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Question There is some trouble with my brother's '77 Cougar. The other day it wouldn't start. The engine was cranking, there was gas getting to the carb, but it wouldn't start. I did a quick check and found there was no spark at the plugs, but that was after trying it some more and having an explosion in the carb. Would you say it's the control module or the coil? Thanks for your time, Ray

Reply Ray, thanks for writing. If there is no spark at the spark plugs, check for spark out of the coil to the distributor cap. If there is a spark here but not at the plugs you most likely need a new distributor cap and rotor. If there is no spark out of the coil, the next test is for primary voltage at the positive side of the coil. If there is no voltage with the key on inspect for an open wire or defective ignition switch. If the primary voltage is good, test the resistance of the ignition coil and pickup coil with an ohm-meter. (Change the component if its resistance is out of specifications.) While checking the pickup coil, check the engine to see if the distributor is rotating. If all tests OK you probably have a bad module. Good luck. Angelo Silverado Auto Service

Followup Thanks for the reply! I checked everything out and it turned out to be the control module after all. I replaced it, along with the plugs and wires and now the car is running great... for a Ford that is. Thanks again for the reply, I appreciate your input. Ray