Due to the high voltage generated in the ignition system, extreme care must be taken when working on the ignition components. This applies not only to the pulse sensor (electronic ignition), ignition coil, distributor and high voltage spark plug wires, but also related components such as spark plug tips, tachometer and other test equipment.
1. If the engine cranks but does not start, disconnect the high voltage wire from any spark plug and connect it to a spark tester (available at most auto supply stores).
There are two different types of spark testers. Make sure your tester is suitable for electronic (contactless) ignition. Connect the clamp of the tester to a body element such as a metal bracket.
2. If no spark tester is available, disconnect from one of the spark plugs. With an insulated tool, hold the wire about six millimeters from the cylinder block - make sure the gap does not exceed six millimeters, otherwise the electronic components may fail.
3. Turn the engine over with the starter and observe sparking at the end of the tester or the end of the high-voltage wire. If a dark blue, clearly visible spark appears, then sufficient voltage is applied to the candles to ignite the fuel. However, the spark plugs themselves may be defective, so remove them and check as described in Chapter Car maintenance.
4. If sparking does not occur, check the other high voltage wire in the same way. Irregular sparking corresponds to its absence.
5. If sparking does not occur, remove the cover of the ignition distributor and check the cover and slider, as described in Chapter Car maintenance. If moisture is detected, use a desiccant spray to dry the lid and slider (or something similar), then install the cover and repeat the spark test.
6. If sparking still does not occur, disconnect the ignition coil high voltage wire from the distributor cap and check this wire as described for the spark plug wires.
7. If sparking does not occur, check the primary circuit contacts of the ignition coil to make sure they are clean and reliable. Make any necessary repairs, then recheck.
8. If sparking occurs through the high-voltage wire of the ignition coil, then the distributor cap, slider, high-voltage wire (A) spark plugs or candle (candles) ignition may be faulty. If sparking still does not occur, the high-voltage wire from the ignition coil to the distributor cap may be faulty. If replacing the wire does not change the situation, then check the ignition coil (see Section Checking and replacing the ignition coil).
For other tests of ignition distributors of TCI systems, refer to Sections Checking and replacing the pulse sensor and the ignition control unit (TCI system) and Checking and adjusting the air gap (TCI system).