how do i test my ignition coil and distributor to see if they are bad?

Question

95 Chevy S-10 4.3 ltr V-6 W series,

Answer 1

Gather up a friend and have him help you do this. Raise the hood pull the coil wire and hold the bare end in your hand.
Now touch metal and have your turn on the key and try to start the truck. You should feel it. And if you are dumb enough to do that i have 60 acres of Ocean Front property in Arizona that you might want to buy.

Answer 2

No spark? Try the ignition module not the pickup coil. Most common problem on a Chevy. remove the cap and rotor, 2 -7mm screws and a plug at each end. Coils rarely fail as does the pickup coil. But I have been wrong b4. Plus its the easier or the 2 parts in the dist to change. Btw, if either of the parts is bad in the dist, you will not get a spark from the coil. Not sure if autozone rz can check just the ign module. Being 12 yrs old , thats not bad

Answer 3

Used this test many times works great when properly done. You will need a spark tester, & pocket screwdriver for your model(only works on GM pre-DIS). Remove distributor cap & rotor button (inspect interior of cap & rotor button problem sometimes lies there) turn key to run position remove coil wire from dist. cap & connect to spark tester, connect spark tester to suitable ground (very important to have a good ground) after removing rotor button you will now be able to see the ignition module (flat black with two different electrical connections) locate electrical connection with two wires only (the wires that go to the pick-up coil) when looking at the wire connection you will be able to see 1 wire of the 2 will be closer to the center of the dist. shaft (do not disconnect the electrical connections from the module) take pocket screwdriver lick index finger (important) & touch the wire closest to the center of the dist. (when touching wire you will need to touch at the back of the connector, you will be able to see some portion of the bare wire/crimp/soldier connection you must touch here) next lick other index finger & touch + (positive) battery terminal connection in tapping motion (like giving morse code)
1. If you now have a spark at the spark tester with every tap of the battery you have a bad pick-up coil.
2. If you have no spark but you hear an audible noise (relay clicking, some models injectors will fire also) you have a bad ignition coil.
3. If you hear nothing at all (most common) you have a bad ignition module. (note if you hear nothing be sure to retest using different grounds on spark tester & ensure both index fingers are wet , will not shock you)
Note also that it is possible to more than 1 of these three things wrong, (usually when module & ignition coil are both bad ex. you do the test & hear nothing so you replace module & still no spark redo the test & you will now see that you have the clicking relay/ injector fire but no spark at the spark tester indicating a bad ignition coil)
This test does work when properly done can even be done on models with ignition coil in the cap just has to be set up different.

Answer 4

Testing of a coil is easy. But you will need spark plug wire pullers. A coil puts out alot of volts. Hold the coils plug wire a short distance from the block and see if there is spark when someone cranks the engine over. If there is spark it is good. Would need to know more information to determine the problem.

Answer 5

Spark Tester Autozone

Answer 6

I belive autozone has a light that you plug into the wire and it will light up if theres a spark,