Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Secondary Ignition Wire Test
Disconnect secondary ignition coil wire from distributor cap and hold it approximately 0.25" (6 mm) from engine block, using suitable insulated pliers. See Fig 1 . Crank engine. If sparking is present, check for faulty distributor cap, rotor arm and wires. Also check for incorrect ignition timing. If all components are okay, go to ROTOR ARM TEST . If no spark or weak spark is present, go to PRIMARY IGNITION SYSTEM VOLTAGE TEST .
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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