Questions and Answers

Dodge Shadow Will Not Start Q. I have a 1988 Dodge Shadow with 4-cylinder 2.5 liter engine, non-turbo. It suddenly quit on me and would not restart. I had it towed home and began troubleshooting. The engine cranks okay but there is no spark at the spark plugs, the distributor or the ignition coil secondary. I can't get a voltage reading at the coil primary.

I cannot see any fused fusible links or disconnected wires anywhere. All fuses are okay. I replaced the distributor cap, distributor rotor, ignition coil and the Single Module Engine Controller (SMEC) to no avail. What else should I be looking for?

Thank you...

A. Okay, here is the procedure for tracking down the problem:

1. Measure battery voltage using a suitable voltmeter. Battery voltage must be at least 12.4 volts to deliver the necessary voltage to operate the cranking and ignition system properly.
2. Crank engine for five seconds while noting voltage at coil (+) terminal.
3. If voltage does not remain near battery voltage during cranking, problem is contained within the SMEC engine electronics.
4. If voltage remains near battery voltage during cranking, turn ignition Off and disconnect 14-way electrical connector from the SMEC and inspect connector for any spread terminals.
5. Remove coil (+) lead, then connect suitable jumper wire between battery (+) and coil (+) terminals.
6. Momentarily ground terminal 12 of 14-way connector using a suitable jumper wire. A spark should be present when ground is removed.
7. If a spark is present, replace SMEC. If spark is not present, use special jumper to directly ground coil (-) terminal.
8. If spark is present, locate and repair open in wiring harness. If spark is not present, replace ignition coil.

Special Test Jumper

This will pinpoint the problem for you.