1998 Honda Civic Ex 1 6l Vtec Shoc That Changed Spark Plugs Cap Rotor Wires

1998 HONDA CIVIC
387,500 MILES
Avatar
JOSHUAREED
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1998 honda civic ex 1.6l vtec shoc that i changed the spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires and air filter on and when i was finished i started the car and it ran better than it has in a long while but it only ran for maybe 1:30 and then died as if the key was turned off. smooth with no dieseling. now the car won't start and has a smell of gas. is there a way to test the ignition coil by removing a spark plug and attaching it to the wire so that can see if there is even spark getting there? i've put the old cap, rotor, and wires back on the car and it had no improvement. the car has almost 300,000 miles on it and has been kept up on maintenance for the most part never going very long.
Mar 15, 2013 at 8:51 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
F4I_GUY
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 3,302 POSTS
Yes you can put a spark plug into the spark plug wire lead and properly ground the spark plug to test spark.

If you have no spark you should measure the resistance of the secondary and primary side of the ignition coil.
Mar 28, 2013 at 4:01 AM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.