1988 240 Wagon - Crank No Start

[RickHaleParker]

Hmm, I have neither of those tools. Nor have I used an oscilloscope since high school physics!

Automotive logic probes are $10 -20. They are just old fashion trouble lights with LEDs and current limiting resistors instead of incandescent bulbs. The lower current draw of the LEDs is what make them computer safe. The current draw of the LED probe will not burn out a I/O port.

The cycle period is so low any oscilloscope will work, even a $25.00 scope off eBay. Today some of the VOMs have low bandwidth oscilloscope functions. Oscilloscopes are not as expensive as they once where ... unless the vendor is sucker hunting.

[cascadia]

Hmm, I have neither of those tools. Nor have I used an oscilloscope since high school physics!

Automotive logic probes are $10 -20. They are just old fashion trouble lights with LEDs and current limiting resistors instead of incandescent bulbs. The lower current draw of the LEDs is what make them computer safe. The current draw of the LED probe will not burn out a I/O port.

The cycle period is so low any oscilloscope will work, even a $25.00 scope off eBay. Today some of the VOMs have low bandwidth oscilloscope functions. Oscilloscopes are not as expensive as they once where ... unless the vendor is sucker hunting.

Ask and you shall receive. I am going to pick up a logic probe and report back. Thanks!

[cascadia]

Well, I found another ignition control module and swapped it in just to test. The car fired right up on the first crank! I let it run, turned it off. It started again two more times. It was running, but sort of rough like the timing was off.

That is when I noticed that the distributor cap had rotated. I put it back and double checked all the wires. Cranked again and no start. Same as before.

I'll pick up one of those auto logic probes today.