Hi, I've got a 1985 with the 2.8 v6. I'm having a no spark issue. New spark plugs, ICM, Coil. I am getting power to the coil when the key is in the OFF position, but when I turn the key on I am getting no power to coil etc. I've checked fuses, the whole harness the wires run in to the firewall and I'm at a stand still. I've done a bunch of reading and still can not find the issue. Any ideas?

 

Sounds like a misadjusted ignition switch.

 

Would it be easier to replace it? I was leaning towards going ahead and replacing that part. I've read that I need to pull the steering column to replace it, is that true?

 

No, not at all. You will unbolt and lower the column down as in this pic. The ignition switch is the black device with the blue connector plugged into it (along with a black connector you can't see behind the blue one). Like TP said, from your problem description I'd try adjusting it first, and then only replace it if adjusting it does not rectify your issue.

 

Pick up coil inside distributor, you have to remove dist. and remove shaft to replace it. Open cap and see if 1 of the 2 wires is broken.
Replace them alot on older stuff. I had to put one in my 86 2.8 car as well.
Joe

 

So I've replaced my ignition switch. I checked to make sure I was getting 12v to the switch and I am. The next option is replacing the distributor. After replacing the igintion switch, I'm still not getting power to the coil when the key is in the ON position. I have power to the coil if the key is off. Any ideas?

 

Do I need to retime the motor when I replace it? If so, what are the steps to retiming it?

 

Did the changing of the ignition switch fix the power to the coil problem?
You should only have power to the coil with the key in the on or run position, if not you have some weird wiring problem. If you have power at the coil with the key on touch a test light to the other side of the coil and turn the engine over, test light should blink. If it doesn't blink you have a problem in the distributor.

 

No it did not fix my issue. When the key is out of the ignition(or in the ignition in the OFF position) I have power to the coil. When I turn the key to the run position or try to start the car I no longer have power at the coil. I have checked all fuses, wiring, everything. When I pulled the ignition switch I checked to make sure I had power going to it, and I do. I am stumped at what the issue could be.

 

Does the key crank the engine?

 

Yes. The car will crank.

 

If that all that has been keeping my rescued Bird from starting since 1999 I`m going to owe you my coldest beer.