Will not start

CAMPOS14

MEMBER
1976 JEEP CJ5
6 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
100,000 MILES

It doesn't start because someone changed the wiring harness mess up big. I can only get it started and keep it running when I hook up a test light to the post of the coil. Is there a special ignition coil and resistor I need to get for this model jeep? They have a golden ignition module and a distributor with 2 binocular looking vacuum ports. I get 12 volts to the positive post of the ignition coil from the resistor and 12V from a light blue wire labeled ignition at the I terminal of the starter solenoid and they have a wire from there to the positive of the coil. I am not good with old cars. Just trying to help a friend.

1 Reply

TOUGHDIVER

MECHANIC
224 POSTS

Hello,

There is not a lot of us old school mechanics around any more I grow up with distributor, points and condenser we are a dying breed and the reason the vehicle starts when you connect the test light is there could be a ground problem.

I'm attaching a wiring diagram of the ignition system for you below. Measure ignition coil primary circuit resistance by connecting ohmmeter to C1 and C2. If resistance is less than 1 ohm or greater than 2 ohms, replace coil. Measure coil secondary resistance by removing coil secondary of wire from coil and connecting ohmmeter to C1 and C3. If resistance is less than 9,000 ohms or more than 15,000 ohms replace coil. The pickup sensor in the distributor check it an Ohmmeter should indicate 1.6 to 2.4 ohms and needle should not waver or fluctuate when the wires, grommet and sensor post are wiggled, pulled, flexed, massaged and pressed. If ohmmeter is steady and indicates 1.6 to 2.4 ohms, install dust cover, rotor and distributor cap and proceed. If ohmmeter indicates less than 1.6 or more than 2.4 ohms, or if the needle wavers or fluctuates, replace sensor. for voltage drops refer to the wiring diagram 12 volt circuit power and ground.

let us know. Please let us know if this information is helpful and if you need more info.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

Thanks
Joe T.

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