Q: Is it necessary to remove the distributor from the engine to replace the ignition module for Pontiac Fiero?
A: The removal of the distributor from the engine is not necessary for the replacement of the Ignition Control Module. Take off the distributor cap and rotor first. Then, you can remove both module mounting screws and get it out from the distributor. There are two screws that hold down the Ignition Control Module. Both electrical leads to the module should be disconnected. Note that these leads cannot be interchanged. If you plan to reinstall the same module, do not wipe away any grease from this or any other part of the distributor base; otherwise, if a new module is going to be installed, then it will come with a packet of silicone grease inside it. Next, wipe clean the base of a fresh module and distributor in addition to using this lubricant on its face, where it touches the distributor housing. Heat dissipates from beneath this silicone lubricant applied on distributors under the base of Ignition Control Modules. This is a unitary device comprising two parts: a coil mounted on it directly and an entire unit including among others an Ignition Control Module whose surface has to have some of this as well as its perimeter edges treated with a thin layer of such lubricant for cooling purposes too (the latter is placed at its furthest edge). Such grease cools down heat. The testing of this part cannot be done without having access to this tester alone since it cannot work without it either; hence in case there's a suspicion about malfunctioning, try taking it to the dealer service department first where they can diagnose what's wrong with your vehicle too as their mechanics do all necessary tests required here especially if it concerns malfunctioning vehicle sensors such as Ignition Control Modules like those found inside coil pack based systems controlling the power supply through which fuel injectors themselves get triggered into spraying gas while driving along roadways during normal operation conditions except when the driver applies brakes then we normally see voltage being supplied onto spark plugs during each firing event after which spark plug fires itself across the gap between electrodes thus ignite gasoline vapors contained within cylinders (this process is repeated many times over cylinders as the engine runs its course). Then, in case you suppose if an Ignition Control Module is faulty. To install, connect both electrical leads to the new module. Placing a module in position upon the distributor base and then firmly fastening these two screws that hold it down are the final steps here. In the end, install the distributor rotor and cap.