1. Disconnect the end of the coil wire from the distributor.
2. Use a well-insulated tool (such as spark plug pliers) to hold the end of the wire being tested approximately 1 cm from the metal engine housing.
CAUTION: Do not handle the wire with your bare hand. Use as much insulation material between the wire and the tool as possible. Do not stand on a wet surface while checking for sparks. Do not touch the car body. The electric charge will go to the ground along the easiest path (with the least resistance), make sure that it is not you. You need to choose a safe metal point for grounding near the end of the cable; do not select components that may contain liquids or wires.
3. Have an assistant crank the engine with the ignition in the START position, but only for 1 or 2 seconds. If the end of the cable is the correct distance from solid metal, a clearly visible blue-white spark should jump when attempting to start the engine.
4. The engine can be cranked for 1 or 2 seconds to get sparks. A longer cranking process will force the fuel injectors to deliver fuel to the cylinders, causing the engine to flood, or in extreme cases, flood the spark plugs.
5. If there is no spark, turn off the ignition and check the resistance of the supply wires to the coil, the voltage supplied to the coil (12 V when the ignition is on), the resistance of the coil, and the air gap in the distributor.