Not enough spark.

[BubbaDuke]

I have problems getting spark to my igniton coil. When I turn over the key to start the car I get 1 spark, as i'm still turning it over I have no spark.  When I release the key then I get a spark again.  I have replaced my ignition ballast resistor, and ignition coil, but no luck.  Any ideas what it could be?  We can get it started if we jump the starter.  I've thought of replacing the ignition module, and the ignition switch.  Thanks

[Nacho-RT74]

module or dist pick up... or wires related

[W4ATL]

Sounds like the ignition switch. When you put the switch in the crank position to start the car it bypasses the ballast resistor. When you let go to the run position it puts the ballast resistor back in the circuit.  Look in your service manual wiring diagram. Ignition 1 is the RUN position with the ballast resistor in circuit (you're getting spark in this position) and Ignition 2 is the CRANKING position with the ballast resistor out of the circuit (no spark here.)

[Nacho-RT74]

I still put my votes on dist pickup coil and ECU... OOOOR wires related. I have found sometimes the dist pick up coil plug hard to make good contact

BUT if you want to check ign switch circuit just put a test light on the + lead of coil and check if you have power there when cranking ( full light ) and on RUN ( dimmed ) that will let you know ign switch,  ballast and related wires are just fine

[Chryco Psycho]

The ign will sprak when the key is turned off and on , check the gap between the reluctor & puck up , it should be .008
the dist pick up could be bad or the ECU

[BubbaDuke]

Thanks for the replies, but i've found the problem.  there was a wire on the ignition switch that wasn't in all the way.  Plugged in and away I go.  Took me 4 months to figure that out.  Replaced a dozen things and all it was was a loose wire.  It goes to show sometimes the biggest problems can be fixed with the simplest solutions.    Thanks again all............

[Charger-Bodie]

Make sure that you secure all of those connections at the switch. Ive seen some melted stuff caused by those bad connections.