Getting no spark out of the coil

Asked by Jason Jun 22, 2013 at 04:57 PM about the 1987 Ford F-150 XLT Lariat Standard Cab LB

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

have replaced the fuel pump, fuel tank, all electrical modules in distributor on firewall!

74 Answers

57,905

Ok, too short and sweet. The ignition coil is directly controlled by the Ignition Module on this vehicle. The ignition module is the most common component to fail and cause a no-spark condition although, ignition coils have been known to fail too. The design of the Module uses a Schmidt Swtich and a Darlington Amplifier. There is no regulation of the dwell time through the module or into the coil so the Primary Ignition side of the ignition systems runs at 99% dwell - things get hot and burn themselves out over time. The best indicator is a car that dies and won't restart for 30 minutes to an hour. There is one other thing - rare but it happens - pull the SPOUT connector (the one you disconnect to set the timing) and see if it sparks. If it does spar with the SPOUT out and then won't spark with the SPOUT in - PCM.

126 people found this helpful.
640

I have the same problem but I have replaced the computer and still no fire from the coil unless the spout is unplugged and I have no power at the fuel pump either any ideas

64 people found this helpful.
1,200

I need help!! I was at the gas station and started driving and the truck start acting like it's running out of gas, but I still had a half of tank so I pulled over and it will not start and now I'm not getting spark to my spark plugs? It's a 86 Ford F-150 5.0 EFI

103 people found this helpful.
1,140

So I haven't had anytime to check anything on it, I bought a new Ignition coil, spark plugs and wires I might get the pickup coil just not sure? What do you think

29 people found this helpful.
1,140

Ok I will replace what I bought and I will buy a new ignition module before I try to start it I was also going to buy a pickup coil also

16 people found this helpful.
1,140

My distributor rotor ain't spinning what could be the problem?

38 people found this helpful.
1,140

So I replace the timing chain and gears , ignition module, ignition coil, spark plugs and wires and it won't start?? Can somebody help?

31 people found this helpful.
150

Did you find out what was wrong I'm having same problem

15 people found this helpful.
270

Question @ tracy i realize this thread is very old, but i have an 88 bronco 2 qnd i have power at the spout connector, full 12 volts.. What rare situation causes this?

22 people found this helpful.
1,350

1992 Ford F-150 5.8L died while driving - replaced ignition coil and ignition module (no luck). there is still no spark. Talked to a mechanic - the signal from the distributor is not being transmitted to the ignition module. Instead of replacing the pickup, I decided to replace the whole distributor. Fingers crossed.

32 people found this helpful.
1,350

Replaced module, coil and rotor - Still no spark coming off the coil. The coil is new and the ohm readings are within range. Any help? The spark plugs and wires have been replaced too.

29 people found this helpful.
1,350

I have a filling the trucks CPU has a bad capacitor. I guess - do you think it would be worth it to re-solder the board or get a new one?

7 people found this helpful.
1,350

Yeah, not fun! I replaced some capacitors that were leaking - the local electronic store (Fry's) did not have an exact replacement. The capacitors matched in Farads but not voltage. The voltage rating where higher than that rated (original) values. I ended up purchasing a (manufactured) computer off Amazon - I receive it Friday. Not fun!

6 people found this helpful.
1,350

I have not been able to fire it up and I have not checked timing. Since there is no spark I an troubleshooting on the electrical side. Are you saying to adjust timing after the module, coil and rotor replacement? I marked where the pickup was and put in back as if I never removed the distributor?

10 people found this helpful.
1,350

I put in a new computer - did not start. So a little history- The truck has been running and starting good. I was driving to drop off a load at the dump and on the way there the truck just died. I rolled to a safe place and the truck would just crank, crank crank. No start. Everything looks visually good. I've done the changes about with no luck. Any suggestions? May some ground wires be the problem? Thanks thus far.

