinking bad ground or the ICM. Ohm tested the coils and all the same about 6.5 avg. Will post again when I have it fixed.
I got the 0300 then swapped coils and got a 0305 which was so stupid . Goin to go to the junkyard to see if a ICM will fix it.
I used to own a 2003 Impala LS with that 3.8 Series II engine. The mass air flow sensor failed, and the check engine light never came on. When accelerating the engine was taking a holiday. It would cut off and on again. A friend of mine has a auto repair shop. He found the mass air flow sensor tested bad. A new one was installed, and it was a Delphi brand. When the engine ran with the new sensor in place the check engine light came on. He explained the system is set up to store data, and the light came on due to the old sensor not working, and the computer was behind in sending the data to the light. The codes were erased, and the light went off. It didn't come back on. I drove the car, and there was no pick up when you were accelerating. I took it back to my friend, and we disconnected the catalytic converter, and had all sorts of power. The catalytic converter had to be replaced. The Buick, GMC dealer said a malfunctioning mass air flow sensor will clog the converter. A new catalytic converter was installed, and the mass air flow sensor went out again about a year later. The second mass air flow sensor was a GM Goodwrench, and manufactured by Hitachi. The other sensors on the market are aftetmarket, and they say they are OEM quality. My mechanic said they are no good, and to stick with Genuine GM Parts on the sensors.
Much Gratitude. I have a 2000 buick lesabre with the same problem
My dad has a 04 LeSabre that I'm borrowing (I have a '96 Corolla but needs a starter) & I got the issue diagnosed & it was the ICM, replaced the coils, wires, plugs, & even the air filter & that still didn't fix the problem & apparent the bottom coil pack wasn't giving spark to cylinders 1 & 4 & even when I switch one coil pack with another, the bottom coil pack doesn't get spark at all
Love my 2003 Park Avenue. Yes, she has/had issues, but parts are cheap and plentiful! And this thing is a breeze to work on compared to newer cars. The systems are simple, no weird or exotic parts, which is nice. A good scan tool that can clear codes is a must, but after that, simple hand tools and a bit of of elbow grease, just about anything on the motor can be repaired in the driveway.
One thing, try to use OEM parts when you can, especially for items like this ICM and the sensors. A tip on the MAF sensor. Hitachi was the original OEM manufacturer for GM, and they still make that MAF sensor for purchase, it is MAF0047 and can be found on Rock Auto for $70. I just installed one, works perfectly.
Thanks! have a park avenue with the same issue, also nice pair of cars man!
Who woulda thought 2 years ago u we’re gonna save my bacon today… the internet is a weird place man, anyway, thanks for the vid brotha
Man u are lucky..i jus did wires and plugs and the ignition control module that was 256 dollars and ignition coils that was 56 dollars a piece and i needed 3 and my problem still isn't fixed all the way..last thing is the sensor..man this kicked my ass and my pockets
If you don't mind me asking, what problem are you having? I think I can help
Played $125 for a new one. There is a fuse that blew also. Took awhile to figure that out
What fuse blew out?
How important is that ground that goes to one of the bolts that hold the bracket? I ripped off mine removing that nut with a cordless ratchet.
I'm not sure because I don't exactly know what it controls. Does it run differently after doing that? I would still recommend finding a place to ground that wire, even if it means extending the wire or moving it somewhere else.
I ran a code check at Autozone and it said my Buick Lesabre 2003 was having a misfire in cylinder 4. I’ve replaced the coil for that cylinder and nothing changed. Anyone know what I should do next?
@reggiemeigs5074 c
Could just be a bad spark plug. Or a worn fuel injector. Fuel injector should read 13-18 ohms roughly. Easy check with a multimeter.
I was helping my friend diagnose his 2000 Lesabre with the same problem/p0300 code. The car was turned on (not running) while we were looking under the hood, and the 1/4 coil just started smoking and melting before our eyes. He bought a new coil, but maybe he shouldn't install it until he gets the ICM replaced?
If the contacts on the ICM are burned as well, you should probably replace it. However, if they look clean, you'd probably be fine with just a coil. Inspect the condition of the plug wire as well and make sure it's not burned up too.
@@caayydenn Thanks! The wire was disconnected from the spark plug when it happened. It just seems strange to me that an ignition coil would cook itself with the engine not even running.
U said spark plug wires talking about the sparky things next to the coils? But not to be confused with the spark plugs next to the firewall and in front of the engine right?
Mine starts sometimes .. shuts off after a few minutes... doesn't idle rough at all.. after i start it once it shuts off and doesnt cut back on untill a day or two after.. normally. 2001 buick lesabre.. coils??? What do you think it is?? Please
@@widowmaker4097 I think it's your crankshaft position sensor
@@caayydenn oh noooooo i was hoping it wasnt that . Thank you....
I get this is an older video but im trying this tmr on my 2003 buick lesabre custom bc i have replaced plugs plug wire all 3 coils cam shaft postion censor and crank shaft postion censor i pray this is whats wrong
It's definitely the problem
Did yours also fail the vacuum test? Currently have this code with my 2005 and can't track the issue
I never did a true vacuum test, but spraying carb cleaner around everything presented no leaks or changes
Had the p0300 , changed the ICM ran good code went away then all a sudden I get a P1635 code any help , been searching the web and can’t find any solid leads on this new code …
Did you get a new or used module? Aftermarket or OEM? That's a tricky code but if it happened soon after a different ICM was installed, I'd be skeptical of it.
