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.
1990 Geo Tracker LSi, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Pick-Up Coil
- Disconnect coil wire from distributor cap and ground coil wire. Remove distributor cap and rotor. Ensure reluctor teeth are NOT aligned with pick-up coil sensor. See Fig 1 . Using DVOM, attach positive lead to ignition coil negative terminal and DVOM negative lead to ground.
- Turn ignition to ON position. Voltmeter should read 12 volts. Insert a screwdriver between reluctor and pick-up coil. Each time screwdriver is moved in and out, voltmeter should fluctuate about one volt. If voltmeter does not fluctuate, replace pick-up coil.
- If voltage is within specification, check pick-up coil air gap and adjust as necessary. See PICK-UP COIL AIR GAP table. Replace distributor if air gap specification cannot be obtained.
PICK-UP COIL AIR GAP (1)
| Application | Clearance In. (mm) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| All Models | .008-.016 (.20-.40) | ||
|
|||
Factory Service Tools
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Disclosure: Verified tool recommendations may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you.
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.