1988 Plymouth Colt BaseFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Chrysler Motors

  1. Warm engine to normal operating temperature. Connect a timing light and set ignition timing to specification. Check centrifugal spark advance and repair if necessary. Set engine to 1000 RPM.
  2. Using a hammer, lightly tap injector mixer mounting stud. Check to see if spark retards. If not, go to next step. If so, measure voltage between ignitor terminal No. 6 and ground. If there is one volt or less, repair or replace pressure sensor and/or shorted wiring harness. If more than one volt is present, replace defective ESC ignitor.
  3. Disconnect pressure sensor connector. Check to see if spark timing retards. If not, go to next step. If spark retards, check detonation shielding wire for continuity. If okay, detonation sensor or ESC ignitor is defective. If not, repair or replace shielding harness.
  4. Using a hammer, lightly tap injector mixer mounting stud. Check to see if spark timing retards. If not, replace ESC ignitor or detonation sensor. If spark retards, disconnect detonation sensor connector.
  5. Check that spark timing retards 8 degrees. If not, ESC ignitor is defective. If so, ESC ignitor is okay. Reconnect wiring.
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:

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

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