the problem im seeing is that when the car seems to be cold (sits overnight), i get weak/no spark out of the coil and a no start condition. i tested this by pulling the high tension line off the rotor, and placing it about 1/2" from the frame and watching the spark...i see intermittent/weak spark. after trying to start a bunch of times (10-20), it eventually seems to start and then will run fine for the rest of the day. the next morning the same thing.

This is the testing i have done so far:

1. ran the ICU (ignition control unit) diagnostics, received no faults.
2. ran the ICU diagnostics with starter engaged, received a good signal from the crank position sensor
3. ran the diagnostics while moving throttle, received a good signal from the fuel injection computer
4. tested the ground on the ignition amp
5. tested the ignition amp input, with voltmeter, saw fluctuating voltage between 1 and 4 volts.

presumably the above tests should rule out the ICU, CPS, Fuel injection computer

6. ran impedance tests on coil. and actually swapped coil with a supposedly good used one.

this should rule out the coil, unless ive got my hands on two bad coils which im told almost never fail.

7. replaced the ignition amp with a used untested one.

this didn't change the behavior one bit, so i guess its possible its broken in the same exact manner as the original? does anyone know how to test the output of the ignition amp?

Once the car starts, and i check the output of the high tension line, i see a strong consistent spark. Finally, occasionally when trying to start the car, the starter will be turning over and then it will seem to slam to a stop for maybe half a second, and then start going again...its almost as if it isn't strong enough to turn the engine...but after a short delay it will resume...usually when this starts happening, the car is close to starting. in addition..once it starts firing, initially if i don't give it fuel, it often will stall. ive noticed the colder weather seems to make the problem worse.

Ive been banging my head on the wall for weeks with this problem and am trying like hell to avoid taking it to the shop. any ideas? thanks so much!