28 people found this helpful.
490

@tennis shoes do you have a way I can contact you? You seem bad ass with Ford's

6 people found this helpful.
490

I have an 86 f250 with the 302 5.0 efi. My truck dies if sitting idled for awhile and I have to hold the petal all the way to the floor to get it to start back up again. Sometimes it takes a few tries and about 10-15 minutes to get it idling and running right. Sometimes I feel like it's maybe a spark problem (ecu, ignition control module, ignition coil, pickup coil) and other times I feel like maybe it's a fuel issue (fuel injectors or maybe pump) it's a single tank pick up truck and I've replaced the inline high pressure pump on the frame rail and both the pod fuel filter and the can fuel filter

8 people found this helpful.
1,350

Your fuses may be popping. For some reason the ignition fuses under the hood start going. It's the large fuse and a relay that are going bad on my truck. Not sure exactly why yet. I've been tracing wires and cleaning ground wires with no success. I've replaced engition coil on driver side fender, egnition swithch, coil and a bunch of fuses that keep popping... ????

5 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 1987 Ford F250 4.9L L6. I have had the same issue as Guru598 I replaced Ignition Switch, Ignition Lock, All Inside Fuses, Starter Solenoid, Starter, Plugs, Plug Cables, Dist Cap and Rod. So far Nothing has worked...

4 people found this helpful.
70

Oh yeah I forgot to mention, I also replaced Fuel Filter and Fuel Pump

3 people found this helpful.
90

You might want to check the coil connector I don’t have a f150 but I’m having this problem I replaced the whole ignition system and it’s one simple wire that is corroded.

9 people found this helpful.
490

This is the plug in that is missing the other half that goes into the bottom of intake. Anyone know what it is? It above the fuel injectors

13 people found this helpful.
490

This is the front one. These are 4 wires that are bundled together. 2 of them go to that front plug in and the other 2 wires go to..... nothing

5 people found this helpful.
490

My fuel gauge doesn't work. Does anyone know if the fuel gauge and coolant temp gauge may be on the same fuse? I'm not so sure the temp is working either

7 people found this helpful.
490

My truck was running rough at low speeds so I put unleaded plus in it thinking it might clear it up...... does anyone know if that was a bad idea for fuel injected 302 5.0? 86 model

2 people found this helpful.
490

@tennisshoes thanks! After doing some research I think all of my problems may be stemming from a bad catalytic converter! Sluggish, loss of power, spitting and sputtering, shutting down, and not starting while hot. I believe it's getting completely stopped up when it warms up and can't breath...... any thoughts on that?

8 people found this helpful.
370

Pcm not sure what that is ? I have no spark Until i take out the spout then finally got the truck to start but ran really bad . I have a v8 5.0 1990 ford f150 any hrlp would be greatly appreciated

6 people found this helpful.
60

So understanding the PCM is bad on Mine 1995 300 engine, it ran excellent for a couple days then it like bang bang bonk bang stall I removed the spout and it ran great a couple more days then all over again, cant even get it to stay running. bang bang bonk bang rev hiss repeat all then.... stall. I discovered I have the wrong PCM, But, is it highly possible the wire harness is soaked out from all the power steering fluid I have been loosing over time?

6 people found this helpful.
370

i have a 1990 ford f150 5,0 have spark until i unplug the spout and truck just dies have replaced dis. cap rotor ignition module and pcm .ign coil . im thinking a wiring ptoblem. any ideas?

12 people found this helpful.
10

I'm working on a. uddys 94 lightning and we have no power to the coil... everything works if we introduce 12v to the positive side of the coil we can start and run the vehicle... we were told by the guy he bought the truck from that it had a supercharger on it and the stock ecu was tuned way rich and I have found this to be the case but I am stumped as to why we have to run 12v to the coil we have checked all wiring i know to check

1 people found this helpful.
90

So I have a 95 Ford f150 5.0 with two fuel tanks... I have no spark, Ive replaced the ignition control module twice and the problem still persists... I replaced the ignition coil n it ran for a day... The next day it turned on but I had to play with the key in the ignition a little... It's not getting spark again... What should I replace next?

