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Old 09-05-2012, 02:04 PM
davew833 davew833 is offline
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Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
I'm trying to diagnose some rough-running at idle and isolate it to one cylinder, so I'm wondering if unplugging a coil at the harness end (the colored connector) while the engine is running will give me a shock... I have not-so-fond memories of unplugging regular spark plug wires and getting a nasty surprise!
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Old 09-05-2012, 02:07 PM
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Re: Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
yes...use insulated pliers made for this purpose
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Old 09-05-2012, 02:08 PM
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Re: Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
No it wont shock you. It only pulses gnd with a constant 12v. I would prefer unplugging injectors rather than coils... easier to get to

Tom
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Old 09-05-2012, 03:48 PM
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Re: Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
You can also use an 'in line ignition spark checker' from Harbor frieght for $5.
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Old 09-05-2012, 04:15 PM
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Re: Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
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Originally Posted by TomsSVX View Post
No it wont shock you. It only pulses gnd with a constant 12v. I would prefer unplugging injectors rather than coils... easier to get to

Tom
This times a lot. The coil connectors are a pain to take apart, the injectors are cake. Plus this way you're not dumping a bunch of unburnt fuel into your exhaust.
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Old 09-17-2012, 08:07 PM
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Re: Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
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Originally Posted by dannmarr View Post
You can also use an 'in line ignition spark checker' from Harbor frieght for $5.
How will this work when you don't have a hi tension spark plug wire like a traditional engine with a distributor?
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Old 09-18-2012, 09:44 AM
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Re: Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
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How will this work when you don't have a hi tension spark plug wire like a traditional engine with a distributor?
??????????? You plug it between the coil and the spark plug. One end looks like a spark plug (plugs into the coil) and the other end looks light the coil boot (fits over the spark plug). The spark plug section of the tester is transparent so you can see the spark.
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Old 09-23-2012, 06:22 AM
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Re: Unplugging Coils With Engine Running
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Originally Posted by dannmarr View Post
??????????? You plug it between the coil and the spark plug. One end looks like a spark plug (plugs into the coil) and the other end looks light the coil boot (fits over the spark plug). The spark plug section of the tester is transparent so you can see the spark.
I didn't realize there was enough room to sneak in that device since the coil pack sits directly on the valve covers. Hmm, interesting.
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Last edited by alia176; 09-23-2012 at 06:28 AM.
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