Newbie needs help,my Duster won't start

Get a 12V test lamp, ground it, remove the coil wire from the COIL and use the probe to check for spark at the coil tower when cranking.


If no spark, test for power (battery) at the coil positive, and crank the engine. Light should go bright/ dim / bright / dim as the engine cranks.

If no 12V power, recheck power at dark blue (at ballast) with key on, and recheck or replace ballast.

If you have power at the coil + but no bright/ dim light when cranking, loosen/ clean/ tighten box mounting screws

Remove ECU connector, work in/ out several times to clean, and try again.

If coil + does not now go bright/ dim when cranking BUT YOU DO HAVE SOME POWER, could be the box, could be the distributor

Check the reluctor gap at .008 and make sure it does not hit the pickup coil. Remove dist. connector, hook to your digi meter on AC volts and crank engine. It should generate 1V at least AC. If not, "OHM" the connector, see if it shoes continuity, and check for continuity to ground. (Should not have any, should be inifinite)

Since a reluctor/ pickup is cheaper than a ECU if after adjusting the reluctor gap does not get you anywhere, I'd replace the pickup and reluctor.

If you replace the pickup and no go, make absolutely sure you DO have power and replace the ECU.