I have had this car for 10 years, no problems. I go out today to start up, turns over but won't start. Check for fuel issues no problem, getting gas to the cylinders. Could it be that distributor cap, and rotor could be the problem. Regardless I'm going to replace as they are due, along with new spark plug wires and plugs, any answers? Thanks, Scott. P.S. engine is 318 automatic, with air conditioning, electronic ignition. P.P.S. I have pulled plugs and checked for spark, none. Since it is electronic ignition, no points, just cap, rotor, coil, and ignition module
2006-09-04 17:41:35 · 7 answers · asked by sskjvh1111 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
O. K., I've put new plug wires, cap, rotor, and replaced ballast resistor. (It looked original). Rotor turns when cranked over. Could ignition module on firewall be bad, and how would I determine that. Thanks
2006-09-06 08:45:21 · update #1
Does it act like it wants to start, but then dies? It could be the ballast resistor is bad. This is a white ceramic thing that is usually located on the firewall. There are two connectors that plug in, one on each side.
They made two different types of ballast resistor, one had two wires to each connector, one only had single wires. Either one is held onto the firewall with one bolt!
Try the paper clip test to see if the ballast resistor is your problem. Take a paper clip (or 2 depending on the type of resistor you have) and straighten it out. Pull the connectors off the ballast resistor and use the paper clip(s) to connect the wire(s) do not allow the paper clips to touch, or to ground to the body.
Try to start the car. If it starts, turn it off and replace the ballast resistor. Do not drive with the resistor bypassed as that can cause damage to the ignition system.
If the car does not start, most likely either the magnetic pickup in the distributor is bad, or the drive gear on the distributor has broken free. Take the distributor cap off and make sure that the rotor is turning when you crank the motor. If not, the gear (or worst case the timing chain) is bad. If it turns, the magnetic pickup needs to be replaced!!
2006-09-04 18:18:17 · answer #1 · answered by fire4511 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Don't forget the ballast resistor. If one of those goes bad it won't start or will die immediately after starting. However, I suspect it's the ignition module or the coil. I suggest you check the wiring with a voltmeter to see what's going on, as this can often pinpoint the problem.
2006-09-05 09:05:15 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well i know dodge had a brain fart and put brains on their cars for some years and they go bad and guess what no fire .. also the have holofex switches wich is the pick up module in the distributor . could be a bad coil or a balast wich is the ceramic thing with a spring in the middle on the fire wall or there is a lil control module on the fender well that is the begining of the whole thing.. it's old it ain't to hard to figure it out
2006-09-05 00:57:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I just went through this same thing with my '89 Honda Civic, new coil, but old distributor, didn't start, but I put the new coil in a different distributor I had lying around and it started. I know it's different, but mabe try the distibutor.
2006-09-05 01:02:24 · answer #4 · answered by Steven D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it was raining at your house prior to you trying to start, there could be water or condensation in the rotory cap. Take it off and wipe it out with a towel, take out the spark plugs and dry them off as well. Try this before you choose the best answer and if it works... guess who gets the points!!!!
2006-09-05 00:50:34 · answer #5 · answered by ru.barbie2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TRY HAVING THE IGNIATION MODULE TESTED.
IT COULD ALSO BE THE STARTER RELAY.
2006-09-05 00:48:21 · answer #6 · answered by David S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yah i was thinkin sparks, it could be a blown fuse to the plugs themselves (if its cranking)
2006-09-05 00:44:51 · answer #7 · answered by Eric B 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