8 people found this helpful.
1,350

have you replaced the ignition relay under the steering wheel? Also, if you remove the ignition switch connection from the coil and place a screwdriver between both screws, what happens?

5 people found this helpful.
90

Would the ignition Relay and the ignition switch cause it not to spark? When I place the screwdriver between both screws does the key have to be in the ON position?

1 people found this helpful.
190

So it looks like a lot of people have been having this same problem, no spark and the fuel pump won't prime! I have a 95 f150 5L, all the sudden died, changed distributor (brand new, not refurbished) changed the coil, changed the ignition module, what the hell is going on with this this, some kinda electrical ghost?! What else do I need to change ffs?!?

19 people found this helpful.
370

Well update on my 1990 f150 changed throttle sensor, sparkplug and wires i put over $500 into this pickup since I purchased it its finally running great ty to every one who tried to help me .

6 people found this helpful.
60

Hey guys I have a 2006 Ford Expedition Limited 5.4l. It’s running rough , slow to take off , backfires , and misfires. Ran the codes and got 2 Ignition Coil codes for Cyl 6 and 7. Changed 4 Coils for 5,6,7,8 no change. Installed 4 Plugs for 5,6,7,8 no change. Checked Power to Plugs , Coil , Coil Connector is Tester Light Lights. I have no Spark on Cyl 6 and 7. Any thoughts? Maybe PCM , Camshaft Position Sensor or Crankshaft Position Sensor? Both Sensors had Power to Connectors.

6 people found this helpful.
20

I have a 2011 ford pickup with a V6. It keeps blowing coilpacks(7). Any suggestions?

2 people found this helpful.
210

I have. 96 f150 with no spark. You name I have replaced it and still no spark! I’m losing my Mind someone help!

21 people found this helpful.
120

I have a 93 f150 302 in it. Fuel pumps are good. New coil pack all new plugs an wires. New distributor an new ignition module. New distributor sensor. Bought truck about a month ago from someone that done all this an we put on a new cooling temp sensor an fired up an ran amazing ever sence. Till yesterday an it completely died driving down the rd Then tried to start it back up an. It cranks but no fire, checked spark an nothing. Any idea?? Would it be the crank shaft sensor ??

12 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 92 Ford 150 replaced pcm, new distributor, new ignition module and coil. Still no spark with or without spout connector what's worng?

7 people found this helpful.
1,925

I have a 1996 F150 with a 4.9. I have no spark. I put my K-D Tools portable ignition system on it and it runs. I swapped a coil and an ignition control module from a running truck and I still have no spark. I'm not getting ignition signal to coil. I have power to coil and capacitor near coil. My fuel injection system works so I don't the problem is distributor pick up. What can I check next?

3 people found this helpful.
370

I replaced almost every thing I could of finally it was the cpu on the firewall switch it and it fired right up hope this helps now she runs great.

3 people found this helpful.
70

I have a 1993 Ford E350 with a 460 engine. It ran perfect, then just sputtered and died on me. Turns over but will not start. It was not getting fuel pressure on the rails so figured it was the in-tank fuel pump and replaced it. It still would not start so checked spark and found none, though I managed to get one random zap on my hand off of a spark plug lead, but no more than that. I replaced the ECM on the fender and still no spark. I also noticed the check engine light does not go on when you turn the ignition on nor when I attempt to turn the engine over. I then found two chewed wires that went to the #2 fuel injector that appeared to have touched/shorted each other possibly. If no spark, no fuel pump, and no check engine light, could the shorting of the injector smoked the PCM or a fuse someplace? I checked all the fuses and relays, all test good. Any assistance would be much appreciated here!

