🚨 Diagnostic Profile
Vehicle Make: Chrysler
Short Description: EI System Or Ignition Control Missing. The electronic ignition (EI) control circuit or module is not reporting a valid signal to the powertrain control module. Verify the exact model year, engine, and ignition system type before proceeding.
🚨 Repair Difficulty Tier
Tier: [Intermediate]
Diagnosis requires a multimeter, scan tool access, and familiarity with ignition signal testing. Component replacement is generally straightforward once the faulty part is confirmed.
🛠️ Resolution Steps
Step 1: Preliminary Inspection
- Verify battery state of charge (should read approximately 12.4-12.6V key-off) and confirm charging system output is within the normal 13.5-14.7V range at idle with accessories off.
- Inspect the ignition wiring harness and connectors at the ignition control module, coil pack or distributor, and crank/cam sensor locations for corrosion, loose terminals, heat damage, or chafing against the engine block, intake, or exhaust components.
- Check the ignition module and distributor (if equipped) or crank/cam sensor mounting for security, correct air-gap seating, and physical damage to the connector locking tabs.
- Confirm the ignition coil(s) and spark plug wires show no visible carbon tracking, cracking, or burnt boots, and that wires are routed away from heat sources.
- Review service history for recent battery disconnects, aftermarket alarm/remote-start installations, or fuel/ignition system work that could have disturbed harness connectors.
Step 2: Diagnostic Verification
- Connect a scan tool capable of reading Chrysler powertrain data (DRBIII, wiTECH, or an equivalent OBD-II generic/enhanced scan tool) and retrieve all stored and pending codes. Record freeze frame data including engine speed, load, and coolant temperature at the time of fault.
- Check the ignition control/EI module power and ground circuits using a digital multimeter: confirm reference voltage (typically battery voltage, 12V, on the switched ignition feed) and verify ground circuits read less than 0.2V drop to chassis ground with the ignition on.
- Test the crank and cam sensor signals with an oscilloscope or multimeter set to AC voltage/frequency (Hall-effect sensors produce a digital square-wave signal; magnetic pickup sensors produce an analog AC sine wave) while cranking the engine, comparing waveform presence and consistency rather than an exact decimal spec.
- Verify the ignition control (reference/sync) signal between the PCM and the ignition control module by backprobing the connector with the key on/engine cranking and confirming a clean switching signal is present using a multimeter in Hz or a scope — do not disturb terminals by probing directly into the connector face.
- Check for continuity and resistance faults in the harness between the sensor, ignition module, and PCM using a multimeter set to continuity/ohms with the battery disconnected; compare readings side-to-side against a known-good reference circuit rather than an assumed fixed value, and inspect for shorts to power or ground.
Step 3: Resolution & Reset Process
- Repair or replace the faulty wiring, connector, or component identified in Step 2 using OEM-spec weatherproof connectors and proper crimp/solder-and-seal splicing techniques.
- Replace the ignition control module, pickup, or crank/cam sensor only after its respective circuit and power/ground supply have been confirmed fault-free.
- Clear all stored diagnostic trouble codes with the scan tool and perform a PCM idle relearn or crank sensor relearn procedure if specified for the platform.
- Start the engine and confirm stable idle, proper spark across all cylinders (verify with a spark tester), and no immediate return of codes.
- Road test the vehicle through varied load and RPM conditions, then recheck for pending or stored codes to confirm the repair holds under real driving conditions.
📦 Parts, Labor, and Budget Estimates
Required Components/Software:
- Replacement ignition control module or EI module (part number varies by exact model year/engine — verify against VIN at a dealer parts counter or trusted parts catalog)
- Crank/cam position sensor or distributor pickup assembly (if required; part number verified by VIN)
- Wiring repair kit with OEM-style weatherproof connectors, terminals, and heat-shrink splice sleeves
- Scan tool with current Chrysler powertrain software/database (wiTECH subscription or aftermarket scan tool with up-to-date Chrysler coverage)
Average Component Price:
- Ignition control module: approximately $60-$220 depending on application
- Crank/cam sensor or distributor pickup assembly: approximately $25-$150
- Wiring and connector repair supplies: approximately $15-$60
Estimated Labor Hours:
- Diagnostic verification (scan, circuit testing, signal checks): 0.8-1.5 hours
- Component replacement (module, sensor, or wiring repair): 0.5-1.8 hours depending on accessibility
- Post-repair verification and road test: 0.3-0.5 hours
Total Estimated Cost Range (Parts + Labor): Approximately $150-$550 at standard shop labor rates ($100-$170/hr), varying by model year, engine configuration, and local labor rates. Dealer-level programming, if required for module replacement, may add $75-$150 in additional programming fees.