Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
1982 Chrysler ImperialFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition System Starting Test
- Turn ignition switch "ON". Remove coil wire from distributor cap. Hold end of wire 1/4" from a good engine ground. Intermittently jump coil negative terminal to ground, while watching for spark at coil wire. If there is a spark, it must be constant and bright blue.
- If spark is good, continue to intermittently jumper coil negative terminal to ground, while slowly moving coil wire away from ground. Check for arcing at coil tower. If arcing occurs, replace ignition coil.
- If spark is weak or not constant, or if there is no spark, proceed to "FAILURE TO START TEST ".
- If spark is good and there is no arcing at coil tower, ignition system is producing necessary high secondary voltage. Make sure this spark is getting to plugs by checking distributor rotor, cap, spark plugs, and plug wires.
- If all this checks out okay, but engine still will not start, the ignition system is not the problem. It will be necessary to check fuel system and engine mechanical items.
Factory Service Tools
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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.