Just 2 wires. Power and the other one. I was sure that the ignition coil didn’t need a ground?

 

Yep, it needs a ground. Thats how the PCM fires the coil. Apply power to it, and when the ground goes away, the magnetic field collapses, inducing current in the secondary windings, and you get a spark from the coil.

 

Ok so the computer must not be getting the signal. Is there a way that I can bypass that ground so I can see if that’s my problem?

 

The coil is purely computer controlled. If the computer doesn't wanna do so, need to find out why. Either a bad sensor somewhere, or failed pcm, or bad wire.....

Does the fuel pump run while the engine is cranking?

 

Ah shoot that’s gonna be a bugger to find. But yes the fuel pump is working

 

Got another spare body to lend a hand? (or two.... )

You can test if the PCM is firing the coil with just a simple test light. Unplug the coil, put the test light across the two wires in the connector, and have your warm body crank the engine. If the test light flashes, the pcm is trying to fire the coil.

 

Ok thanks a ton. I will find someone.

 

A cold body works in a pinch.

 

OK so I did the test and the test light only dims hen I crank the engine. So I don’t think it will be a very accurate test. Also considering that all the Test light does is dim when I have it on the 12 v wire by itself. Hopefully there’s another thing I can do. I’m about to replace the ignition coil because I tested the old one with a multimeter and it seems to be just out of the range it should be from the repair manual. As far as resistance goes. I appreciate any other suggestions. More info on this truck is that a couple weeks prior to it breaking down the gauges were acting very strange. The rpm gauge stays wide open. Same with the thermostat and oil pressure and battery gauge. Also the dash lights would only work every so often. Or randomly come on. The headlights worked fine though.

 

The PCM isn't triggering the coil. The light dims because the starter is a pretty substantial draw when cranking the engine. If your battery isn't FULLY charged, that is not unexpected behavior.

How old is your crank sensor? Do you have a fuel pressure gauge?