NO spark from the coil
 

Hello every one.
I have a Mazda 929 that will not start.
First the car will not crank. It was the started.
Now it cranks but there is no spark going to the spark plugs.
I disconnected the coil and there is no sparks comming out of the coil.
Therefore, I would like to check if the coil is getting corrent to begin with.
How can I check that the coild is getting corrent?
And if it is not getting corrent, then what sends the corrent to the coil? is this the ignaiter? and if so where it is?
Any help will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Manuel

RE: NO spark from the coil
 

With the key on the coil should have 12 volts. As the engine turns it turns the reluctor inside the distributor. The pickup coil inside the distributor signals the ignitor to charge/discharge the coil. You did not say what year it was. 92 up had distributor problems. 89-91 had no real ignition issues. Occasional ignitors but unusual.

RE: NO spark from the coil
 

I checked the voltage in the coil with the key on. It is less than 5 volts.
Any ideas?

Thanks,

RE: NO spark from the coil
 

The car is a 1989 Mazda 929

RE: NO spark from the coil
 

Make sure the timing belt is not broken firstly. Just pull the cap and make sure the rotor is turning. There should be a code in the ECU if you are getting no spark. The test connector is a 1 pin connector near the coil at the drivers fender. Ground it and count the flashs of the check engine light. 1 long=10 1 short = 1.
Most common cause is the igniter. You can use an ohm meter to check the pickup coil in the distributor. Your ignition switch could also be faulty. Try jumping from the battery to the coil and see if it starts. 5 volts is not enough juice. If it is the original coil it is past due to replace.

which terminals connect the ohm meter to test the pickup coil?