1. Real Fix
Real Fast

2. So, what do you do
when the scanner
isn’t any help ??

3. Complaint: started loosing power, stalled, sputtered,
98 Dodge Stratus 2.5
Complaint: started loosing power, stalled, sputtered,
now cranks but won’t start
Scanner: no codes, no pendings, all PID looks normal
I thought the scanners were supposed to tell us what was wrong with the car.

4. Listened & heard fuel pump run
Here’s what we did
Listened & heard fuel pump run
Grounded a screw driver in the plug boot & saw spark
Added spray fuel.... still no start
Confirmed injector pulse
Based on complaint, did not suspect timing or compression
(It was running & developed a problem)

5. we have fuel, spark & compression
So, what’s the deal
we have fuel, spark & compression
yes, but only basic checks
It’s time to get more accurate
If fuel pressure was bad the spray should have caught that, so I’m going to skip the injectors for now

6. Used an actual spark tester to see how much spark we actually had
Had spark at 10 KV but nothing above that

7. A good coil should develop at least 40 KV
so the coils bad.
Evidence

8. A good coil should develop at least 40 KV
so the coils bad.
Time to dig it out

9. Replaced the distributor, that’ the only way to get a coil
It starts and runs great

10. So, when that expensive scanner gives you no help
it means it’s not a problem that the computer will identify
So, it’s back to using your head
and some basic (cheap) tools $3
$40 $8

11. So, what do you do
when the scanner
isn’t any help ??

12. You use your head and your training
Your think it thru gather evidence
And let the evidence
lead you to the problem