how can i determine if there is an ignition problem with my car?

Question

I want to find out that first , and then I want to see if maybe it is a fuel issue, but I heard something of holding a spark wire about an inch from the spark,then have someone turn the key and if it sparks then that eliminates the ignition concern.

Answer 1

If you want to see if you have an ignition problem, this depends on what type of ignition you have. Just because you have "a spark" doesn't mean you have enough spark to power through a cylinder under high compression. What make and year model is it? What engine? Is the ignition a conventional or HEI distributor type or a distributorless waste spark or coil on plug setup? There are too many questions to answer this question properly. And I would not advise holding a sparkplug wire on a cranking engine with your bare hands on a modern high energy output 40k volt system unless you want to chance a nice little jolt.

But in case you want to check for spark, check more than one wire. On a waste spark system you better check two or three before assuming you have sufficient spark. But first determine what type of ignition system we are dealing with here because "a spark" does not always mean sufficient spark.

Answer 2

you probably heard about testing to see if there's spark? if you see a spark theres no ignition problem... if it at least does something when you turn the key it could be the battery, so try jumping...

Answer 3

i know what your talking about.pull 1 of the wires and put a plug in the wire and ground the plug,to see if it sparks.it has to a blue spark,and not weak.usually if theres good spark,then work to see if its getting gas.it could be the gas filter.

Answer 4

Try peeing on the spark plug. You may feel a slight tingle.