System Diagnosis

(Figure 1) Pickup Coil Connector:

(Figure 2) Signal Rotor Air Gap:

TOOLS REQUIRED (or equivalents)
^ J-34029-A, Digital multimeter.

INSPECTION
Utilize the following general diagnostic procedure if the vehicle cranks but does not start:

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 needed.
^ If spark is detected on all 4 spark plugs, check the fuel system.

2. Check for voltage at the ignition coil positive (+) terminal with a J 34029-A digital multimeter.
^ 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 battery and the ignition coil.

3. Check the ignition coil resistance. Refer to Ignition Coil / Specifications / Electrical. Specifications
^ 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 2 and 3 with a J 34029-A digital multimeter (Figure 1).
^ If the resistance is 140 to 180 ohms, proceed to Step 5.
^ If the resistance is not 140 to 180 ohms, replace the distributor.

5. Measure the resistance between the pickup coil connector terminals 1 and 3 with a J 34029-A digital multimeter (Figure 1).
^ If the resistance is 140 to 180 ohms, reconnect the pickup coil connector and proceed to Step 6.
^ If the resistance is not 140 to 180 ohms, replace the distributor.

6. Check the signal rotor air gap (Figure 2).
^ If the signal rotor air gap is 0.2 to 0.4 mm (0.008 to 0.016-inch), proceed to Step 7.
^ If the signal rotor air gap is not 0.2 to 0.4 mm (0.008 to 0.016-inch), replace the distributor.

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 Electronic Control Module (ECM) or in the ECM itself.
^ If the vehicle starts and runs normally, replace the original igniter.