Questions and Answers

Dodge Dynasty Lost Its Spark Q. I have a 1991 Dodge Dynasty, 3.0 liter, automatic transmission, 115,000 miles, fuel injected, with P/S, A/C and Cruise control. The other day I was driving down the road and the Dynasty just killed on me. Luckily, I was able to pull it into an empty parking lot. I've spent the last couple days troubleshooting the problem.

I pulled off a spark plug wire and touched to a bolt on the block. My father turned the ignition over and no spark. We did the same thing with the coil wire, still no spark. So, I thought it was the ignition coil. I purchased one, installed it, and still nothing. If you have the answer to my problem or just have some helpful advice, I would appreciate anything.

Thanks,
Shaun
Dubuque, Iowa

A. Here is the procedure for testing the ignition system.

Single Board Engine Controller 60-Way Connector

FAILURE TO START TEST:

1. Check that there is sufficient battery voltage (12.4 volts) for the cranking and ignition systems.
2. Crank the engine for five seconds while monitoring voltage at the coil positive terminal.
   • If the voltage remains near zero during the entire period of cranking replace the Auto Shut-down Relay (ASD).
   • If voltage is at "near battery" voltage and drops to zero after 1-2 seconds of cranking replace pickup coil.
   • If voltage remains at "near battery" voltage during the entire 5 seconds go to next step.
3. Turn key OFF and remove the 60-way connector from the Single Board Engine Controller (SBEC). Check the connector for any spread terminals.
4. Remove the leads to the positive terminal of the coil and connect a jumper wire between battery positive and coil positive terminals.
5. Momentarily ground terminal 19 of the 60-way connector with the special jumper. When the ground is removed a spark should be generated.

6. If a spark is generated replace the SBEC.
7. If no spark is seen, use the jumper to ground the coil negative terminal directly.
   • If spark is produced, check wiring harness for an open condition and repair as necessary.
   • If no spark is produced, replace the ignition coil.