05 Ion 1 2.2 Vin F PO341 code

[shadetreemechanic]

I have a 2005 Ion 1 with a 2.2 that has 147k+ miles. Have had no major issues with it and no codes but decided to give it some attention and replace the plugs, ignition coil, and ICM as I figured changing the plugs would cause the coil and module to fail because of age. When I put the new coil and module in it runs smooth but throws the check engine light with a PO341 code. I reset the engine code and reinstalled the old coil and ICM and the code doesn't come back. This leads me to believe that the new ICM is defective but I'm not sure. Looking for anyone with some experience with this issue to help determine if its the coil or ICM I need to swap out. Thank you.

 

[Derf]

It's not broken don't fix it.

Keep the new plugs, original ICM and original coils

 

[shadetreemechanic]

I was thinking that myself, but guess needed to hear it from someone else as I keep thinking in a few weeks the original coil and/or module will give up because they are not use to the new spark. The plugs definitely were due as all 4 looked like this. I don't know how it was starting let alone still running smooth but I got every drop of life out of these.

 

[Derf]

That Gap is like 8 times as wide as it should be.

That's the kind of thing that will stress out your ICM and coils because it requires more energy to spark across that Gap. That one may have even detonated based on the bizarre shape at the end.

Gap new ones properly. I'm not an ion expert, but I'm guessing the new ICM is either a dirt cheap off brand or it simply refused to command as much current as the old one does. For comparison, only the AC Delco icms for the S Series reliably work. Most of the cheap alternatives throw a po341.

 

[shadetreemechanic]

That Gap is like 8 times as wide as it should be.

That's the kind of thing that will stress out your ICM and coils because it requires more energy to spark across that Gap. That one may have even detonated based on the bizarre shape at the end.

Gap new ones properly. I'm not an ion expert, but I'm guessing the new ICM is either a dirt cheap off brand or it simply refused to command as much current as the old one does. For comparison, only the AC Delco icms for the S Series reliably work. Most of the cheap alternatives throw a po341.

You absolutely nailed it with solid advice for not being an expert. I tried to cheap out on an aftermarket and nothing but problem codes. I looked at OEM and it costs almost 4x as much so I will be taking your original advice on " if it's not broke dont fix it" for now. When I do have a need I'll be staying with OEM at least for electrical parts.
As for the plugs I gapped the new ones as recommended (.045) the old ones I assume were gapped properly originally but do to wear where reading a .058 gap. I'm curious to see if the fuel efficiency will improve as the idle and throttle response seems no different. Time will tell.