Best Ignition Testers in 2022

Last update: November 12, 2022

Can you test an ignition coil with a multimeter?

Yes, you can test an ignition coil with a multimeter. You will need to connect the positive lead of the multimeter to the positive terminal of the coil, and the negative lead of the multimeter to the negative terminal of the coil. If the coil is working properly, the multimeter should read between 0.5 and 1.5 ohms.

How do I know if my ignition coil is working?

If your ignition coil is not working, your car will not start. There are a few ways to test whether or not your ignition coil is working. One way is to check for spark at the spark plugs. If there is no spark, the ignition coil is not working. Another way is to check the resistance of the coil with a multimeter. If the resistance is not within the range specified in your car's service manual, the ignition coil is not working.

How do I know if my spark is strong enough?

When you are testing your spark plug, you will want to make sure that the spark is strong enough. There are a few ways that you can test this. One way is to hold the spark plug up to the light and look for a strong spark. Another way is to hold the spark plug against the ground and see if the spark is strong enough to jump the gap.

How do you check a coil from distributor to spark?


XTOOL X100 PAD2 OBDII Diagnostic Tool Full System Auto Key Programmer Free Update Car Key IMMO ABS/SRS/EPB/Oil Reset/SAS Review:


appears to provide enough coverage (and with regular updates - at least 1 or more a week, it seems). My previous similar diagnostic tools were unable to reset the oil service reminder on my 2006 Porsche Cayman using this tool, so I utilized it right away. The process for downloading and installing updates is simple to understand and use, as is the UI. For a small shop or even a hobbyist mechanic who needs the kinds of tasks that this tool offers, I believe it is worth the money.



Oregon 42-031 [58] Small Engine in Line Spark Tester Review:


It was really simple to utilize this tester. It was fairly simple to observe that the clear bulb section was only a little over an inch long. I tested it on two other PCs, and there was a clear difference in the amount of the sparks between them, indicating that it worked effectively.



Lisle 20700 Coil-on Plug Spark Tester Review:


Liked the quick delivery, however the manufacturer was unable to advise on how to adjust the screw plate for the "voltage put out by the coil from my vehicle." The setting of the set screw will indicate whether a coil over plug is weak, malfunctioning, or functioning as it should, assuming they all have different yet high output voltages. This is crucial information to know if you have a weak coil over plug. Joe Fix It should be able to set it to a specified volt value for their car using a "website setup guide" from Lisle Manufacturing. Mine is for a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, so it's still in the package until I can receive the necessary information.



OTC 6589 Electronic Ignition Spark Tester Review:


I have been using spark testers for more than 30 years and have tried them all. I own an auto repair shop with three other technicians.1. the ones enclosed in plastic (not reliable or accurate)2. Do not ever, ever use the "In Line" type!While modern cars require upwards of 50,000 volts to "light" up, it only requires around 10,000 volts to "light" those up. As a result, you will have a "light" but insufficient voltage to ignite the spark plug.3. I've had two OTC 6589s in my box for 20 years, and they ALWAYS function and provide the REAL FACTS!Yes, I have experimented with the others, and EVERY STYLE OF THE FIRST 2 I LISTED HAS LEAD ME TO MISS A DIAGNOSTIC. (Therefore, I lost productivity, time, and money.)But if I have any doubts, I simply prove it with my OTC!Any spark tester other than an OTC is no longer used or permitted in the shop by me.I use two of them simultaneously, one on each side of the motor, when diagnosing a V-6, V-8, or V-10 motor.Sadly, I dropped one of them and it broke because it was made of porcelain (exactly like a regular spark plug). I just got 2 more today to store in my shop.The KD 2757, which "LOOKS" identical to the OTC version, DOES NOT, by the way! They altered the design, making it less precise and "plastic encased." (Identical to the KD 2756)Yes, the OTC costs more, but in this instance, "YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!"Update: I failed to say that the clips on these are as robust as they could be given the quantity of material available.I make a 3 foot jumper wire out of standard "lamp cord" and attach alligator clips to either end instead of using the tester's built-in clips (yes, they break). (It is heavy duty, flexible, and rated for 25 amps)(Also see: 2 x 30' Magnetic Retractable Test Leads with a 10 amp rating, Kastar Hand Tools KAS1138)I connect the jumper wire's one end to the spark tester's clip and the other end to the battery's CLEAN Negative post, not to any metal on the engine.You could produce a false diagnosis if you don't "KNOW" that you have a good ground (rust, corrosion, or a poor ground from the battery to the engine block), not because the spark tester didn't work but rather because the current didn't have a good ground path.I ALWAYS run a jumper wire to the battery negative post when testing electrical systems and make sure the negative battery post is clean. I NEVER ground to the frame or body.



