Cadillac Tech Tip: Incorrect Spark Plug Wire Routing May Result in Blower Motor Failure

Cadillac Tech Tip: Incorrect Spark Plug Wire Routing May Result in Blower Motor Failure

Owners of mid-90s Cadillac Eldorados, Sevilles and Concourses, equipped with the 4.6-Liter Northstar engine, may experience a heater blower motor failure after performing service to the right bank of spark plugs, spark plug wires or ignition control modules. The reason for this malady may be that the spark plug wires are routed incorrectly and lying near or contacting the ....

Along with a replica of Leonardo Da Vinci’s masterpiece "The Mona Lisa" created from 65 pieces of toast, shrunken heads and tornados capable of driving a piece of straw into a tree, this Cadillac tech tip qualifies as one of those strange "Believe It Or Not" stories.

Owners of mid-90s Cadillac Eldorados, Sevilles and Concourses, equipped with the 4.6-Liter Northstar engine, may experience a heater blower motor failure after performing service to the right bank of spark plugs, spark plug wires or ignition control modules.

I told you this was strange. The reason for this malady may be that the spark plug wires are routed incorrectly and lying near or contacting the blower motor housing. Under normal operating conditions, low frequency voltage discharges emitting from the right (rear) bank of spark plug wires may affect blower motor operation and/or cause the blower motor to fail.

The repair is simple. When servicing right (rear) bank engine ignition components, exercise caution when installing the spark plug wires. Spark plug wires must be routed away from the firewall mounted blower motor. Refer to the illustration for proper routing. By the way, blower motor operation will not affect the ignition system…"Believe It Or Not."

Written by ALLDATA Technical Editor, Rich Diegle. Rich is an Advanced Engine Performance Certified and ASE Master Technician with an Associate of Arts degree in automotive technology and 23 years of dealership and independent shop experience.

Courtesy of ALLDATA.

For additional information, visit www.alldata.com.

You May Also Like

Fuel Pumps and Cranking

Diagnosing the problem comes down to understanding what causes a loss of fuel pressure.

Here is a diagnostic puzzle: An owner comes to your shop complaining that it takes longer than expected to start his car’s engine in the morning. There are no codes for the crankshaft and camshaft sensors. And, the oil pressure is within specifications. If you are lucky, you might have a code for low fuel pressure on the high side of the direct injection system. What could be the source of the problem?

Electric Power Steering Diagnostics

Load management for steering systems.

Solving VW False Fuel Pressure Reading

First, verify the customer did not run out of fuel at the time the DTCs were stored.

vw steering wheel squeak
Tech Tips for Dorman’s OE FIX Steering Tie Rod End Assembly

Read the tech note for tips on installation of this unique fix.

Acura Frozen Starter Causes No Start

Why won’t the engine crank after the vehicle has been exposed to precipitation and then freezing temperatures?

Other Posts

Strut Sales

It all comes down to educating the customer about the benefits and asking for the sale.

Beating the Tech Shortage Through Mentoring

How understanding the 80/20 Rule and creative mentoring can make the shortage less threatening.

Nissan Key Will Not Start

Nissan keys use radio frequencies (RF) similar to other everyday wireless devices.

Taking the Fear out of ASE Testing

Spring registration now open; Register by June 30.