Another ignition problem

[glevis]

I've seen a lot of ignition problems on here. Here's where I'm at...

89 Camry
Spark plugs are new.
Plug wires are reading fine on resistance.
Now on to the coil...

Primary resistance is supposed to read .38 - .46 Ohms. I set my meter to the 1K reading wherein I'm expecting to read the meter at 380-460. Assuming my math is correct? I, however, get NO resistance at any range.
The secondary coil resistance reading comes out fine.
Do I stop and go ahead and replace the coil? Or could there still be another culprit in the system that makes the coil read faulty when in fact, it is still good?

Thanks.

[glevis]

A little more info.

Also, when I turn the key to start, the rotor (thing) doesn't spin at all. This initially made me suspect the timing belt. (Big $$$ to even look at that - from what I can figure)
I assume a bad coil (or anything before) can cause the rotor to not rotate.
Regardless, I'm going to try and get a reading on the ignitor. Assuming that a bad coil doesn't affect the reading on a good ignitor. Or vice versa.

[Brian R.]

If the rotor doesn't turn, you most likely need to replace the timing belt. It cannot be the coil causing the rotor to not turn when the engine is cranked. Replace the timing belt and then see what happens. First things first.

As far as the multimeter reading goes, you need to read the Ohms or milliohms scale to get readings of 0.38 Ohms or 380 mOhms, respectively. A kOhms scale will give you 0.

[glevis]

Thanks, Brian R. (Regardless of how disheartening your reply may be)

So, do I need to rely on a pro to diagnose the timing belt or is it something that I can at the least check. From what I understand, nearly half the front end needs to come off to get at the timing belt.

As for the Ohm meter. mOhms? I have a scale meter, not digital, with options of "1K" or "R x 10" or "1". None registering any resistance.

Also, to measure the resistance to the signal generator on a '87 and later the book tells me to measure between G and G- as well as NE and G-. I can't find this on the distibutor. The illustation isn't clear on where to find this terminal. I do however notice that I got the 2 high leads like an illustration on an earlier distibutor with a pick-up coil. ???

Also--- There is "no specific procedure for checking the power transistor in the ignitor on 1986 and later vehicles..."
That sucks it.

But, anyway, thank you Brian R. and anybody who cares to contribute.

-Gabe

[Brian R.]

The rotor is connected mechanically to your camshaft. If the rotor is not turning and the distributor shaft is in one piece, then your camshaft is not turning. Since the timing belt turns the camshaft...

Get a water pump installed with the timing belt.

I don't think your meter is sensitive enough for what you need it for. I suggest buying a digital multimeter.