GEARWRENCH HEI Ignition Tester - 2756D Review:


I adore this device. If there is an issue with your HEI ignition system, you may find out exactly where it is very fast and efficiently. Only if there is enough energy present will the gadget display a spark. As with several other ignition testers, there is no need to determine the spark's color. This makes it quite simple for you because if there is a spark, the component is good; if there isn't a spark, the component has failed. I quickly discovered that my F-150's faulty coil was the source of a misfire in Cylinder #8. As chance would have it, my Dodge Caravan's Cylinder #3 misfired the following week. Using this instrument, it was once again made clear to me that the vehicle's defective coil was the cause of the issue. Each vehicle's test lasted for less than three minutes. There was no getting ripped off by a mechanic for expensive parts that I did not need, as you can see that occurs to others frequently in the car/truck forums. I paid roughly $9 for this device from Amazon, which is WAY cheaper than sending my vehicle to a repair. I heartily endorse this product!



Performance Tool W16500 Professional DEF Tester Professional DEF Tester Review:


I ended up overfilling my transmission after changing the filter and gasket because I could not see the fresh trans fluid on the dipstick very well. I purchased this pump because I didn't want to damage that brand-new gasket. It took a while for it to pump out 34 of a quart, but it saved me from having to remove the pan because it DID ultimately pump that fluid out of my trans through its extremely long dipstick (it extends from the trans all the way to the front of the engine). I'd say it took about 7 or 8 minutes to extract the 3/4 quart. Later, I used it to drain the pan BEFORE changing the gasket and filter on another vehicle. This time, the pump drew out the fluid a little bit more quickly, and the vehicle had a shorter, more normal tranny dipstick (behind the engine, close to the firewall). (Still a little slow, but I think buying the pump was a wise decision.)



FreeTec Engine Timing Light Gun Xenon Induction Timing Light Xenon Ignition Timing Light Gun Compatible for Car Vehicle Motorcycle Review:


Functions like it should. Much more affordable than recognized brands, and the quality is evident. Because the power lines are a little short, using it near an engine that is running can be dangerous.


How do you diagnose ignition problems?

To diagnose ignition problems, you need to check for a few things. First, check the spark plugs and wires to see if they are working properly. Next, check the ignition coil to see if it is working properly. Finally, check the distributor cap and rotor to see if they are working properly.

How do you know your ignition switch is bad?

If your car is having trouble starting, it could be a sign that your ignition switch is going bad. Other signs include the car stalling or the lights flickering on and off. If you suspect your ignition switch is failing, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.

What are some common ignition system problems?

Common ignition system problems include: -Worn spark plugs -Dirty or faulty spark plug wires -Faulty ignition coil -Faulty distributor cap or rotor -Cracks in the distributor cap -Worn out distributor bearings -Malfunctioning ignition switch

What are the signs of a failing ignition switch?

The signs of a failing ignition switch are often subtle, but can include the car stalling, the engine starting and stopping on its own, the headlights flickering, and the radio cutting in and out. If you notice any of these issues, it's important to have the ignition switch checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

What are the symptoms of a failing ignition module?

If your car's ignition module is failing, you may notice one or more of the following symptoms: -The engine will crank but won't start -The engine will start but stall soon after -The engine will run but is misfiring -The engine will run but is very sluggish -The check engine light is on

What can cause ignition switch problems?

One of the most common reasons for ignition switch problems is a worn-out key. Over time, the teeth on the key can wear down, causing the key to become stuck or difficult to turn. Another common problem is a faulty ignition switch. This can be caused by a number of things, including a loose connection, a build-up of dirt or grime, or a problem with the wiring. If the ignition switch is not working properly, it can be very difficult to start the car.