IGNITION TEST: Maintenance on the ignition system of electronic ignition car, often called a tune-up, requires replacement of spark plugs, distributor cap and distributor rotor. Replacing the distributor cap involves loosening all the connections to the distributor cap and unscrewing the distributor cap. Pull it loose for inspection. What you look for in the distributor cap is a worn center piece or excessive wear on any of the four, six or eight pads in your distributor cap. If you see any such signs of wear, discard the cap and replace it. The distributor rotor itself is removed next. Once the distributor cap is removed, it's easy to reach in and remove the distributor rotor for inspection and replacement.
Replacing the spark plugs involves following each individual spark plug lead down to the spark plug itself and removing the lead at the spark plug. Then you need to insert your socket wrench over the spark plug, removing it in a counter-clockwise direction and pulling the spark plug out while replacing it. Replacement is the reverse of the procedure. Do not over tighten. Normal plugs should have a brown or grayish tan deposit on the electrode which indicates that everything is working properly in your system. Before inserting new spark plugs, make sure you gap the electrodes by inserting a gap gauge that has your car's proper gap specification indicated. Replace and gap all the spark plugs one at a time.
When replacing the distributor cap on cars with no spark plug wire assembly, you'll need to first number the spark plug positions at the distributor cap connection and then remove the cap with all the wires still connected. Re-connect the wires to the new cap one at a time making sure they are in the same position as the old caps. Spark plug wires should be replaced if you notice any wires that are either cracked, frayed or if you see spark in the engine compartment with the engine running. When replacing spark plug wires, I recommend you replace one at a time. First, you'll need to remove the boot at each spark plug by twisting and pulling the boot off. Next, remove the wire from any holders and then grasp the boot at the distributor cap and again twist and remove. Replacement involves inserting each boot at their respective connections and pushing and twisting the boot on until it is snugly connected. Spark plug wires can also be tested for conductivity by inserting each end of the wire into an O-meter. To jump start your battery, you'll need a sturdy set of jumper cables. First attach the red lead to the positive terminal on your battery and then attach the black lead to the negative terminal on your battery. Do the same for the other car battery; that is the red to the positive and the black to the negative. Next, start the car that will start, leave it run for two to three minutes and then start your car. Once your car has been started, carefully remove first the negative pole from both cars and then the positive pole from both cars. Run your car for at least 15 to 20 minutes to recharge it. Now, I will demonstrate the ignition system spark test. To perform a spark test, you'll need to remove the spark plug boot and a spark plug. Reinsert the spark plug in the spark plug boot, then holding by the boot, ground the spark plug against the frame and start the car. As seen here, this ignition system is operating normally as we are getting a strong spark. Weak or no spark could indicate a faulty coil, ignition module or points and condenser in pre-1975 vehicles. See your owner's manual before testing this test to avoid damaging your ignition system. Now I'll demonstrate how to perform a solenoid test. If, when you try to start your car, absolutely nothing happens but you know your battery is good and most of the other systems on your car are working properly, the thing to look to is the starter solenoid. The solenoid is the switch that activates the starter to make your car start. The way to test this is with a remote starter which you'll need to purchase at your local auto parts store. Go down to the starter solenoid itself which is located over the starter, place the switch one connection over each of the terminals to the solenoid and try to start the car. If the car turns over, it won't start though, if it does turn over, then you know you do not have a solenoid problem. Let's try it. In this case, the solenoid is working just fine and the problem is more than likely in the ignition switch or some other area of the electrical.
