no spark at coil

[thegreenmonster]

My name is Jamie and I have an 88 ranger(2.9)4x4 xlt. Ive lost spark at the coil and have now changed the coil and ICM(on back of distributer). ive tested coil plug and im getting 12volts at red wire and -12volts at green wire and 12 volts at output post when key is in on position. The ground wire going from intake to fenderwell is getting warm when i turn truck over so i suspect an issue with grounding out. Ive also heard mention of the (spout) in other forums. where is this and would this cause the issue of no spark. any help would be great. thank you.

 

[adsm08]

The ground wire should not be getting hot. In fact, if you hook up a test light between the battery positive and the coil negative and crank the engine the light should flash if all is working properly.

The SPOUT connector that you are thinking of is removed to disable the computer's ability to advance or retard the timing for the purposes of setting the timing. It does not have the ability to kill all spark altogether. With the SPOUT connector removed the engine will run and you can actually drive it, but it will be a gutless wonder.


Check the coil firing signal with a test light as I said before. And don't tell me you "don't have one". I hear that a lot around here when I tell people to use a test light on something. If you don't have one, they are $10 at autozone, go buy one.

 

[thegreenmonster]

thanks for your quick reply. So I ran a test light from the battery to the negitive wire on the coil plugin, I turned the key to on and the light went out, once i started to crank it over the light just turns back on but not as bright and not flashing. Im very new to the electrical on this truck. Ive had it for almost 3 years and this is the first time its never started. so if I ask why I just did this test its because im not sure what im trying to find. Thanks again for your help again. PS: I want to add that i had this truck mudding and it worked fine for 2 days after. I washed the outside of the truck off and it acted up(sputterd, fell on its face couple of times). the next day it wouldnt start.

 

[thegreenmonster]

so i still didnt get anywere with this truck. anyone out there with any ideas on what i can try to test next. I know the coil is good its testing fine, just no spark out of the main post. what sends the signal to the coil to fire. this is where i get lost.

 

[adsm08]

Have you replaced the ignition module yet? They go bad A LOT.

 

[thegreenmonster]

no but what i did do was remove the plug from the SPOUT connector and i got spark at the coil. I was checking with some other treads on this forum and that was something that someone else tried. Its not starting but Im getting spark at the coil. I read that if this happens it would be the ecu. What are your thoughts on this. PS where is the ignition module located so i may try this to.

 

[thegreenmonster]

the ignition module is connected to the base of the distributor right? cause I did change that. prior owner said he had to change a few when he had it.

 

[adsm08]

Yeah. Check resistance across the coil terminals. it's probably a bad coil.

 

[InsaneRedRooster]

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[thegreenmonster]

its a new coil. i did do the resistance check before i hooked it up. i also have to spare that check out

 

[InsaneRedRooster]

Have you checked for fuel?

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[customrangers1]

last time this sort of thing happened it ended up being the ecc relay

 

[thegreenmonster]

Yes I did check for fuel. i let the pump build presure and i check the valve at the fuel rail and it hits the hood. lots of pressure lol. Ive seen something about this eec relay. anything you can tell me on this, like where i can find it, maybe a pic of what it looks like. i would like to test this area out. Im hopin its not my ECU. I do have a water leak at the firewall on that side of the truck. when i pressure washed the truck it acted up right away. so i know its water damage, just not sure what. I pressure washed just the outside. not under hood.

 

[InsaneRedRooster]

Idk man, never touched a 2.8/2.9 but it sounds like you got spark and fuel. Only other things would be air,timing, or some stupid electrical problem and I'm sure you have air and I doubt its your timing.

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[thegreenmonster]

yeah im tryin to get in touch with a junk yard for a pc to see if thats it. its the only thing that makes sense. plus im gonna do some more wire chasing to make sure ther is not breaks, but im sure its a short due to water damage. Im still new at this whole electrical thing too. Im real good with fixing the mechanical parts of the truck like the powertrain and body, but this whole chasing ghost thing is getting old fast hahaha.