Ignition control module matching wires?

[Gnmtl72]

Hi guys, running into starting troubles. 79 J10 360. Engine is turning over, I can smell gas after trying to start for a minute so I don’t believe fuel is the issue. I wondered if the Ignition control module was maybe causing the issue, so I went to town and got another. The new one has the different wires in a different sequence tho, and it didn’t seem to fix my problem. (The red/white for the two prong plug is on the opposite side, all the wires for the four prong are in a different order) Is there a chance I got the wrong module? Or is that normal?

[tgreese]

The colors are the main thing to look at. They must be in the same order and same end in the plugs. How they come out of the module is not important.

What part did you buy? Brand? Part number?

[tgreese]

Look here -

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/jee ... (icm),7172

Of these, I would get the LX203, not the LX203T (the cheap version). Or the NAPA (Eichlin) part. Look at the wire locations in the plugs on any of these pictures.

I strongly suggest you read about the ignition system and follow the diagnostic flow chart in the '79 TSM, free to read and download at the Tom Collins site. It will show you the plug layout for the vehicle side of the plug. Then match that to the wire colors coming out of your replacement module. It has step-by-step procedures for diagnosis and repair of a no-start condition.

How much have you worked on cars? Throwing parts at a problem is nearly always the wrong approach. Electrical parts are generally NOT RETURNABLE. The parts store will not allow you to buy the part, use it to test for the problem, and then return it for a refund. Typically they only allow exchange defective FOR THE SAME PART.

Suggest you put your location in your profile or signature file.

[Gnmtl72]

Ok the wire colors do match on the plug side. Thank you for the advice