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.
1980 Plymouth Champ Custom, Automatic TransFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE
Ignition System Starting Test
- Remove coil wire from distributor cap. Hold end of wire about 1/4" away from a good engine ground. Have an assistant crank engine while you look for a spark at the coil wire. If there is a spark, it must be constant and bright blue.
- If the spark is good, continue engine cranking while moving coil wire away from ground and look for arcing at the coil tower (between coil terminals). If arcing occurs, replace 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.
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