How to test coil....
05-31-2005, 02:36 PM
#2
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Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 4,950
Re: How to test coil....
Most auto stores sell a spark tester; it's basically a wire with an adjustable gap. A good spark should be able to jump a large gap (I believe it's about 3/4", but verify). You can connect the output of the coil to the spart tester which then connects to ground and verify the spark can jump the gap.
05-31-2005, 06:24 PM
#3
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Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 2,265
Re: How to test coil....
If you just want to see if the coil is making any voltage you can just take a plug out and hold it near something metal then have someone try to start the car. Should get lots of blue sparks so watch your hands. Just a quick test to make sure coil is doing something.
05-31-2005, 10:56 PM
#4
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Join Date: Dec 1969
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 4,950
Re: How to test coil....
I've seen coils fail that will still produce a spark, just not a hot enough spark. I found this out the hard way after ruling out the coil, then replacing a perfectly good opti 
06-09-2005, 04:44 PM
#5
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Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Webster,Tx
Posts: 546
Re: How to test coil....
OK people...... so i replaced the coil today, and started cranking. It popped once or twice, but oterwise did nothing different. So I gues Ill go back in after my opti and see if there is anything out of place, if not then ill check the timing chain (it keeps being suggested). There is pressure in the line when i turn the key but ill check actual pressure tomorrow. Still open to other suggestions.
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