System Diagnosis - Ignition System

1. Check for spark at each spark plug with a spark tester. If no spark is detected, proceed to Step 2. If spark is only detected on some spark plugs, check for a faulty distributor cap or rotor. Also check the spark plugs and the spark plug wires. Replace as required. If spark is detected on all four spark plugs, check the fuel system.

2. Turn ignition switch to "ON." Check for voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal with a J 34029-A digital multimeter. For ignition coil location and wiring information, refer to "Ignition Coil" later in this section. If battery voltage is detected, proceed to Step 3. If battery voltage is not detected, find and repair the open in the wiring between the ignition switch and the ignition coil.

3. Check the ignition coil resistance. Refer to "Ignition Coil" later in this section. If ignition coil resistance is within specification, proceed to Step 4. If ignition coil resistance is not within specification, replace the ignition coil.






4. Disconnect the pickup coil connector. Measure the resistance between terminals 5 and 6 with a J 34029-A digital multimeter. If the resistance is 140 to 180 ohms, proceed to Step 5. If the resistance is not 140 to 180 ohms, replace the distributor housing.

5. Measure the resistance between the pickup coil connector terminals 2 and 5 with a J 34029-A digital multimeter. If the resistance is 140 to 180 ohms, proceed to Step 6. If the resistance is not 140 to 180 ohms, replace the distributor housing.

6. Check the signal rotor air gap. If the signal rotor air gap is 0.2 mm (0.008-inch) or more, proceed to Step 7. If the signal rotor air gap is less than 0.2 mm (0.008-inch), replace the distributor housing.

7. Switch igniters with a similarly equipped vehicle. If the vehicle still does not start, reinstall the original igniter. The problem is in the wiring between the ignition system and the ECM or in the ECM itself. If the vehicle starts and runs nonnally. replace the original igniter.