LEMON Manuals: Even more car manuals for everyone: 1960-2025
Home >> Ford >> 1980 >> Fiesta >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Engine Performance >> Ignition System >> MOTORCRAFT DURA-Spark II Electronic Ignition System >> Testing >> Intermittent Operation Check
April 5, 2026: LEMON Manuals is launched! Read the announcement.

Intermittent Operation Check

  1. If the ignition system becomes operative during testing without a repair having been made, attempt to recreate the original problem. With the engine running, wiggle the wires at the coil, module, distributor and other harness connectors. Check connections first that you have previously disconnected.
  2. Check the ground connection in the distributor. Then turn engine off, heat the stator pick-up coil by placing a 250 watt heat lamp approximately 1-2 inches (25-50 mm) from its top surface. Apply heat for 5-10 minutes, while checking pick-up coil resistance at the distributor connector terminals 3 and 7 (orange and purple wires). Resistance should be 400-1000 ohms. Tapping with screwdriver may also be helpful.
  3. With the engine running, heat control module in the same manner. Do not let module temperature exceed 212°F (100°C). If ignition system malfunctions, substitute (but do not install) a new control module. If malfunction is corrected, recheck old control module before replacing it.