96 Dakota, 2.2L Fuel Injected, no codes no spark, etc.

[Mr. Normal]

Have a buddy who just bought a used, '96 Dakota. It has a small engine, and is fuel injected that is NOT giving code readouts (using CHECK ENGINE, "88" test procedure). We turned the key, ON, OFF, and ON again within 5 seconds; as written in the HAYNES manual (I find them VERY limited in diagonostics). The CHECK ENGINE light DOES NOT give the codes as they should. Haynes does not address this sort of problem; other than, taking it to the dealer (the DIY equivalent to jumping off the cliff with the rest of the lemmings)
The engine is NOT getting spark from the coil. He changed the coil on a whim and guess (the expensive method of repair!), before he asked me to look at it. I told him the battery looks really old, lets have it checked. It proved, bad. He bought a new battery; but, I think the bad battery (or whatever killed it) fried the computer. Not sure; but, the codes not reading makes me head that direction. There is still no spark (or voltage to the coil), in spite of the new battery.
Any help appreciated.

[stressfree]

Thats Why I Dont Like Dodge.when You Have Electronic Problems You Either Cant Find It Or Its The Cost Of The Car.did A Search On Wont Start It A Common Problem For Dodge,good Luck Im Not Getting Any Hits On My Problem Either.im Going To Try And Get One Out Of The Yard.