Does this indicate our coil is shorted out internally?

Thanks!

Brad[/QUOTE]

no, it means that the ground signal from the ignition control unit hasn't been applied. this needs to be checked while cranking to start. this way the distributor is turning and signaling the icu. use a scope-if you have 1-or a digital volt meter. no analog meters and no test lights. they allow too much current flow through the tool and WILL short out the transistors in the icu.

places to look for problems, the pickup coil in the dist., the green wire from the dist to the icu breaks, especially behind the p/s pump and the icu itself. if it's a huco brand, very likely it's dead. they last about a year or 2. if you need an icu, get a new or rebuilt bosch from someone and not another huco. yes, they're cheap, but you get what you pay for. good luck, chuck.