I got a used module .
@@michaeljacobs5842 Did you ever figure out what's wrong?
Was wondering I have the code po300 do u have to reprogram the icm
No
Would u have to reprogram the icm
No
Have you ever got a code for the MAF then replace it and still have the code
Not personally, no. Did you buy an OEM one or a cheap aftermarket one?
@@caayydenn I bought a cheap one at first then I bought a Delphi
@Head Honcho If you got a quality one and still have the code, the connector may be the culprit. But I would trace the whole wiring harness down for any broken wires before guessing. Also, if you have a multimeter, you can test for power at the plug while the key is on.
@@caayydenn yea I have a meter someone was saying it could be a vacuum leak I’m thinking maybe it is because it dosent wanna stay running on cold start and besides a rough idle sometimes it runs good
@Head Honcho Well, good luck. Worst case you take it into an actual shop.
Thanks for video. These engines seem simple enough.
Wow great video! I replaced the MAF, ICM, coils, spark plugs & wires. Only thing left seems like the (cps) crankshaft position sensor or maybe the camshaft. My 01 lesabre is not accelerating smoothly and has a rough idle with P0366 code but no check engine light. It's also not stalling so your video is making me doubt it's the cps
If you have the code for the CPS replace the CPS. It's actually very rare for the vehicle to even throw a code when the CPS fails but when it does that's usually the case. Make sure the wiring to it is not damages as well.
@@caayydenn the problem actually ended up being the MAF sensor and the control module associated with that sensor. He also said it was the other MAF sensor, not the one near the air filter...
@Trent Grimes There is no 2nd MAF sensor. He probably meant MAP sensor. Not surprised to hear that. These cars have all sorts of electrical bugs.
Awesome!!! Great info!!!
As a diagnostician I find that very time consuming and doing a new factory ICM and be done with it for a lifetime and done many and they have never came back after. Tip of the day : Test don’t guess cuz it can be pricey shooting the parts cannon. But had a couple of them and all been very reliable with no issue apart those them rusty rocker panels but overall very reliable and they don’t make them built like that anymore.
Man thank u so much this video saved my ass
No injector problems ?
Not in this case. But a way to test that is get a long screwdriver and hold it to each injector while the engine is running and listen for irregular rythym or an injector that "ticks" differently than the others.
@@caayydenn man i got a stesoscooe for that. I changed the CPS and crank position sensor. Still same thing. When i pull injector 5 no change but when i pulse it manually it bogs down. I think I'll drop some k seal for head gasket. Any insight.
@@NorristopianKnifeGuy Don't throw any sealer in your radiator. I've never seen a 3800 blow a head gasket. The lower intake manifold is the problem gasket on these engines.
Me either i have a 95 lesabre with 209 k and had a 2001 150. Now i got this 05 with 130k. Thanks I'll look into that now
@@caayydenn i got a new plenum and lower intake gasket changed them. Still same issue ran some seafoam intake valve cleaner. Still the issue going to try the ICM i pulled one and lost it lol. Changes crank and cam sensor. So frustrating.
thanks man!!
You need to spin the camera around more. But good info!
very interesting video, but the constant camera movement is nauseating to watch.
It's 50 where I'm from... Guess I'll fork it over, I changed the voltage regulator and same issue, to be fair the battery/alternator/starter thing they use at parts store said bad diode but... didn't fix unless lol i got a bad volt regulator but.... maybe the icm could be it.... it is p0300 that was on the code. No other thing that I wasn't already aware of already (like the missing cat)
Gotta use Heat sink paste on the back or they will burn out quick
Can you use permatex dielectric grease?
@@johnjohn4882 I wouldn't risk it. It will void the warranty and may damage the unit. The heat sink paste should be applied evenly and a thin coat all across the metal on the back/mount.
6:27
My wife was driving when the motor started making noise and wouldnt accelerate. When i raised the hood, the motor is rocking back and forth really hard. Had plugs, wires and coil changed and it made no difference.
Yeah you're definitely misfiring super hard then. Gotta get it scanned and go through the diagnosis. A bad MAP sensor can also make the car run like garbage.
@@caayydenn we had a guy use a portable one. Got the 0300 (multiple cylinder misfire) and it also had 0449 (evap vent solenoid control circuit malfunction)
@indymudshow Both should be easy fixes. Vent solenoid is right on top of the engine. Your P0300 is more than likely the ignition module like mine was.
@@caayydenn everyone I've talked to says something different. I've had a few say the Icm. But ive also been told push rod, lifters, oxygen sensor. Like damn lol.
@indymudshow It's highly unlikely to be anything internal to the engine due to the fact it's affecting all cylinders, unless of course it's knocking or ticking loudly. If you had a dead cylinder or something, it would only miss on the one cylinder and not the whole engine. Like I said, P0300 affects the entire engine. Live data from a scan tool can tell you a lot as well. If this issue presented itself out of nowhere, it's likely electrical, and most likely still an ICM failure.
Hey, you stole my grandma's car!
Need Silicone Heat Sink Compound on the back of it to transfer the heat away or it will get hot and shorten the life.
4:19