Spark Output Check
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 2000 Mercury Villager, 2000 Mercury Mountaineer, 2000 Lincoln Navigator, 2000 Ford Windstar, and 2000 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- Check for trouble codes stored in PCM and repair if necessary. See QUICK TEST in SELF DIAGNOSTICS - EEC-V (GASOLINE) article. If no trouble codes are retrieved, check ignition system wiring harness connectors for damage, corrosion and tight fit.
- If no fault codes are retrieved and vehicle will start, go to TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - EEC-V (GASOLINE) article. If no fault codes are retrieved and vehicle is a no-start, connect a high-output spark tester between ignition coil wire and engine ground. Check for spark at coil wire while cranking engine. A consistent Blue spark should be present.
- If spark is present, go to step 4. If no spark is present, remove distributor cap and crank engine to ensure distributor rotor rotates. If okay, check resistance of coil secondary wire. On Villager, resistance should be less than 9100 ohms per foot. On all models except Villager, resistance should be less than 7000 ohms per foot. Service coil wire if necessary and retest. If spark is not present, go to TEST A in SELF DIAGNOSTICS - EEC-V (GASOLINE) article.
- If a consistent Blue spark is present at coil wire during cranking, inspect distributor cap and rotor for cracks or carbon tracking. Service as necessary and test spark output at spark plugs. If spark is present at spark plugs and engine will not start, go to TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES - EEC-V (GASOLINE) article.