How To Test The Distributor Pickup Coil (1989-1991 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup)

I'm gonna show you how to test the distributor pickup coil on the 1989 to 1991 Dodge Ram pickup with a 5.2L or 5.9L V8 engine.

In this setup, the pickup coil acts as the camshaft position (CMP) and crankshaft position (CKP) sensor. There's no separate CKP sensor mounted on the bell housing like you'll find on the 1992–2003 models.

You'll run easy three multimeter tests to figure out if the pickup coil's still doing its job or if it's shot.

APPLIES TO: This tutorial applies to the following vehicles:

• Dodge Ram 150 Pickup 5.2L V8: 1989, 1990, 1991.
• Dodge Ram 250 Pickup 5.2L V8: 1989, 1990, 1991.
• Dodge Ram 150 Pickup 5.9L V8: 1989, 1990, 1991.
• Dodge Ram 250 Pickup 5.9L V8: 1989, 1990, 1991.
• Dodge Ram 350 Pickup 5.9L V8: 1989, 1990, 1991.

IGNITION SYSTEM WIRING DIAGRAMS:

• Ignition System Circuit Wiring Diagram (1989 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).
• Ignition System Circuit Wiring Diagram (1990-1991 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).

OTHER CMP SENSOR TESTS:

• How To Test The Camshaft Position Sensor (1992-1995 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).
• How To Test The Camshaft Position Sensor (1996-1997 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).
• How To Test The Camshaft Position Sensor (1998-2003 5.2L, 5.9L V8 Dodge Ram Pickup).

Symptoms Of A Bad Distributor Pick-up Coil

Usually, but not always, when the pickup coil starts to fail or goes completely bad, the PCM will store one of these trouble codes:

• Code 11: No Crankshaft Reference Signal Detected During Cranking.
• Code 54: No Fuel Sync Signal Detected.

Here are some of the most common symptoms you'll notice when the pickup coil is faulty:

• Engine cranks but won't start: The starter spins the engine, but it won't fire up. This is often because the PCM isn't getting a clear timing signal to activate the ignition coil and both fuel injectors correctly — or at all.
• Intermittent stalling: The engine may run fine one moment, then suddenly die without warning, especially at idle or low speeds. This usually happens when the signal from the pickup coil cuts out.
• Check Engine Light (CEL): When Code 11 is triggered, the Check Engine Light will come on to warn you that the distributor reference signal has been lost.
• Rough idle or misfires: A weak or erratic signal from the pickup coil can cause fuel and spark timing to go off, making the engine idle roughly or misfire under load.
• Hard starting (hot or cold): If the signal from the pickup coil is intermittent, the engine might eventually start, but only after several long cranks.
• Hesitation or lack of power: Poor signal timing can also cause hesitation, especially when accelerating. Throttle response may feel sluggish or uneven.

What The Distributor Pick-up Coil Does

The distributor pickup coil on your 1989–1991 V8 Dodge Ram pickup is located inside the distributor and plays a critical role in engine operation.

The distributor pickup coil provides the reference signal the computer needs to control both fuel injection and spark while the engine is cranking or running.

Here's a more detailed breakdown of what it does:

• Generates the Timing Reference Signal:
  • As the engine cranks or runs, the distributor pickup coil produces a digital ON/OFF signal used by the PCM (engine computer).
  • This signal tells the PCM both which cylinder is on its compression stroke and when the engine is rotating (RPM).
  • Without this signal, the PCM can't trigger fuel injection or spark.
• Controls both fuel injection and ignition timing:
  • The pickup coil signal acts as the base reference for the PCM to fire the injectors and the ignition coil.
  • If the signal is missing or faulty, the engine will crank but there will be no spark and no fuel delivery.
• Works in place of a crankshaft sensor:
  • Unlike newer engines, this V8 doesn't have a separate crankshaft position sensor.
  • Instead, the distributor pickup coil provides all the engine speed and cylinder position information the PCM needs.

Circuit Descriptions Of The Distributor Pickup Coil

Pin	Wire Color	Description
1	Orange (ORG)	Power (8 Volts DC)
2	Black with light blue stripe (BLK/LT BLU)	Sensor Ground
3	Gray (GRY)	Pickup Coil Signal

Where To Buy The Distributor Pickup Coil

The following links will help you comparison shop for the distributor pickup coil. I think you'll save a few bucks:

TEST 1: Testing The Pickup Coil Signal

The distributor pickup coil sends a pulsing voltage signal while the engine cranks or runs. When the signal's active, you'll see 5 Volts DC. When it's not, it drops to 0 Volts.

The cool part? You can catch that voltage flip between 5 and 0 Volts using a regular multimeter — and that's exactly how we're gonna test it.

If the distributor pickup coil goes bad, it usually freezes on a single voltage reading, even while the engine's turning.

So in the first test, we'll tap into the signal wire from the distributor pickup coil and check if the voltage keeps jumping between 5 and 0 Volts as it should.

The wire we're gonna tap into (for the signal check) is the grey (GRY) wire. That's the one carrying the ON/OFF signal from the pickup coil.

IMPORTANT: For this to work, the distributor pickup coil has to stay plugged into its harness. You'll need to back probe the wire or use a wire-piercing probe to read the CMP voltage right inside the wire. Here's what one looks like: Wire Piercing Probe.

NOTE: Don't have a multimeter or need to upgrade yours? This is the one I use: Tekpower TP8268 AC/DC Auto/Manual Range Digital Multimeter with NCV Feature, Mastech MS8268 Upgraded, MS88 (at: amazon.com).

Here's how to run the test:

1. 1

   Connect the black lead from your multimeter straight on the battery's negative (-) post.

2. 2

   Disconnect the ignition coil's electrical plug. Don't skip this step —it's a key safety precaution.
   
   NOTE: Leave the distributor cap right where it is. It keeps the pickup coil locked in place.

3. 3

   Set your multimeter to read DC Volts.

4. 4

   Connect the red multimeter lead to the grey (GRY) coming out of the pickup coil's connector.
   
   NOTE: Keep the pickup coil plugged into the harness. You won't get a reading if it's disconnected.

CRANKING ENGINE WITH STARTER MOTOR:

1. 5

   With the leads hooked up, ask someone to crank the engine for a few seconds.

2. 6

   Watch the multimeter —the voltage should bounce between 5 Volts and 0 Volts DC while the engine's turning.
   
   NOTE: If you're not seeing that voltage switch, do steps 5 and 6 under "CRANKING ENGINE MANUALLY".

CRANKING ENGINE MANUALLY:

1. 5

   Use a 1/2-inch wrench and socket on the crankshaft pulley to turn the engine by hand.

2. 6

   As you turn it, the multimeter should show the voltage flip between 5 Volts and 0 Volts DC.

Now let's break down what those test results actually tell you:

CASE 1: You saw the voltage flip between 5 and 0 Volts. That's the result we're looking for.

This means the pickup coil's working fine. It's not the reason your Dodge Ram pickup won't start.

CASE 2: The voltage stayed stuck —no switching between 5 and 0 Volts DC. That usually points to a bad distributor pickup coil.

Before replacing it, make sure it's getting power and Ground. That's what you'll test next: TEST 2: Making Sure The Distributor Pick-up Coil Has 8 Volts.