TEST 2: Swapping Ignition Coils
If you've reached this point, then you have an ignition coil that did not spark in TEST 1.
In this test section, we're gonna' swap the ignition coil that did not spark with one that does.
This will help us make sure that the non-sparking ignition coil is getting power and an activation signal from its electrical connector.
You don't have to buy a new ignition coil for thist test, you can use one of the other 5 ignition coils that you tested and confirmed that are sparking.
These are the test steps:
- 1
Disconnect and remove the ignition coil that did not spark.
- 2
Remove one of the other ignition coil from its place. This ignition coil should be one that sparked when tested in TEST 1.
- 3
Connect the good ignition coil to the non-sparking ignition coil's electrical connector.
Next, connect the HEI spark tester to this ignition coil.
Ground the HEI spark tester with a jump start cable directly on the battery negative (-) terminal. - 4
Place the non-sparking ignition coil in the location of the good one, connect it to the electrical connector, and bolt it down.
- 5
Have your helper crank the engine when everything is set up.
- 6
The good ignition coil should spark.
Let's take a look at your test results:
CASE 1: The ignition coil sparked. This test result confirms that the non-sparking ignition coil's electrical connector is providing power and the activation signal.
You can conclude that the non-sparking ignition coil is defective and needs to be replaced.
CASE 2: The ignition coil DID NOT spark. This tells you that the non-sparking ignition coil is not getting either power or an activation signal from its electrical connector.
To be a bit more specific: The ignition coil is not getting an activation signal from the fuel injection computer or it's not getting power.
The next step for you is to:
- Check that the ignition coil is getting power (10 to 12 Volts).
- That the PCM is providing an activation signal (known as the IC (Ignition Control) Signal).
Although these specific tests are beyond the scope of this article, you now have an idea of what direction your diagnostic/troubleshooting needs to go in.
More 2.7L V6 Chrysler And Dodge Tutorials
You can find a complete list of 2.7L Dodge tutorials in this index:
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:
- How To Test The Blower Motor (2001-2006 Dodge Stratus).
- How To Test The Throttle Position Sensor (2.7L V6 Chrysler).
- How To Test The MAP Sensor (2000-2004 2.7L Chrysler).
- How To Test Engine Compression (2.7L V6 Chrysler).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