7 people found this helpful.
1,350

So - I chased and replaced a lot of parts to get my 92 Ford running. At first it was very rough and while changing out parts it stopped getting spark. I am convinced that the root of the issue was the main (PCM, ignition fuse and ignition relay). I originally purchased a remanufactured PCM - I installed it but no luck. I sent the remanufactured PCM board back and opened the original PCM up. I noticed there were (2) bad capacitors. With a solder gun I removed the capacitors with the (SAME) rated capacitors and cleaned the PCM with the recommended circuit board methods. Installed it back along with the new large fuse and square relay and BAM! This was after I pretty much changed out all the electrical components of the ignition. I did keep the original ignition module - the one I replaced it with from Auto Zone (I believe did not work)! GL

4 people found this helpful.
210

what is a spout connector and where is it? 1996 F 150 5.0

21 people found this helpful.
30

No spark at coil on 92 f150 it has new coil,distributor, and ignition module

3 people found this helpful.
30

Check the plug down by the pedals against the fire sill if you see a red button sticking up on this device it shuts down the fuel pumps and ineginchion push the red button down truck should start

2 people found this helpful.
30

93 ford f150 i got a firing problem i can use a test light and hold it close to the coil and it some times will fire 1 spark but that is it it just turns over i turn the ignition to the on position and the coil will light up the test light but it not spark or keep sparking please help ive replaced the coil with a brand new one no luck ive put a spark tester on the between the coil and the distributor still just sparks one time then no more spark the ignition switch is new what else can it be

30

only thing i can think of is the ignition control module the distributor is new coil is new ignition key switch is new and the ignition switch under the column is new but still just 1 spark and then it stops sparking

3 people found this helpful.
40

Someone help me please 96 f150 straight 6 .it died when i was driving down the road . it spins over but will not crank I took a plug wire off and I'm not getting no fire ..i replaced the ignition modular and diss cap and it still won't crank ..please help lost

4 people found this helpful.
10

94 mustang gt no spark, i have signal and power to the coil but when i plug in the distributor plus my signal to - coil is gone.. there arnt any shorts, new coil, new cap, new wires, new plugs, new rotor

1 people found this helpful.
20

I got a 1996 f150 no spark new coil new icm new distributor I did the unplug spout still nothing unplug the computer nothing at this point I'm lost the only thing that's not new is the ignition switch

2 people found this helpful.
1,350

Ignition switch may be good to replace. Have you opened the main computer?

1 people found this helpful.
10

Thanks Tracy for the third comment on this post. I had a 1992 E-150 brought to me with no spark. I was out ideas & got desperate so I started searching online & came across your post. I pulled the SPOUT connector & I had spark. Replaced the computer & now the engine runs like it should, with the connector. I started working on vehicles for a living back in the late 90’s, but switched to maintenance in 2012. I remember working on theses old vehicles back then, but I’ve forgotten a lot since I maybe work on a 90’s car once a year. Thanks again Tracy, you really helped me out!

1 people found this helpful.

Mines a 95 f150 5.0 ive been habeing this same issue no fire my problem was the condensor next to the coil i unplugged it and she fired rte up

10

Guru I’m having the same problem we’re is condensor you unplugged so I can see if that my problem two bc I was driving an mine died two

10

Yeah the rotor is spinning an I already replaced the ignition module an coil an cap an rotor

10

This truck was mine I never had a problem with it then I sold it two my dad but he got tired of it an sold it back two me he was driving an it just died an wouldn’t start back up he had the same problem befor but it was a ground coming from the coil every time he plugged it back up it popped number nine fuse so he unhooked it an it started right up but that’s Nt the problem now but it’s doing the same thing as befor

10

Oh an I forgot to tell you when I first started working on it I Heard the fuel pump as I should but now I’m Nt hearing it kick on

10

Well if it is the pickup i will save some money bc the last time it did this my dad thought it was the distributor an stuff so I have the old one so I’ll just go a head an put it back on

10

Ok I’m pretty sure it’s good bc that wasn’t the problem last time thanks for all your help I’ll let you no how it goes

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