Rep Power: 0

I towed a stock 2000 DX auto sedan home a few weeks ago. The car was a daily driver, killed a battery, battery replaced, killed new battery, then parked for about two years. The owner suspected the alternator.

I have...
drained the fuel tank and added fresh gas
checked fuel pressure at the filter
checked all ignition related fuses under hood and dash
cleaned and gapped the plugs
replaced cap and rotor due to a little wear and corrosion
checked for ignitor alternating to ground while cranking
checked impedance on coil terminals (matches what repair manual says)
tried to jump it with a battery and with a charger in start mode
tested and no spark from plug wires
tested and no spark from the spring terminal under the cap

I have not replaced...
the coil
the distributor
the ignitor
the alternator
the battery

The engine turns over but no spark anywhere. I just want to make sure that there is nothing in the electronics that could be keeping the ignition from firing, before I buy more parts such as a coil or whole diatributor.

 
Rep Power: 518

What was the result? Does it supply a trigger signal?
Yes?
You have a hot (12v+) at the coil and a valid trigger signal at the coil?
Does the coil create a spark at least 10mm long when it sees that trigger signal? It better do that! IF NO, replace the coil ..



That's not the only test to be done. Static tests can only do so much. Dynamic testing is where it's at. See above.


Once you get the coil out, peel off the metal shield from the side of the coil and you may find a chalky burn mark where spark burned through the side and reached the nearest ground. The grounded shield is much closer than the spark plug gaps. This should explain to you why the coil passes the static (ohm) tests but fails to send lightning bolts out of the tower.



Once it's a running unit, you can figure out the battery/alternator issues.

 
Rep Power: 0

The coil does have the typical burn marks where it appears to be leaking voltage though the side. I will try a coil next. Thanks for the information!l

 
Rep Power: 0

Success! A new coil, a jump start and it cranked right up. It is charging at over 14v and runs with the jumper cables removed, but will not restart on it's own so it needs a battery.

At idle it surges and bogs repeatedly.

 
Rep Power: 518

Make sure cooling system is completely full. Make sure IAC valve isn't stuck open