MAIN HOME PAGE > Technical T O C > General Engine Specs > Ignition Conversion Page 1 > Electronic Ignition Conversion Trouble Shooting Special thanks to John B. at: johnb66@aol.com for submitting the following infoElectronic Ignition Conversion Trouble Shooting
If the vehicle does not operate properly, refer to the following trouble shooting chart for possible causes of the malfunction. If you are unable to correct the problem, call the Mopar Performance Tech hotline at: 313-853-7290, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00, and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, EST.
- Engine turns over but will not start:
- Re-check all connections for being loose or poorly connected
- Check to see if battery voltage (12 volts) is being supplied to the ballast resistor when the ignition keys is held in the "start" position. If not, clean or epair all electrical connections from the battery to the ballast resistor.
- Check to ensure that the ECU is grounded. This usually occurs when the ECU is bolted down, but a separate ground wire from the ECU bolt to the body or battery may be required.
- Re-check the main ignition feed splice if one was required.
- Engine idles rough and stalls
- Check the battery's state of charge. It must be a minimum pf 12.5 volts with the engine running. (Minimum specific gravity must be no less than 1.250.)
- The coil output may be low. Have the ignition coil checked for maximu output. It should be at least 20KV. 40kv or higher is preferred on a race or performance vehicle.
- Check for carbon tracks in the distributor.
- High speed miss
- Check for loose connections or poor grounds.
- Check for dirty or worn spark plugs.
- Check for faulty spark plug wires or poor connections on new wire sets.
- Check the battery voltage at the ballast resistor. It must be no lower than 12.5 volts. This is especially important on cars with alternator cutouts or cars with no alternator. If the vehicle uses an alternator cutout, teat the voltage with the alternator turned off.
Helpful suggestions:
- If you are using an electric tachometer, the wire normally conected to the distributor should be connected to the negative side of the coil. If this fails to operate your tach correctly, contact the tachometer manufacturer for the correct wiring instructions.
- If you are using an engine speed limiter, commonly called an RPM or rev limiter, splice the normally open side of the limiter into the gray wire leading to the distributor. Make sure it is a clean splice, securely connected and taped to prevent moisture or accidental grounding. Connect the limiter's "common" terminal to ground.
- Battery voltage is very critical to electronic ignition systems. You may want to use a Mopar Performance High Output Voltage regulator, (part #P3690731, for 1970 & newer, part #P3690732 for 1969 & older). They are especially useful if you use an alternator cutout during racing. The MP voltage regulators are set for a constant alternator output of 14.5 volts and they should not be used for continous operation.
- For any Chrysler performance or racing questions you may have, call the Mopar Performance Tech hotline at: 313-853-7290, Monday through Friday, 9:00 am - 12:00, and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm, EST.
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