No spark at plugs?

It sounds like the pickup coil for the ignition is not working but we should run down this guide to help us see what's going on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please run down this guide and report back.

Hello, if your saying, you took the coil wire loose from the cap, held close to engine ground, engine cranking, there was spark from the coil wire? It either the cap or rotor. Can't think of anything else? Maybe I misunderstood your post?

The cap and rotor are maintenance issues, if it has been awhile, replace them.

This sounds like an ignition module. Take it off and have it tested. If it's bad replace it, but start there, do not go changing things until you comferm that they are bad. Autozone or a place similar will do this for free. Let me know how you make out.

Possible Causes & Corrections: Ã Â Â Ensure hot air tube is connected to air cleaner. Ã Â Â Check thermostatic air cleaner for proper operation. Ã Â Â Check Idle Air Control (IAC) system for proper operation. Ã Â Â Check PCV valve for proper operation. Ã Â Â Unplug MAP sensor. ECM substitutes a default value for sensor signal. If stall condition is eliminated, replace sensor. Ã Â Â Check EGR system for proper operation. Ã Â Â If stall occurs when air conditioner is turned on, check for air conditioner clutch signal to ECM terminal. Voltage at A/C terminal of ECM should be battery voltage when air conditioner compressor clutch is engaged. A high voltage surge due to a shorted compressor clutch diode could cause ECM shutdown. Ã Â Â Check for an overcharged A/C system. Ã Â Â Check for plugged or restricted fuel lines. Ã Â Â If engine starts but then immediately stalls, open distributor by-pass circuit. If engine now starts and runs okay, replace distributor pick-up coil. Ã Â Â Using Spark Tester (ST-125), check for a weak spark from ignition coil.
Check crank sensor for signal when it wont start. Also was/is service engine soon light on? Read like this. Cross these two terminals as shown with a piec of wire, then turn the key on. Count the flashes, a 22 will flash as 2 flashes then a short pause, then 2 flashes, if more than one code is stored, the pause will be longer. The codes will display three times and end with 12. Write them down and post here. This connector is right under the middle of the dash...

Try unplugging the MAF and see if it runs. Usually this is the TPS, replace that first. THROTTLE POSITION (TP) SENSOR 1. Install jumper wires to enable connection of a DVOM in parallel between TP sensor harness connectors. Connect DVOM positive lead to Dark Blue wire terminal. Connect negative lead to Black wire terminal. See Fig. 3 . 2. Turn ignition on, engine off. Signal voltage should gradually change from less than one volt at closed throttle to about 5.0 volts at wide open throttle position. If reading is not as specified, replace TP sensor. 3. TP sensor circuit malfunction should set a related trouble code. For further information, see appropriate TESTS W/CODES article in this section. Also see TPS ADJUSTMENT in ADJUSTMENTS article in this section.

MANIFOLD ABSOLUTE PRESSURE (MAP) SENSOR 1. MAP sensor circuit malfunction should set a related code in ECM memory. See Fig. 1 . If a code is present, see appropriate TESTS W/CODES article in this section. An out-of-calibration sensor may not set a trouble code. Use following procedure to test sensor calibration. If driveability problems exist, MAP sensor failure is suspected and no MAP code is present, disconnect MAP sensor connector. If driveability condition improves, check MAP vacuum hose for splits, kinks, proper routing and blockage. If no problems are found, replace MAP sensor. 2. With ignition on and engine off, check MAP sensor parameter using a scan tester connected to Data Link Connector (DLC). Voltage should be as specified in MAP SENSOR VOLTAGE RANGE table. 3. If MAP sensor voltage is as specified, go to next step. If voltage is not as specified, check for 5-volt reference supplied to sensor. Check harness integrity. If no problems are evident, replace MAP sensor. 4. Using a hand-held vacuum pump, apply 10 in. Hg to MAP sensor and note voltage change. Voltage should drop to about 1.0-2.5 volts less than specified in table. If voltage is not as specified or voltage reading does not immediately follow vacuum change, MAP sensor is faulty.

Not usually a spark, but could be a fuel problem. Did you check all fuses marked IGN? Under the hood fuse box? And what does the security light on the dash do 1.) Before you insert key? 2.)After you turn ignition to just ON position? And then crank?

Hi tazbone, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Jump start the coil from the battery if it continues to -check the ignition primary circuit and the ignition switch-both okay last place is the computer

Has the distributor been taken out during this issue?

The Medic

Also,

With the key 'on', What is the voltage to the positive side of the coil?

The Medic