My Crystal Ball is Cracked

Quote: ''Could I have fired the coil? How do I test that?''

I usually test a coil by substitution. Most coil failure occurs under DYNAMIC (engine running) conditions, with very HIGH voltages induced across the coil secondary. These high transient voltages are difficult to track with a test light or volt-ohm meter. (If you happen to have and know how to use an oscilliscope, that's different; but if you knew that, the odds are you wouldn't be asking how to test a coil).

Before you go screwing and unscrewing things, check your dashboard ammeter for normal operation. It can tell you lots about the points and give you limited info about the coil.

Sorry, guys. I meant to say ''Rick.'' Bob's post tells us how much experience he has.

I wish I could learn to type and think at the same time!