Secondary Ignition Cable Insulation Test

CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable disconnected any longer than necessary during testing. Excessive heat could damage the catalytic converter.
- Total test time must not exceed ten minutes.

CAUTION: To maintain proper sealing at the terminal connections, the connections should not be broken unless testing indicates high resistance, an open circuit or other damage.

INSPECTION
Check connections at the coil pack and spark plugs.
- Terminals should be fully seated, and the nipples and spark plug covers should be in good condition.

Covers should fit tightly on the coil pack and spark plug insulators.

Cable connections that are loose will corrode and increase the resistance and permit water to enter the towers causing ignition malfunction.


INSULATION TEST

NOTE: When testing secondary cables for punctures and cracks with an oscilloscope follow the equipment manufacturers instructions. If an oscilloscope is not available, secondary cables can be tested as follows:

1. With the engine not running, connect one end of a test probe (i.e. a piece of wire with insulated alligator clips on each end) to a good ground, other end free for probing.

2. With engine running, move test probe along entire length of all cables (approximately 0 to 1/8 inch gap). If punctures or cracks are present there will be a noticeable spark jump from the faulty area to the probe. Check the coil cable the same way.

3. Replace ALL cracked, leaking or faulty cables.