This question is for those of you who have access 1991 service manual or know someone who does.

I recently lost spark and I’m heading out to attempt to diagnose the problem myself. In the 91 service manual on chart C-4 (6E3-C4-5), step 1A states to disconnect the 4 term diz connector and there is no mention in step 2 to reconnect. Step 2 also makes a point to leave a spark tester connected to the coil wire for steps 3 – 6 so my question is; do I leave the 4 term connector disconnected for the remainder of the tests or should I plug it back in after step 1A?

On a side note, if you hear the injectors tick, is it safe to assume that they are firing?

P.S. What’s the most common thing to fail in a no spark situation? Actually, with my luck, I should ask what’s the least common, or the biggest PITA, thing to fail.

Thanks,

Scott

 

Take your ignition module out and have it checked. I did have a module to check out good, but still had no fire, so I got pissed and put in a new one and the car cranked right up. So the check that Advance Auto or Autozone does is not always right. Let us know what it was when you find out. Good Luck.

 

I don’t use the service manual for testing, takes up precious diagnostic time. It’s also nice to have spare parts to either bench test or connect. I’d check the coil or ignition module. Most likely it’s the ignition module. But if you really want I can double check MOD when I get back to work and have some free time.

 

Thats a great statement

I used to have it like that but not anymore

This happened to me once before and the mechanic I had it towed to said it was the whole distributer (pole?) that crapped out so obviously, I don't want to throw parts at the problem.

The coil is less than a year old and I know that doesn't really matter and it is a good idea to have spare parts but in terms reliability, who would win between the coil and the ignition module?

Thanks,

Scott

 

The modules burning out is a fairly common problem, either have it checked or replaced its a fairly cheap piece.

But first and foremost check to see that your getting power to the dizzy, could be something as simple as a blown fuse!

 

What would be the fuse for that?

 

And the winner is...
... Ignition module.

I do have another question though. While searching on the boards, I found a thread (I can’t seem find it again though) that stated that the pick-up coil can ruin the ignition coil (and vice versa). If this is true, then there is a strong chance that my pick-up coil will ruin my new ignition module no?

Thanks,

Scott

 

check the ig coil with a multi-meter. If you want the test sequence from the helms manual(which by the way is never a waste of time). Let me know and I will post it.

While you have your distributor open you should test the resistance on the pickup coil.