I bought an 86 XJ with 2.8 V6 (I know I know bad choice) for my dad and it was running for a few weeks until it just died.

Turns over but no spark.

I replaced the pickup coil and module in the distributor as well as the ignition coil.

I get no spark/arc off the coil.

Thick yellow wire (main power) has 12V with the key on as well as the pink and brown wires at the coil -> module inside the distributor.

Any ideas ? I'm all out.

Thanks guys

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I betcha that engine has an ignition box that the distributor relys on.
On the Wranglers of the same year it is under the wiper fluid container and has three screws in the tire well that hold it to the inside of the fender.
The last one I bought was about 25 bucks. Sometimes they spit and sputter and most times they just quit.. The result is no spark.
Big Jim <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/pfft.gif" alt="" />

On the 2.8l, there is only one ignition module, and it's inside the distributor. The whole system is GM/Chevy, early 80's vintage.

There is an ECU, which, if I remember right, can control the timing through two of the wires going to the module. The ECU will be mounted under the dash. It's an aluminum box, about 5" by 7" by 1-1/2" with two blue or grey multi-pin connectors on one end.

Make sure that the power stays on at the module while the engine is being cranked. A test light will help you check it. The ignition switch could be bad if it doesn't.

If you are checking for spark at the spark plug, also check it at the coil wire. If you then have spark, suspect a bad rotor, cap, or even the one plug wire you happened to check.

Also, check the coil wire, it's possible that i'ts fried inside. It should have some continuity through it, maybe 5000 Ohms per foot.

Some parts stores have ignition module testers, it's possible the one you got was faulty, or that the original one is still good.

Thanks for the points.

So I've put in a new pickup coil inside the distributor (tested good), a new ignition coil (tested good) and tested power going from the ignition switch (one single yellow wire) to the coil. Check.

So, the ignition coil is good and getting power.
The pickup coil in the distributor is good and getting power.

The only thing left in the equation is the ignition module which I don't have a tester for.

I put in a new one and still no signal from the module to the coil - coil doesn't spark off the tower when turning over and with a test light there is just a steady power stream through the wire instead of the on/off/on/off sequence.

Will go out and get another new module and hopefully that does it.

Frustrating !

I seem to remember that on some of those GM 2.8s we had issues with the wiring from the pickup coil to the module, and or from the module to the coil. You may want to check continuity from the pickup to the ignition module and from the module to the coil. Make sure the insulation is in good shape and that the wires in the distributor won't short to ground.