88 Dodge with SMEC module (14 and 60 pin connector) 318 throttle body injection.

I replaced the "halo effect" thingy in the distributor - now I get battery voltage (11.8) on the positive side of the coil for about 2 seconds when I turn on the key - it then goes away (It sounds like maybe a relay is operating) and then the voltage goes to 9.3 volts when cranking. The coil does not produce a spark though.

Does anyone know what this means??

 

When you turn the key on you should hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds. Have you checked battery voltage? Check for cracks on the ballast resistor, and perhaps replace the coil.

 

This model doesn't have a "separate" ballast - the voltage drop happens in the SMEC (according to the manual). I haven't checked the coil but will do so now. It does sound like the fuel pump is running for a couple of seconds.

HELP - I don't want to buy a SMEC unless I have too - it cost $179 plus $120 core charge. Since they have to order it, I don't think they will let me take it back.

 

Coil is OK - I guessing it is the SMEC computer module. What happened to the days of points and plugs?? If I order it from Autozone it will be $324 - but $120 core charge will be refundable. I am at the point that I'm thinking that that might be my next step.

Opinions??

 

You can try www.napaonline.com, www.partsamerica.com, www.schucks.com, and others, but I don't know if you're going to be able to get it much cheaper anywhere.

points and plugs were fine, but TBI gave us greater off-angle idle and cold start capability! But yeah, I'll take my carb'd 86 with the $40 ECM.

 

Well, the sweetest sound today - plugged in the new SMEC and it fired right up. If nothing else I have learned alot about this old "billygoat" trying to fix it this time.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!!

Peace