bmwrepairs: How to TEST Secondary Spark on 2005 Bmw 325?

Diagnosis & Testing

Prior to diagnosis or testing procedures, visually inspect the components of the ignition and engine control systems. Check for the following:

Blown fuses

Poor spark plug connections

Damaged or corroded ignition wires

Damaged or worn electrical insulation

Discharged battery or low alternator output

Ignition module multi-connector condition

Damaged, corroded, or loose electrical connections

Excessively worn, defective, or damaged spark plugs

Excessively worn or damaged distributor cap or rotor

Check the spark plug wires and boots for signs of poor insulation that could cause shorting or crossfiring. Make sure the battery is fully charged and that all accessories are off during diagnosis and testing. Make sure the idle speed is within specification. Check all of the fuel injector electrical connections.

Secondary Spark Test

WARNING

When testing the ignition system for a high-energy spark, make sure the test equipment is sufficiently grounded. Failure to do so may cause severe and expensive internal component damage. When testing for an ignition, spark make sure the area is free of any flammable materials. Do not hold or place hands or fingers near the test equipment when checking for a high voltage spark.

Fig. This spark tester has an adjustable air-gap for measuring spark strength and testing different voltage ignition systems

Fig. To test for spark at the plug, ground the body to a known good ground such as this ground strap bolt

Checking for a high-energy spark is easily performed using a spark tester (available at most automotive parts stores). Three types of spark testers are commonly available:

The Neon Bulb type: This tool connects to the spark plug wire and flashes with each ignition pulse. This is easy to use as it lights up with each ignition pulse

The Air Gap type: This tester is adjusted according to the spark plug gap specification for the engine. It is very useful because the gap can be adjusted to check the strength of the electrical spark and the color of the spark can be verified

The Spark Plug simulator: This looks like a spark plug, and has a grounding alligator style clip on the side. This checker is easy to use, and the spark color can be monitored

The last two types of testers mentioned allow the user to not only detect the presence of spark, but also the intensity (orange/yellow is weak, blue is strong). To use these testers proceed as follows:

Disconnect a spark plug wire from the spark plug end.

Connect the plug wire to the spark tester and ground the tester to an appropriate location on the engine.

Crank the engine and check for spark at the tester.

If spark exists at the tester, the ignition system is functioning properly.

If all of the spark tests for all of the spark plug wires indicate irregular or weak spark, perform the following:
1. Refer to the coil test.
2. Carefully inspect the distributor cap and rotor for damage, corrosion or excessive wear.
3. Inspect and test the ignition wires. Check the resistance of each spark plug wire. Refer to Section 1 for checking the resistance of the spark plug wires. If the wires are within specification, it will be necessary to diagnose the individual components of the ignition system.

If one or more, but not all of the tests indicate irregular, or weak spark;
1. Inspect and test the ignition wires. Check the resistance of each spark plug wire. Refer to Section 1 for checking the resistance of the spark plug wires. If the wire is within specification, it will be necessary to diagnose the individual components of the ignition system.
2. Carefully inspect the distributor cap and rotor for an internal short, damage, corrosion or excessive wear.

If spark does not exist, perform the following:

Remove the distributor cap, detach all of the electrical connectors at the distributor, and ensure that the rotor is turning when the engine is cranked.

Carefully inspect the distributor cap and rotor for damage, corrosion or excessive wear.

Inspect and test the ignition wires. Check the resistance of each spark plug wire. Refer to Section 1 for checking the resistance of the spark plug wires. If the wire is within specification, it will be necessary to diagnose the individual components of the ignition system.

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