2.9 No spark

[The Capps']

Hey everyone I got a buddy with an 86' with a 2.9, He's got no spark, Ignition coil has been tested and proves good. Its there a pickup somewhere that we can check for a problem with? Or are there any common problem anyone knows of? Thanks in advance for any help with this issue.

 

[IMenriched]

Hey everyone I got a buddy with an 86' with a 2.9, He's got no spark, Ignition coil has been tested and proves good. Its there a pickup somewhere that we can check for a problem with? Or are there any common problem anyone knows of? Thanks in advance for any help with this issue.

Yes usually it is the TFI, (or aka, ignition module), on the back of the distributor. FYI coils generally don't go bad.

Your best bet would be to get codes ... see what is tripped and go from there...there is a possibility that it isn't the TFI.

what codes won't tell you if you have a bad ground or a poor connection somewhere....check all , there is like places for grounds

 

[The Capps']

Yes usually it is the TFI, (or aka, ignition module), on the back of the distributor. FYI coils generally don't go bad.

Your best bet would be to get codes ... see what is tripped and go from there...there is a possibility that it isn't the TFI.

what codes won't tell you if you have a bad ground or a poor connection somewhere....check all , there is like places for grounds

My buddy just called he replaced the TFI, still no go. Where does the coil get a signal from is there a pick up anywhere?
Oh and what type of scanner OBDII or is it somthing different, and where can the connection be found?

 

[Tedybear]

1986 uses the EEC-4 system if I remember right. A normal run o' the mill OBD-2 scan tool will be useless without adapters and such...and even then it's hit or miss.

Pick up a Haynes manual and check under how to test the computer system, or check the tech section for DYI information. It'll probably take a multi-meter (analog type to count meter sweeps) and a jumper wire.

There is one key part that will cause a no-spark condition, and it can strike without warning. Inside the disty itself will be a pickup unit. If that pickup does not send the signal to the TFI module? Result is no-spark.

It's also a bit of a pain to replace. If this is found to be bad? I'd almost suggest picking up a reman' disty.

S-

edit: Had the same think hit my old F150 truck. The mechanic (I did not have tools or garage space to work in at the time) changed out the disty for a reman one. Worked like a charm--although the towing charge was extreme to get the truck out of the motels 'drop off' area LOL.

 

[Psychopete]

+1 to scanning codes. It hasn't been stated if the computer is actually functioning. It's the computer that ultimately controls the timing, the TFI just serves as a translator from the distributor pick up to the computer. If no codes can be retrieved at all, this could hint that the computer just simply isn't getting powered. From what it seems, it's not that uncommon to find that the fuse is just blown for the computer (which I believe yours will be a fuse link)..

The technical library on this site has instructions for pulling codes (ECC-IV Diagnostics) as well as the manual mentioned. You will need an analog volt meter or test light. The issue with a DMM is that you could get misleading readings since the screen refreshes as to opposed to showing you the voltage reading in real time..

Pete

 

[88rangr]

2.9 L Ignition

I had the same type of problem, it ended up being the wire end that goes into the clip at the coil, had moved out a bit, making no contact with the coil, but looking OK. Drove me crazy for a bit.

SO now I always check connections before replacing parts.

Hey everyone I got a buddy with an 86' with a 2.9, He's got no spark, Ignition coil has been tested and proves good. Its there a pickup somewhere that we can check for a problem with? Or are there any common problem anyone knows of? Thanks in advance for any help with this issue.