What is this and why would it keep needing replacing

[BoB G]

Hey guys I have a 95 statesman 5L Auto and the box in the photo is apparently the reason the car won’t run. They guy I got it off said that he has had it replaced multiple times and it keeps burning out and I personally thought “well something else is doing it other wise replacing the faulty part would usually fix it unless he has gotten multiple faulty parts” and I have no idea what it is or what it does but apparently it gets hot and fucks up. But when the box is replaced the car runs perfect for a couple days then the box shits its self again any one else felt with this?? Any way to trouble shoot it??

 

[vr304]

That’s the ignition module, common for them to go on a 5 litre mate but you are right in saying that something else is causing them to burn out all the time like that as to what I don’t know hopefully someone else will chime in

 

[Immortality]

I'd say you need to go through the entire ignition system. I'm led to believe these ignition modules don't like feedback so other faulty components may cause this failure such as tired rotor and cap. Also, have you changed the ignition coil? If the wrong type of coil is fitted it may be pulling excessive amounts of current leading to failure and might be why it's getting super hot. Also check the unit is earthed properly.

 

[krusing]

Maybe relocate the module from under the bonnet where its not to hot, maybe inside the cabin on under the dash ?
You would have to Extend the loom.
For the life of me, why would GM place a unit like that under the bonnet,
They may as well of placed a ECU under there to ! and see how long that will last.

Not sure of the existing location of this unit, looks to be on the side of one of the towers,
and the rubber boot seems to be perished a bit at the bottom, looks like the heat has got to it also.

 

[Immortality]

Maybe relocate the module from under the bonnet where its not to hot, maybe inside the cabin on under the dash ?
You would have to Extend the loom.
For the life of me, why would GM place a unit like that under the bonnet,
They may as well of placed a ECU under there to ! and see how long that will last.

Not sure of the existing location of this unit, looks to be on the side of one of the towers,
and the rubber boot seems to be perished a bit at the bottom, looks like the heat has got to it also.

It's lived their fine since 1992/93? The LS cars have the PCM under the bonnet, the V6 engines have the ignition module on the engine itself. I don't think the location is the main issue rather something is upsetting it.

 

[Calaber]

Excessive resistance due to dirty or corroded connection? Pull the plug off and check each terminal to ensure they are all clean and make a firm connection with their respective pins on the module. Check also any earth connection for the module. A bad earth increases resistance substantially.

 

[Trevor loves holden.]

One would think after burning out so many you would test to see why the volts are spiking, maybe a inline resistor may cure the over spiking problem. Probably a job for a auto Elec.

 

[BoB G]

when replaced the car will drive around for a couple days then stop working. ill let you guys know how i go

 

[BoB G]

could it be a voultage regulator

 

[VPRob]

Excessive resistance due to dirty or corroded connection? Pull the plug off and check each terminal to ensure they are all clean and make a firm connection with their respective pins on the module. Check also any earth connection for the module. A bad earth increases resistance substantially.

As above. This is also something the backyard mech can follow up on without needing any specialised equipment. Heat is a by-product of resistance because the energy has to go somewhere.
Here endeth the science 101 lesson