Hw 2 test Dodge Dakota 3.9L pickup coil and spark controlmod

1987 Dodge Dakots 3.9L V-6 2x4 automatic 132000 mi

Vehicle has run rough since purchased 4 months ago.

Signs of gas leacking from intake manifold gasket.

"pings" when going up a hill or grade or when accelerating
from start to about 40 mph.

DOES NOT "ping" going down hill or at highway speeds.


YESTERDAY while driving there was a "pop" maybe like a backfire.

After that, no start.

Friends came and checked a spark plug...no spark.
Checked the coil, voltage both sides of coil.

I presumed they were telling me that the "Pickup coil"
in the distributor was bad.

Today, my friend called and asked if I had checked the
"Ignition module" "also".

I said no...doesn't have an "ignition module" it has a
"spark control module/computer mounted to the wheel well.

He said: "Well you need to check that too"

I said: "Maybe I can do it by "elimination" IS THE TEST
for the pickup coil NO RESISTANCE when read with an ohmeter?

HE said: "Dunno, I think it was that way with the Mazda P.U.
I helped you with a while back (landlady's truck) but I think
it varies from mfr to mfr."

SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

How do I test the "pickup coil" "Pickup module" inside the distributor
and how do I test the "spark control module/computer mounted to the
wheel well?

How do I methodically test and eliminate these two "things"
so I don't buy parts I don't need.

I'm a disabled minister, not yet receiving disability and I cannot
afford both parts and / or to buy unnecceasry parts.

Thanks so very much.

Rev Charles