Dodge Caravan, no spark from Coil?

Question

I had some engine problems and decided to change the engine. 1996 3.0V6 with well over 200K Miles. New Engine installed, but I can't get it to start. Got fuel (i can smell it) got air! but it looks like no spark. Used an inductive timing light connected to output of coil, nothing. Changed coil, still nothing. Checked wires from ECU to coil, they are good. Changed ECU, still nothing. Now i'm out of idea's. Any suggestions? (and I own the donor vehicle and the engine does work)

Answer 1

I know that there's an automatic shutdown system on those Dodges. It has several sensors that the computer looks to, and if it doesn't like what one is saying, it shuts the whole thing down. I'm kinda having that trouble with a Ram 1500 right now. So you may have a faulty sensor. Good luck

Answer 2

You sure the timing light is working as you'd expect? I would ditch that, just pull one plug and use one of those cheap spark testers.

If no spark - does this engine have a crankshaft position sensor that sends a timing signal to the ECU?? If so that would be my next thing to check/replace. Typically they're cheap.

As far as "smelling fuel" you'll often get enough pressure to see some flow but not enough to start up. Only way to know for sure is to hook up a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail and make sure you've got pressure according to spec.

Answer 3

Did all the plug ins for the wires on the donor match the original. Make sure they are making contact. If both were running prior to the swap. They should run now unless something is not plugged up good or a wire is cut . Good luck.

Answer 4

have you ever traced the wiring from the battery? a number of those autos have a serious fuse (a strip of copper) that could spoil. examine to work out in case your light fixtures and such artwork. if so, then the major fuse is superb. you've a corroded terminal or battery terminal that shall we some potential by, yet no longer adequate for a spark.