1994 Dodge Caravan possible Igniton system problem

All "crank, no start" conditions are approached in the same way. Every engine requires certain functions to be able to run. Some of these functions rely on specific components to work and some components are part of more than one function so it is important to see the whole picture to be able to conclude anything about what may have failed. Also, these functions can ONLY be tested during the failure. Any other time and they will simply test good because the problem isn't present at the moment.
If you approach this in any other way, you are merely guessing and that only serves to replace unnecessary parts and wastes money.



Every engine requires spark, fuel and compression to run. That's what we have to look for.

These are the basics that need to be tested and will give us the info required to isolate a cause.

1) Test for spark at the plug end of the wire using a spark tester. If none found, check for power supply on the + terminal of the coil with the key on.


2) Test for injector pulse using a small bulb called a noid light. If none found, check for power supply at one side of the injector with the key on.


3) Use a fuel pressure gauge to test for correct fuel pressure, also noticing if the pressure holds when key is shut off.

4) If all of these things check good, then you would need to do a complete compression test.

Once you have determined which of these functions has dropped out,
you will know which system is having the problem.

Hello, It's David Wendling again, You told me in a reply to my question to run a number of tests on my dodge caravan 3.3 engine, it will turn over but will not fire. Is there anyway that you can send me a diagram of he ignition system to this model? or can you send me to a web site that I can find this on?
My Dodge has a distributor/coil combination, I believe, there is only 4 wires that run into the pack itself. I guess what I need to do is find out where the fire is being stopped and replace the component that is stopping it. But, How do I find it? How do I trouble-shoot this, Where is the Pos. side of the distributor on this engine? and where do I test for an injector pulse? If I had a diagram I believe I could fix it. Thank You again for any help. Regards, David

Your engine doesn't even have a distributor. It's a DIS system. If you would like me to help you, then you have to follow the instructions I give you. You check for injector pulse by plugging a noid light bulb into one of the injector plugs and crank the ening. If the bulb flashes, then you have pulse. If not, check for power on one of the wires with the key on.

OK, where is the coil, I know it's a DIS system, does that mean it does not have a coil either?