how do i check if im not getting spark?

[southrneclipser]

95 eclipse rs (420a)
I was driving down the road and it turned off. It didn't make any noises or anything weird. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how to check if im getting spark. I pulled the plugs out and connected them back to the wires and cranked the engine but none of the plugs arced over. Does this mean no spark?

 

[Niteninja01]

Were the plugs grounded when you tried to see if you had spark? Check the connections on the coil pack. And check to see if the coil is geting power.

 

[southrneclipser]

yes the plugs were grounded, and everything is connected. I'll check in a minute on the coil pack. I think it might be my fuel pump. Normally when i turn the key, the pump will prime. Also while the engine is cranking i do not hear the fuel pump working. Normally i can here it wine a little bit.

 

[Niteninja01]

The fuel pump only has to do with is fuel not spark.

You could also have a bad ground somewhere.

 

[Kickerbeast]

First you grab the coil with your right hand and when holding the negative battery terminal you have your best buddy try to start the car, your body should produce enought resistance to know if you are getting correct spark.....

Or you could go to Autozone and spend $5 on a REAL spark tester. Just because you did or didn't get an ark by laying your spark plug on your painted valve cover and cranked doesn't mean you do or do not have spark. You could easily have not had it properly grounded. IF you do get a spark, it doesn't mean that it is enough spark to ignite the fuel in the cylinder. It is much MUCH harder for the spark to jump in the combustion chamber than it is in the open air. That is why you use a spark tester and move it to the proper gap you are tring to jump. Usually it is at least 1/4"

 

[southrneclipser]

well actually i layed it on the exhaust mani. I'll dig out my tester light and see if the coil pack is getting or sending power.

 

[36mafia]

i had a 420a in my neon, and the coil went out in that car. at first i thought it was the plugs, and it ended up being the coil itself. id say it was a common problem with these motors once they get over 100k miles. my uncles coil also went out on his rs. finding a used one shouldnt be hard or too much money. good luck

also check your fuse box. not just the fuses, but sometimes the wires leading to the fuse box will break or come loose.

 

[skylinegtr00440]

i usually just pull out a plug and stick the wire back on it then have abuddy start the car, but im sure theres safer ways , i tend to be dangerously stupid with stuff.