I have a 71 Dodge Challenger convertible, 440. 4bbl. Driving nicely, and then one day, no warning, no spark!! Cranks beautifully but won't turn over. Have checked out obvious: good readings on the pickup up wire to the distributor; rotor OK; condensor OK; coil registering OK voltage; electronic ignition/no points. the ignition module has power - good readings. What the heck? Any other diagnostics? Could it be the starter? I would think it wouldn't even crank if the starter was bad? Help! I'm a mopar girl through and through, but they've always driven me crazy with electrical problems.

 

Pam,

First of all welcome to the site. Looks like this is your first post. You ought to go over and introduce yourself at the new member section of the forum. And please, post pics of your ride when you do. That is one nice car. Always wanted to have one in my stable.

As to no spark. You say that there is ok voltage to the coil? Have you checked to see if the coil itself is ok. I usually like to keep a spare coil around to throw into the loop if I suspect a bad coil. Also are you sure it is no spark (checked at the spark plugs). Power to the ignition module also does not necessarilly mean a signal to the coil (yes, I also have spare ignition module around too).

I once thought I had no spark on my '74 Charger, put in a new coil cap rotor (the works) and it still wouldn't fire up. After hours of troubling shooting it turned out to be a bad fuel pump. Car worked fine the night before, running great, but the next day, nothing.

BTW you are right, if the starter were bad it wouldn't crank but it shouldn't effect the spark. Others will pop up with other ideas I am sure.

Good luck and keep us posted.

James