AMC Ignition System Control Unit & Sensor Check

Fig. 2 American Motors (Motorcraft) Solid State Ignition (SSI) System. 1984-87 6-258 engines:

Fig. 3 American Motors (Motorcraft) Solid State Ignition (SSI) System. V8-360 engines:

4-150 & 6-258

1. Disconnect four wire connector at ignition control unit, then remove ignition coil wire from distributor and hold approximately 1/2 inch from a good engine ground with insulated pliers. Place ignition switch in the On position and note if spark is present at coil wire.
a. If spark is present at coil wire proceed to step 2.
b. If spark is not present at coil wire, proceed to step 5.
2. Disconnect Microprocessor Computer Unit (MCU) electrical connector J2 and connect ohmmeter between pins 3 and 5.
a. If ohmmeter reading is between 400 to 800 ohms, proceed to step 6.
b. If ohmmeter reading is not between 400 to 800 ohms, proceed to step 3.
3. With ohmmeter leads still connected between MCU J2 electrical connector terminals 3 and 5. disconnect and reconnect three wire electrical connector at distributor.
a. If ohmmeter now reads 400 to 800 ohms, proceed to step 6.
b. If ohmmeter reading is not between 400 to 800 ohms, proceed to step 4.
4. Disconnect three wire connector at distributor and connect ohmmeter between terminals B2 and B3, Figs. 2 and 3.
a. If ohmmeter now indicates 400 to 800 ohms, check for defective wiring between three wire electrical connector and four wire electrical connector.
b. If ohmmeter does not indicate 400 to 800 ohms, replace pick up coil.
5. Connect ohmmeter between terminal D1 and battery ground terminal.
a. If ohmmeter indicates 0 to .002 ohms, proceed to step 2.
b. If ohmmeter does not indicate 0 to .002 ohms, check ground cable resistance, distributor to block resistance and distributor ground screw to terminal D1 for source of faulty ground.
6. With a suitable DC voltmeter connected between MCU J2 electrical connector terminals 3 and 5, turn ignition switch to start position and note voltmeter reading.
a. If voltmeter fluctuates, pick up coil and trigger wheel are operating properly.
b. If voltmeter does not fluctuate, check for missing trigger wheel pin, defective trigger wheel or for cause of distributor not rotating.