How far should the spark test adapter tip be held from the cylinder block?

Approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) away from the cylinder block while cranking the engine, to see if spark jumps across the gap at regular intervals.

What should be disconnected before cranking during the spark test?

The fuel cut solenoid harness connector must be disconnected before cranking, and there must be no inflammable material nearby.

What tool is used to check the IC ignition system?

A volt-ohm-milliammeter (V.O.M.), used following the steps in the indicated sequence. The IC Ignition Unit should not be replaced until all tests have been completed and indicate "O.K.".

What measurement ranges must the multitester cover for these tests?

0 to 20V D.C.; 0 to 1,000Ω; 0 to 10V A.C.; and 0 to 50,000Ω.

What can be used as a spark-test adapter?

It is recommended to use a used spark plug whose threaded portion has been half cut off, as shown in the figure (SEL581B).

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Nissan Micra Ignition System Troubleshooting Flowchart - No Start & Spark Test

Ignition system troubleshooting flowchart: spark test, IC ignition system check sequence

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Electrical shop-manual page EL-31 ignition troubleshooting flowchart covering spark testing with an adapter ~6mm from the block, IC ignition checks with a volt-milliammeter, and high-voltage safety warnings.

AI caption February 2006 · Photo 377 of 412

This is a scanned service manual page covering ignition system trouble-shooting, uploaded to a 1990 Nissan Micra document album. The page presents a diagnostic flowchart for two symptoms: "Engine turns erratically" and "Engine cranks but does not start." The procedure starts with checking ignition timing (adjust if N.G.), then a spark test using an adapter (*1) attached to the high tension cable held approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) from the cylinder block while cranking. Depending on results, the flow leads to checking for burned or fouled spark plugs (clean/replace, or check fuel system) or to checking the IC ignition system with a volt-ohm-milliammeter, with instructions not to replace the IC Ignition Unit until all tests are complete. A safety callout warns to disconnect the fuel cut solenoid harness connector before cranking. A WARNING block advises against touching high tension cables bare-handed while current flows. A footnote explains making a spark test adapter from a used spark plug with a half cut-off threaded portion (illustration SEL581B). Notes specify multitester measurement ranges (0–20V DC, 0–1,000Ω, 0–10V AC, 0–50,000Ω), warming the vehicle 5–15 minutes for intermittent diagnosis, and back-probing connectors rather than disconnecting them. Illustration codes SEL578B and SEL581B and page code SEL-31 appear.

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Frequently asked questions

How far should the spark test adapter tip be held from the cylinder block?: Approximately 6 mm (0.24 in) away from the cylinder block while cranking the engine, to see if spark jumps across the gap at regular intervals.
What should be disconnected before cranking during the spark test?: The fuel cut solenoid harness connector must be disconnected before cranking, and there must be no inflammable material nearby.
What tool is used to check the IC ignition system?: A volt-ohm-milliammeter (V.O.M.), used following the steps in the indicated sequence. The IC Ignition Unit should not be replaced until all tests have been completed and indicate "O.K.".
What measurement ranges must the multitester cover for these tests?: 0 to 20V D.C.; 0 to 1,000Ω; 0 to 10V A.C.; and 0 to 50,000Ω.
What can be used as a spark-test adapter?: It is recommended to use a used spark plug whose threaded portion has been half cut off, as shown in the figure (SEL581B).