Hey everyone, looking for some help tracking down a no‑spark issue on my ’95 YJ (4.0L, manual). I’ve gone through the basics but I’m still missing something.
Symptoms
- Engine cranks strong but will not start
- No spark coming out of the ignition coil
- 12V is present going into the ignition coil
- Fuel pump primes and I have fuel pressure at key‑ON
- Dash lights come on normally (Check Engine, Brake, etc.)
- Tachometer does not move during cranking
- No spark at coil → distributor
What I’ve Tested So Far (Voltage‑Only Tests)
I’m working with a multimeter that can only read DC voltage, no resistance/ohms mode, so I followed a voltage‑based diagnostic sequence.
1. Ignition Coil Power
- Coil positive has ~12V with key ON
- Coil positive has ~12V during crank
→ So ASD relay is powering the coil
2. Coil Negative (PCM Trigger)
- Tested coil negative by putting meter black lead on battery positive and red lead on coil negative
- During crank, the voltage does NOT pulse
→ PCM is not grounding the coil
3. ASD Relay Output
- ASD output has 12V at key ON
- ASD output stays at 12V during crank
→ ASD is not dropping out
4. CPS (Indirect Tests)
- Tachometer does not move at all during crank
- PCM power stays at 12V during crank
→ Looks like PCM may not be receiving a crank signal
5. Injector Pulse
- No injector pulse during crank
→ Points toward CPS or PCM not triggering ignition/injection
What I Think It Might Be
Based on the tests:
- CPS signal not reaching PCM (even if sensor is new)
- Distributor pickup (cam sensor) not providing sync
- PCM coil driver failure (common on ’94–’95 YJs)
What I’m Looking For
- Does this test sequence point more strongly to CPS wiring vs. distributor pickup vs. PCM failure
- Any additional voltage‑only tests I can run
- Known weak points in the ’95 YJ ignition wiring I should inspect
- Confirmation that PCM coil driver failure matches these symptoms
Any help is appreciated — trying to narrow this down before throwing parts at it.
Thanks in advance.
Symptoms
- Engine cranks strong but will not start
- No spark coming out of the ignition coil
- 12V is present going into the ignition coil
- Fuel pump primes and I have fuel pressure at key‑ON
- Dash lights come on normally (Check Engine, Brake, etc.)
- Tachometer does not move during cranking
- No spark at coil → distributor
What I’ve Tested So Far (Voltage‑Only Tests)
I’m working with a multimeter that can only read DC voltage, no resistance/ohms mode, so I followed a voltage‑based diagnostic sequence.
1. Ignition Coil Power
- Coil positive has ~12V with key ON
- Coil positive has ~12V during crank
→ So ASD relay is powering the coil
2. Coil Negative (PCM Trigger)
- Tested coil negative by putting meter black lead on battery positive and red lead on coil negative
- During crank, the voltage does NOT pulse
→ PCM is not grounding the coil
3. ASD Relay Output
- ASD output has 12V at key ON
- ASD output stays at 12V during crank
→ ASD is not dropping out
4. CPS (Indirect Tests)
- Tachometer does not move at all during crank
- PCM power stays at 12V during crank
→ Looks like PCM may not be receiving a crank signal
5. Injector Pulse
- No injector pulse during crank
→ Points toward CPS or PCM not triggering ignition/injection
What I Think It Might Be
Based on the tests:
- CPS signal not reaching PCM (even if sensor is new)
- Distributor pickup (cam sensor) not providing sync
- PCM coil driver failure (common on ’94–’95 YJs)
What I’m Looking For
- Does this test sequence point more strongly to CPS wiring vs. distributor pickup vs. PCM failure
- Any additional voltage‑only tests I can run
- Known weak points in the ’95 YJ ignition wiring I should inspect
- Confirmation that PCM coil driver failure matches these symptoms
Any help is appreciated — trying to narrow this down before throwing parts at it.
Thanks in advance.
