Warning: When working with the ignition system, safety precautions must be taken. Before performing any work, turn off the ignition and disconnect the negative battery cable.
1. If the engine cranks but does not start, remove the spark plug wire and, using an insulated tool, hold the wire approximately 0.6 mm from a good ground, then have an assistant crank the engine.
2. If there is no ignition spark, check the other wires in the same way.
3. If there is a good spark, check the spark plugs (see Section 1) and/or fuel system (see Troubleshooting).
4. If there is a weak spark or no spark at all, disconnect the ignition coil wire from the distributor. Hold it 0.6mm from a good ground and check for ignition spark as described above.
5. If there is no spark, check the ignition coil (Chapter 9).
6. If there is spark, check the distributor cap and/or rotor (see Section 1).
7. Next, the ignition system should be checked by a dealer or service station.