Expert: Ben Deutschman - 10/26/2009

Question
i have a 1987 dakota that has no spark. Have replaced the coil,rotor,distrib cab,spark plugs,and coil wire. its been tuning over but not starting.still no spark.tested both leads on coil w/ test light. both were hot.what are my other options to get this truck running?

Answer
If you put the probes of an Ohm Meter on the Center Post of the Coil, and either one of the outer primary voltage Posts, you should get a reading of at least 10,000 Ohms resistence, depending upon the Coil's secondary (Spark) output rating. A low reading could indicate problems with even the new Coil. If your Dakota still uses a 'Ballast Resistor' in the ignition system, I'd also replace it.

I'd also try replacing the Ignition Switch, not the Lock Cylinder, but the actual Switch, which may, or may not be located right next to the Key Lock Cylinder on the Steering Column, or lower down on the Column, connected by a rod.