How Do You Test A GM Ignition Coil?

Testing or checking an ignition coil can tell you a lot about the health of your ignition system. Since the coil is the center of the system, it has to be working right or the car will not run right. Testing the coil requires an ohms meter. If you do not have one, you can buy one at a home center or building center that carries electrical supplies. The procedure for testing the coil is the same for every ignition coil out there, but if your car has coil packs, it may require a different procedure. Remove the wires from the positive and negative terminals on the coil using a wrench to remove the nuts from the studs. Unplug the coil wire that runs from the coil high tension terminal to the distributor and lay it aside. Place one test lead from the ohms meter on the negative post and one on the positive post of the coil. it doesn't matter which lead goes on which post because you are measuring resistance, not amps or volts. The reading should be between .70 and 1.7 ohms. If it is ...  more