Common questions

Can a bad timing belt cause no spark?

Can a bad timing belt cause no spark?

If there’s a spark when the engine is cranked, it has ignition. If the engine has an overhead cam with a timing belt, loosen the cover over the timing belt and check the belt. If the problem is no spark, anything in the ignition circuit that creates the spark may be at fault.

What to do if there is no spark at the ignition coil?

Check for voltage output at the ignition coil. Disconnect the ignition coil wire from the distributor and install the spark tester to the wire and ground the tester to the engine. Crank the engine for a few seconds. If there’s spark, the problem is with the distributor cap or rotor.

How to know if your engine has no spark?

First Confirm Your Engine Has No Spark. 1 Disable the fuel system by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay. 2 Insert a spark plug tester into the plug boot and ground it on a piece of metal on the engine. 3 Finally, Have someone crank the engine and watch for spark.

Why is there no spark at the coil axle?

If there’s no voltage, check the wire between the ignition switch and the coil and, if necessary, the switch itself. If there’s voltage, the problem may be with the pickup unit. If the pickup is good, then the problem may be with the ignition control module.

Why is there no spark at the tip of the spark tester?

While the engine cranks, you should see a bright, blue spark at the tip of the spark tester. If there’s a good spark, including the rest of the cylinders, the ignition system is working properly. If only one or a few cylinders have a weak or no spark, the problem is in the secondary side of the system.

How can I test the spark at the coil?

Using an Adjustable Ignition Spark Tester Test the ignition coil positive and negative side. Check for voltage output at the ignition coil. Disconnect the ignition coil wire from the distributor and install the spark tester to the wire and ground the tester to the engine. Crank the engine for a few seconds.

If there’s no voltage, check the wire between the ignition switch and the coil and, if necessary, the switch itself. If there’s voltage, the problem may be with the pickup unit. If the pickup is good, then the problem may be with the ignition control module.

First Confirm Your Engine Has No Spark. 1 Disable the fuel system by removing the fuel pump fuse or relay. 2 Insert a spark plug tester into the plug boot and ground it on a piece of metal on the engine. 3 Finally, Have someone crank the engine and watch for spark.

While the engine cranks, you should see a bright, blue spark at the tip of the spark tester. If there’s a good spark, including the rest of the cylinders, the ignition system is working properly. If only one or a few cylinders have a weak or no spark, the problem is in the secondary side of the system.

Author Image
Ruth Doyle