1982 Chrysler ImperialFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Failure To Start Test

NOTE: Perform "IGNITION SYSTEM STARTING TEST " first. Failure to do so may result in lost diagnostic time or incorrect test results.
  1. Measure and record battery voltage. Measure specific gravity, which must be at least 1.220 (temperature corrected) to deliver proper voltage.
  2. Turn ignition switch "OFF", and disconnect 10-wire connector from spark control computer. Repeat Ignition System Starting Test, step  1). If spark results, replace spark control computer.
  3. If no spark is obtained, check voltage at coil positive terminal. With ignition switch "ON", connect positive voltmeter lead to coil positive terminal and negative lead to a good ground. Reading should be within 1 volt of battery voltage. If not, check wiring between battery and coil positive terminal.
  4. If voltage at positive coil terminal was correct, connect positive voltmeter lead to coil negative terminal and negative lead to a good ground. Again, voltage should be within 1 volt of battery voltage. If not, replace ignition coil.
    NOTE: You may wish to check coil primary and secondary resistance before replacing ignition coil. However, if you have battery voltage on positive side, but not on negative side of coil, ignition coil normally requires replacement.
  5. If voltage was correct at negative coil terminal, but no spark resulted in Ignition System Starting Test, step  1), replace ignition coil.
  6. If spark results, but engine will not start, turn ignition switch to the "RUN" position. Connect positive voltmeter lead to terminal 1 of 10-wire connector and negative lead to a good ground. See Fig 1. Reading should be within 1 volt of battery voltage. If not, check wire for open and repair it, repeating this step 6  ) once more. Reconnect 10-wire connector to computer.
    Fig 1: Voltmeter Hookup for Checking Terminal 1 Voltage
    G09316120Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  7. If battery voltage was recorded in step  6), place a thin insulator (piece of paper) between curb idle adjusting screw and carburetor switch or make sure screw does not touch switch. See Fig 2. Connect negative lead of voltmeter to a good ground. Turn ignition switch to "RUN" position, and touch positive voltmeter lead to carburetor switch terminal. Reading should be approximately 5 volts. If so, proceed to step  10).
    Fig 2: Checking Voltage at Carburetor Switch
    G09316121Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  8. If voltage was not at least 5 volts, turn ignition switch "OFF". Disconnect 10-wire connector from computer. Turn ignition switch back to "RUN" position. Connect positive voltmeter lead to terminal 2 of 10-wire connector and negative lead to ground. See Fig 3. Voltage reading should again be within 1 volt of battery voltage. If not correct, check wiring between terminal 2 and ignition switch for opens, shorts or poor connections.
    Fig 3: Voltmeter Hookup for Checking Terminal 2 Voltage
    G09316122Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
  9. If voltage at terminal 2 was correct, turn ignition switch "OFF". Using an ohmmeter, check continuity between terminal 7 of 10-wire connector and carburetor switch terminal. See Fig 4. Continuity should exist. If not, check wire between connections for opens, shorts or poor connections. If continuity is present, use an ohmmeter with leads attached to terminal 10 and engine ground to check continuity of ground circuit. See Fig 5. If there is continuity, replace computer. If there is no continuity, check wire from terminal 10 to ground. If engine fails to start, proceed to next step.
    Fig 4: Ohmmeter Hookup for Checking Carburetor Switch Wiring Harness
    G09316123Courtesy of CHRYSLER GROUP, LLC
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.