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First, see if the each coil is getting the required voltage from the ignition switch (probably 12V). If they are, you can check the resistance of the coil with a simple volt meter. Should read minimal resistance. If the meter reads OL then the coil windings are open (defective/bad).
A bad ignition coil normally won't allow your engine to start given there is no spark. If it is starting to go bad, it causes misfiring which can be noticed as a stutter, or random shake of the engine. Check the ground of the coil before replacing it.
Check the Sonoma crank position first. If the sensor is bad then there will be no spark from the coil.
You will have to have it scanned for codes, check with your parts house. They may scan for you.
CHECK THE IGNITION SWITCH,,, THEY HAVE A HABIT OF GOING BAD
Have vehicle scanned to determine which coil is bad
It could either be a bad ignition coil, a bad ignition rotor, a bad ignition cap, a bad ignition control module (if equipped), or a bad coil to cap wire.
The 1991 did not have a CAM OR CRANKSHAFT SENSOR. If you have NO spark then the problem would be 1 of these. BAD ignition module, Hole burnt in the rotor, Bad pick-up coil, bad ignition coil, Coil wire. Check these things out. Start with the ignition module. That's the MOST common problem.
No spark could be caused by several things: no voltage to the coil or ignition system; a bad coil; a bad ignition system; bad pickup coil(s) in the distributor; a bad coil wire; or more serious engine problems such as a broke camshaft or camshaft timing chain. If your distributor is fine and the coil is good as well as the ignition system is in working order, you might check the computer on the side of the air cleaner.
NO it does not. If it's not firing then you need to check the ignition module, pick-up coil and the coil. Could just have a bad coil wire......
Could be: clogged cat converter bad ignition module bad coil I'd check to make sure cat converter isn't getting red hot when running for a few minutes, if so then clogged. Then I'd replace the ignition module, check, then coil.
Yes, a bad coil will prevent the ignition from firing and the engine will not start.