Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Ignition System Quick Test




1. Connect a 1,000 Ohm suppressor resistor at each end of a spark plug wire.
2. Place one end of the wire into the distributor and place the other end near a clean, unpainted, grounding surface.
3. Crank the engine and check for spark. The spark should jump at least 3/8 of an inch and be blue in color.
4. If the spark is adequate, the ignition system, EXCLUDING SPARK PLUGS should be satisfactory to start the vehicle.
5. If the spark is insufficient, check the individual components.