Notices
1980 - 1986 Bullnose F100, F150 & Larger F-Series Trucks Discuss the Early Eighties Bullnose Ford Truck

No power from ignition coil

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 4, 2015 | 12:11 AM
  #1  
BTFordGuy302's Avatar
BTFordGuy302
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
No power from ignition coil

Hey guys, I keep getting closer and closer to getting this darn thing running! I'm having the problem of not getting any spark, I don't know how it's possible but I feel my coil somehow went bad without ever even actually starting the truck... I tested the positive side of the coil, it has power going to it with the key in the run position, however the other side has nothing, not even with the key in the start position... Engine does turn. Where does the wire on the negative side run to? Could there be a problem with the wire or do you guys think it's the coil? 85-f150, converted to DSII, 5.0 302 Manual trans, 2WD HELP
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 07:41 AM
  #2  
Gary Lewis's Avatar
Gary Lewis
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
The wire from the other side of the coil goes to the ignition module, as shown below. And, it is possible the coil has gone bad. But I would check by disconnecting ignition module from the coil as it may be taking the coil's negative side to ground.


 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 08:41 AM
  #3  
JimsRebel's Avatar
JimsRebel
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 207
From: Washington
Does the coil get warm if you leave the KEY ON. If the coil gets warm look elsewhere for the problem.

In a DS2 IGN system current flows through the coil with the key ON. The negative side of the coil should still have about 1-1.5 volts. Are you using a DVM or a test light.

Jim
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 09:54 PM
  #4  
BTFordGuy302's Avatar
BTFordGuy302
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by JimsRebel
Does the coil get warm if you leave the KEY ON. If the coil gets warm look elsewhere for the problem.

In a DS2 IGN system current flows through the coil with the key ON. The negative side of the coil should still have about 1-1.5 volts. Are you using a DVM or a test light.

Jim
Test light, i don't have enough money for a dvm..... Am I gonna need one?
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 09:56 PM
  #5  
Gary Lewis's Avatar
Gary Lewis
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
What he's saying is that with a test light you can't tell that there's 1v on the bottom side of the coil, which probably means the ignition box is working correctly.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 09:58 PM
  #6  
BTFordGuy302's Avatar
BTFordGuy302
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by Gary Lewis
The wire from the other side of the coil goes to the ignition module, as shown below. And, it is possible the coil has gone bad. But I would check by disconnecting ignition module from the coil as it may be taking the coil's negative side to ground.


Whats gonna happen if I disconnect it from the ignition module? And when I do, do I just test it like before?
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 10:02 PM
  #7  
Gary Lewis's Avatar
Gary Lewis
FTE Legend
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 32,875
Likes: 48
From: Northeast, OK
If you disconnect the module at C323 you should have battery voltage at the tach connection on the coil with the key on. That proves the coil has continuity, meaning it probably isn't bad.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2015 | 11:27 PM
  #8  
BTFordGuy302's Avatar
BTFordGuy302
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
Okay cool, I'll try it and see what happens hopefully tomorrow if I get a chance
 
Reply
FTE Stories

Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts

story-0

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

 Brett Foote
story-1

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

 Brett Foote
story-6

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

 Joe Kucinski
story-7

AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

 Brett Foote
story-8

Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 17, 2015 | 01:33 AM
  #9  
ClassicFordFan95's Avatar
ClassicFordFan95
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I had the same problem a few month ago, replaced coil because of pitting on plug head and still no spark. Traced problem to pick-up coil inside dist. 1986 Ford F-150 302 5.0L v8 EFI
 
Reply
Old May 25, 2015 | 04:53 PM
  #10  
BTFordGuy302's Avatar
BTFordGuy302
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
Ok, so it was the coil, I'm getting spark now but it's not firing, I had someone turn the key while I worked the timing light to insure I was getting spark, however, while I was doing this I noticed my alternator was actually smoking! Gonna go pick up another one, but I'm still curious as to why it's not fireing, it should still start with a bad alternator right? I mean I glad it didn't at the risk of fire but still!
 
Reply
Old May 25, 2015 | 05:04 PM
  #11  
ClassicFordFan95's Avatar
ClassicFordFan95
New User
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I would suggest changing your pick up coil. I was having the same problem and it kicked my butt. I replaced pretty much all components except pick up coil because I couldn't remove drive gear. Bought a new dizzy with everything on it and it worked.
 
Reply
Old May 25, 2015 | 05:58 PM
  #12  
BTFordGuy302's Avatar
BTFordGuy302
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ClassicFordFan95
I would suggest changing your pick up coil. I was having the same problem and it kicked my butt. I replaced pretty much all components except pick up coil because I couldn't remove drive gear. Bought a new dizzy with everything on it and it worked.
If it was the pickup coil, I wouldn't be getting spark would I? After changing the coil I'm getting spark
 
Reply
Old May 25, 2015 | 06:10 PM
  #13  
JimsRebel's Avatar
JimsRebel
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 207
From: Washington
Originally Posted by BTFordGuy302
If it was the pickup coil, I wouldn't be getting spark would I? After changing the coil I'm getting spark
Seeing the timing light flash proves the pickup is sending a signal to the DS2 IGN module.

But ... the timing light might still flash if the spark is weak, weak meaning not strong enough to jump the plug gap and start the engine.

good luck
 
Reply
Old May 26, 2015 | 11:24 AM
  #14  
BTFordGuy302's Avatar
BTFordGuy302
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
So you're saying the pick up coil could be good enough to send a spark but not good enough to send a strong enough spark to jump the plug gap? It's a reman dizzy I've heard of people having problems with these in my latest internet knowledge endeavors...
 
Reply
Old May 26, 2015 | 11:39 AM
  #15  
JimsRebel's Avatar
JimsRebel
Cargo Master
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Community Builder
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,573
Likes: 207
From: Washington
Originally Posted by BTFordGuy302
So you're saying the pick up coil could be good enough to send a spark but not good enough to send a strong enough spark to jump the plug gap? It's a reman dizzy I've heard of people having problems with these in my latest internet knowledge endeavors...
The pick up in the Dist just sends a signal to the IGN module, if the timing light is flashing it is working.
Take the coil wire and hold it close to a good ground. The coil should be able to produce a strong spark. I usually have my wife hold the coil wire as I don't like getting shocked

Good luck Jim
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:20 PM.

story-0
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Here's everything you need to know about every Ford engine available for the 2026 model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-05 12:58:01


VIEW MORE
story-1
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Ford trucks that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 09:51:16


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: the best gifts for dads & grads

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Slideshow: Called the Fortress, the 850-horsepower pickup combines Raptor underpinnings with military-inspired features, survival equipment, and a starting price of $285,000.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 11:38:36


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Slideshow: 10 most expensive Ford trucks ever sold on Bring a Trailer.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:24:34


VIEW MORE
story-5
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Here's everything that has changed for the latest model year.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-27 16:17:28


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-7
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-8
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-9
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE