Preliminary Checkout, Equipment, and Notes
CHECKOUT1. Visually inspect engine compartment to ensure all vacuum hoses and spark plug wires are properly and securely connected.
2. Examine all wiring harnesses and connectors for damaged insulation, burned, overheated, damaged pins, loose, or broken conditions.
3. Check that Ignition Control Module (ICM) is securely fastened to distributor base on distributor mounted ICM systems.
4. Be certain battery is fully charged.
5. All accessories should be OFF during diagnosis.
EQUIPMENT (REQUIRED)
Obtain the following test equipment or an equivalent:
DI Diagnostic Cable:
1. Distributor Ignition (DI) Diagnostic Cable (Rotunda 007-00097).
2. Spark Tester, Air Gap type (Special Service Tool D81P-6666-A) or Neon bulb type (Special Service Tool D89P-6666-A).
3. Volt/Ohm Meter (Rotunda 007-00001).
4. 12 volt incandescent test lamp.
5. Remote starter switch.
6. Electronic Engine Control (EEC) breakout box (Special Service Tool T83L-50-EEC-IV).
7. Inductive Timing Light (Rotunda 059-00014).
EQUIPMENT (RECOMMENDED)
1. Thick Film Ignition (TFI)-IV Intermittent Analyzer (Rotunda 007-00035). Necessary for diagnosis of intermittent distributor ignition system faults. Step-by-step diagnostic procedures included. The TFI-IV Intermittent Analyzer can not be used with ICMs that have Computer Controlled Dwell (CCD) unless a CCD update has been added to the analyzer or a TFI-IV Intermittent Analyzer (Rotunda 007-00035) which has a CCD compatible label on the tester is used.
2. Ignition Intermittent Analyzer (Rotunda 007-00075 or equivalent).
NOTES
1. A spark plug with a broken side electrode is not sufficient to check for spark and may lead to incorrect results.
2. The A/C voltage readings in the Pinpoint Test steps are all based upon readings taken with a "standard" Volt/Ohm Meter (Rotunda 007-00001 or Fluke 20 or 70 series). Do not use a "true" RMS type meter such as the Fluke 8060a because the A/C voltage readings obtained may be significantly different, leading to incorrect answers to the questions asked in the Pinpoint Test steps.
3. When making measurements on a wiring harness, both a visual inspection and a continuity test should be performed. Inspect the connector pins for damage (corrosion, bent, or spread pins, etc.) when directed to remove a connector.
4. When making voltage checks, a GROUND reading means any value within a range of 0.0 to 1.0 volt. Also B+ readings mean any value that falls within a range of 10.0 to 14.0 volts.
5. When making voltage checks and a reference to ground is made, use either the negative battery lead or cast iron on the engine. B+ means the positive battery cable at the battery.