How to Check a Bad Distributor

If your vehicle's distributor is bad, the engine either won't start properly or won't start at all. The distributor is one of the main components of your vehicle's ignition system. A simple way to test a potentially faulty distributor is to use the "secondary-spark test." This test checks to see if the initial spark from the vehicle's battery is routed properly through the distributor. If it is, a spark will appear. If not, you will need to repair or replace the distributor. The secondary-spark test is performed using a spark-tester, which is a thin, long metal rod that conducts sparks. A spark-tester can be bought at any automotive parts store and should not cost more than $10, as of May of 2011, depending on the quality of the spark-tester.

Instructions

1

Put on the gloves and lift up your vehicle's hood.

2

Use a socket wrench to remove a spark plug wire off of the distributor. Insert a spark-tester into the distributor.

3

Start the engine and check for a spark from the distributor. If there is a spark that emits from the spark-tester, the issue is not with the distributor. If there is not a spark emitting from the spark-tester, you may have a bad distributor and should repair it as soon as you can.