how to check for spark on a 4.6 32v?

[supercab78]

I have a 99 4.6 32 valve that's cranking good but won't start. Can I pull off a COP, put a good plug on it with ground then crank it to check for spark? Or would that damage some thing?

[82stang5.0]

I have a 99 4.6 32 valve that's cranking good but won't start. Can I pull off a COP, put a good plug on it with ground then crank it to check for spark? Or would that damage some thing? It wont damage anything doing it. Thats really the only way to check lol

[redfirepearlgt]

You may want to label and disconnect the other COP's as well while cranking or the car will try to start. If you have a miss it is likely thathte boots on the COP's are going bad. Had this on my 02 GT. Replaced with MSD COP's.

[Blackout]

Is your fuel pump priming? If you don't have any spark then I would check the crank and cam sensor. let us know what you find.

[supercab78]

We had to leave town for a few days but I did put a pressure gage on it before we left, I get nothing when I turn on the key. This is not a stang it's our DD, a !999 lincoln continental. It's cranking great but not even trying to start. The heads up message board was reading "check traction control" when the key was on which is not normal. I removed batt cable overnight, that cleared out the message but still no start. My fuel should prime even with a bad crank sensor correct? Since I found no fuel pressure I have not confermed spark yet.

[redfirepearlgt]

Sounds like Blackout is onto somethign there. The pump may be bad OR a bad fuel pump relay (think Chadomac had that prob once on his mustang), don't forget the fuse (like duh), and then there is that nasty little impact fuel shutoff device that may be tripped as well. I had that on an Escort once. I caused it by slamming the hatchback lid to hard. Yeah I was even dumber back then. LOL!!!

[Blackout]

Your pump will prime with a bad crank sensor but you won't have any spark and your injectors will not fire. If you pump is not priming, you will have to check and make sure your fuses are ok or like redfirepearlgt says about the sensor. Check under the hood and look at the large fuses. let us know.

[bobtsgt]

you can hear the pump prime if you put your ear to the tank and have someone turn the key to the on position,not start. If you hear no whine then you have no power going to it. Check all the things listed above first before going out and buying things. Fuses are easy. The relay can be swapped with another known good working one to see if thats the problem. But if you turn the key on you can feel the fuel pump relay latch closed with your finger usually.

[supercab78]

Here is what I have found so far, Checked & swapped fuses and relays under hood, no change. I took out the rear seat and sound deadener. There is a fuel pump control module behind the back seat. I took the cover off of it & doesn't smell or appear to be fried. It is energized to it by one lead. I've found the wires (about five) going to the pump. I would try jumping direct to the pump to check it but I haven't been able to get wiring diagram with color codes yet. I don't want to drop the tank until I know juice is getting to the pump. My freind that has access to ALLDATA is off work today. Anyone here have access by chance? Not sure what two wires to jump, 1999 lincoln cont.

[supercab78]

Found the diagram I need!! But now it's raining I'll have to wait to diagnose.

[supercab78]

Thought I should post the outcome. It was just the fuel pump. In deciding what pump to go with I did learn that the complete drop in unit was an Airtex brand, about $190
with a bad reputation. The complete Motorcraft $270. I got a Delphi pump only $120 and when I open the box it turned out to be a Wabro made in USA. I was happy to see that.