Ignition coil help

[Godofwarmike]

How would I go about checking an ignition coil to see if its good?

also should I check it cold take it for a drive then test it warm/hot?

[denisond3]

The only scheme I use is to get one from a junkyard, and swap it with the coil-pack on top of the motor. If I was having a problem with it I would probably change the plug wires and plugs first - as they have been in there for a couple of years. I have a nice little pile of spare parts for our 97 Neon, including the coil pack and a PCM that is known to work. On any long drive I take them along in the trunk, along with my tools.

[HPNOTIQracing]

well you could take out a plug at a time put it back in the wire boot so you can see the arm of the plug sticking out of the boot. (should have 2 people 1 to start the car and 1 to hold the wire/plug)start the car and hold the plug 1/2 inch or so from a ground. the spark should jump from plug to ground. repeat for each plug and thier designated wire. if you want to see if its happening some where in the band have the person in the car give some throttle(in nuetral of course)takes about 5 mins. you will be able to see if one or more has a stronger spark than the others or mabey no spark at all. if one seem odd to you swap wires from on output on the coil pack to another to rule out the wire being the problem.

i know this is a bootleg way but its effective. for the diy-ers
if you want to have more fun have a friend touch the body of the car while you ground the plug its funny as hell. bbbbzzzzzztttt