Dodge RAM TRUCK 1500 1995 Service Manual page 385

8D -12 IGNITION SYSTEMS
DISTRIBUTOR ROTOR—3.9L V-6 OR 5.2/5.9L V-8
ENGINES
Visually inspect the rotor (Fig. 8) for cracks, evi­
dence of corrosion, or the effects of arcing on the
metal tip. Also check for evidence of mechanical in­
terference with the cap. Some charring is normal on
the end of the metal tip. The silicone-dielectric-var­
nish-compound applied to the rotor tip for radio in­
terference noise suppression, will appear charred.
This is normal. Do not remove the charred com­
pound. Test the spring for insufficient tension. Re­
place a rotor that displays any of these adverse
conditions.
INSUFFICIENT
SPRING
TENSION
EVIDENCE OF
PHYSICAL
CONTACT
WITH CAP J908D-48
Fig. 8 Rotor Inspection—Typical
DRB SCAN TOOL .
For operation of the DRB scan tool, refer to the ap­
propriate Powertrain Diagnostic Procedures service
manual.
IGNITION COIL TEST—3.9L V-6 OR 5.2/5.9L V-8
ENGINES
To perform a complete test of the ignition coil and
its circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also refer to
the appropriate Powertrain Diagnostics Procedures
manual. To test the coil only, refer to the following:
The ignition coil is designed to operate without an
external ballast resistor.
3.SL V-6 or 5.2/5.SL V-8 LDC-Gas Engines: The
coil is mounted to a bracket that is bolted to the
front of the right engine cylinder head (Fig. 9). This
bracket is mounted on top of the automatic belt ten­
sioner bracket using common bolts.
5.9L V-8 HDC-Gas Engine: The coil is mounted to
a bracket that is bolted to the air injection pump
(AIR pump) mounting bracket (Fig. 10).
Fig. 9 Ignition Coil—3.9L ¥-6 or 5.2/5.9L ¥-8
LDC-Gas Engines
Fig. 10 Ignition Coil—5.9L ¥-8 HDC-Gas Engine
Inspect the ignition coil for arcing. Test the coil ac­
cording to coil tester manufacturer's instructions.
Test the coil primary and secondary resistance. Re­
place any coil that does not meet specifications. Refer
to the Ignition Coil Resistance chart.
If the ignition coil is being replaced, the secondary
spark plug cable must also be checked. Replace cable
if it has been burned or damaged.
Arcing at the tower will carbonize the cable boot,
which, if it is connected to a new ignition coil, will
cause the coil to fail.
If the secondary coil cable shows any signs of dam­
age, it should be replaced with a new cable. Carbon
tracking on the old cable can cause arcing and the
failure of a new ignition coil.
IGNITION COIL PACK TESTS—8.0L V-10 ENGINE
To perform a complete test of the ignition coil packs
and their circuitry, refer to the DRB scan tool. Also