Not getting fire to the plugs?

1990 DODGE RAM
78,000 MILES • 5.2L • V8 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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REBEL1963
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  • 5 POSTS
New Distributor (3 wires have hall effect sensor in it) and cap, new coil, new ECU. Not getting fire to the plugs. Will turn over but that gets fuel to throttle body that all.
Mar 15, 2023 at 5:27 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi,

Do you have power to the ignition coil? I ask because the ignition coil is powered by the ASD relay and controlled by the engine controller. The ASD relay sends voltage to the positive side of the coil, and the engine controller is connected to and controls the negative side.

With that being said, the ASD relay may be faulty.

Here is a link that explains how to test one:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Let me know.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below. Also, and don't laugh, I remember an inline fuse that went to the ignition switch located behind the battery. It has been a long time, but I would suggest checking it as well.
Mar 15, 2023 at 1:30 PM
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REBEL1963
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Yes, I have power to the Coil. Itested coil also it it good.
Mar 15, 2023 at 10:29 PM
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REBEL1963
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ASD Relay and Starter relay were both changed. I missed that on 1st read through. I'm still leaning towards coil even with new and old ones testing good. Maybe new one is bad too? It tested good too. This is why I'm so confused. Should I test the new ASD?
Mar 16, 2023 at 4:27 AM
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REBEL1963
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Just went out and tested a few other things, there is an inline fuse that I had missed will be checking that soon as my Son home as I have a torn ligament in my thumb and can't disconnect it. I hope this is it!!!!
Mar 16, 2023 at 4:41 AM
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REBEL1963
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Tested from fuse to cable end and tested good. So that was not it... :(
Mar 16, 2023 at 6:09 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
The SBEC is the primary controller of spark based on different inputs from other sensors. You replaced it already. Next would be the pick-up coil in the distributor, but that was replaced as well.

Don't laugh, but make sure the rotor is turning under the distributor cap when cranking the engine. If it is, we must have a faulty wire or connector.

I realize you checked for power at the coil. Does the negative side have continuity to ground?

Next, I attached diagnostics below. Take a look through them and let me know if you are comfortable performing them. If you are, do it and let me know the results so I can further direct you.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.
Mar 16, 2023 at 1:00 PM
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