Ignition System

Remove secondary wire from distributor center tower. Hold end of wire about 3/8" from a good engine ground. Crank engine and check for spark. See Fig 1.

Fig 1: Testing Ignition System for Spark Hold end of wire approximately 3/8" from ground. Courtesy of Chrysler Motors.
If no spark is present, proceed to step 4). If spark is present, slowly move secondary wire away from ground, while continuing to crank engine. Check for arcing at coil tower. If arcing occurs at coil tower, replace ignition coil.
If spark was okay and there was no arcing at coil tower, secondary voltage is adequate. Inspect distributor rotor, cap, ignition wires and spark plugs. If all components are okay, inspect fuel system. Ensure that no mechanical damage has occurred to engine components.
If in step 2) spark was weak, inconsistent, or there was no spark, turn ignition on. Connect positive voltmeter lead to negative terminal of ignition coil. Connect negative lead to a good ground. Voltage reading should be battery voltage.
If battery voltage is present, proceed to step 6). If reading is 3 volts or less, IC igniter is defective. If there is no voltage, check for open circuit in ignition coil or wiring harness.
If battery voltage is indicated in step 4), hold coil secondary wire about 1/4" from a good ground. Using a special jumper wire, momentarily touch ignition coil negative terminal to ground. See Figure. A spark should result.
If adequate spark is present, but engine will not start, proceed to step 9). If no spark is present, check for voltage at positive terminal of ignition coil with ignition on (voltmeter positive lead to positive terminal, negative lead to ground).
Reading should be at least 12 volts. If voltage is as specified, ignition coil is defective and must be replaced. If voltage is not to specification, check wiring and connections.
If in step 6) a spark was produced, but vehicle will not start, replace IC igniter.