1. Verify proper battery voltage using your multimeter (image 1).
2. Attach to the Ground Battery Terminal, a length of wire long enough to move around the engine compartment for testing. You can attach the wire to another ground location if desired, but ensure you have a good connection by using your multimeter. We will call this attached wire the "Ground Tester Lead".
3. Attach your Ground Tester Lead to the Spark Tester (image 2).
4. Pull a Spark Plug Wire from an easily accessible spark plug, and attach the spark plug wire to your Spark Tester (image 3).
5. Have a helper watch the tester, or (if working alone) position the tester so that you can view it from inside the cab by looking into the engine compartment
6. Turn the key to the Start Position to test for spark.
Image 1: Multimeter connected to the battery, ensuring proper voltage. Before I compiled this list I did take my battery in for charging and testing. Without the proper amperage, a car still will not start. Make sure you're using a good battery!
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Image 2: Ground Test Lead to Spark Plug Tester. I set mine up on where I could view it from inside the cab while testing.
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Image 3: Spark Plug wire to Spark Plug Tester.
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If you DO NOT have spark, move to Step 2 below. For now, there is no reason to test the remaining spark plug wires, but depending on the next tests, you may may need to.
If you HAVE spark, test the remaining wires. If all wires show sufficient spark, your Ignition System is functioning as it should and Fuel and Compression tests should be performed.
Step Two:Testing Spark from the Ignition Coil. We will check both the
coil wire and the coil itself. For this step, you will be using your Spark Tester.
1. Replace the Spark Plug Wire used on your previous test. It should be re-secured properly on the spark plug in which is was removed. Leave the
2. Ground Tester Lead attached to the Spark Tester.
3. Disconnect your Coil Wire from the Distributor Cap (keep the wire attached to the Ignition Coil, and attach the coil wire to the Spark Tester (image 4).
4. Test for Spark by cranking the engine (key in the START position).
Image 4: Coil wire to Spark Plug Tester.
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If you HAVE spark, test the remaining spark plug wires for spark. You most likely have either bad spark plug wires or a bad distributor cap and / or rotor. Replace Cap, Rotor, and Wires. Test truck for start.
If you DO NOT have spark, test the coil directly with the Spark Tester by eliminating the Coil Wire from your testing. If you still DO NOT have spark, continue to Step 3. If your Ignition Coil DOES have spark directly, replace the Coil wire (and probably your other spark plug wires, cap and rotor for good measure).
Step Three - Test for 12 volts at the Ignition Coil. We're simply verifying proper power at the coil. For this step you will be using your Multimeter. (you can leave your Test Ground Lead in a safe location AWAY FROM POWER SOURCES... it may be used again later)
1. Connect the Ground Lead of your Multimeter to Ground
2. Turn the Ignition Key to the ON position
3. Insert the Read Lead of your multimeter into the driver's side of the Ignition Coil Connector. Reference photo! (image 5)
4. According to Chilton's Repair Book, proper voltage requirements are 90% + of battery voltage (12.00 volts minimum).
Image 5: Ignition Coil Voltage Test. Picture indicates a properly powered Ignition Coil
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If you HAVE 12 volts, continue to Step 4. If you DO NOT have 12 volts then this is the cause of your failure to start issue. Troubleshoot WHY the Ignition Coil is not receiving power.
