Questions and Answers
Reliant No Start
Q. I have a 1989 Plymouth Reliant, 2.2 liter automatic, with a no start condition. Getting fuel and cam turning, but spark very weak, about 1/16 inch at coil wire, not enough to jump spark plugs. Coil replaced due to oil leakage, magnetic pick up changed with known running engine, three different coil wires, two distributor caps, new rotor used.
Getting battery voltage to (+) side of coil, even tried jumping direct from battery. Using test light (-) side of coil flashes. Have cleaned all battery connections to SMBEC board, and grounds on fender well next to computer, and two grounds on engine block. Almost seems like computer not completely grounding out coil to produce spark, as can get 1/4 inch spark if connect directly to battery. Can SMBEC board only do a partial job of making ground? Thought they either worked or didn't. Have continuity between -ve coil and computer, and no shorts to ground. At wits end here.
Thanks,
JeffA. Here is the procedure to test the ignition system. This will confirm or deny a bad SMEC.
- 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.
- Crank engine for five seconds while noting voltage at coil (+) terminal.
- If voltage does not remain near battery voltage during cranking, problem is contained within the SMEC engine electronics.
- If voltage remains near battery voltage during cranking, turn ignition Off and disconnect 14-way electrical connector from SMEC and inspect connector for any spread terminals.
- Remove coil (+) lead, then connect suitable jumper wire between battery (+) and coil (+) terminals.
- Momentarily ground terminal 12 of 14-way connector using a suitable jumper wire. A spark should be present when ground is removed.
- If a spark is present, replace SMEC. If spark is not present, use special jumper (see picture) to directly ground coil (-) terminal.
- If spark is present, locate and repair open in wiring harness. If spark is not present, replace ignition coil.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
