09 Buick LaCrosse Intermittent Misfire P0300

[@ScannerDanner]

Don't forget, today is the last day of the 10% off sale on my Teespring merchandise. teespring.com/stores/scannerdanner-2, thank you so much! Here is the discount code L3AV3S

[@andrewk778]

For the record, you are NEVER long winded. I am appreciative of you sharing your knowledge and experience. I found this video particularly interesting and informative, as I have a couple of older GM cars. The extra time you spend discussing vehicle operation and diagnostic options is what makes you the best. Thank you for sharing. (Wow! No Chryslers, haha)

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks Andrew K, you've been a long time encouragement to me

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

True, I need to learn WHY not just How.

[@pedrorojascervantes3928]

@@ScannerDanner You are very thorough & excellent at explaining 'quick theory' ( there's an oxymoron !) that directly relate to the possible problem(s). This shows that you have been able to learn think logically & deeply about a particular subject/problem & then demonstrate your deductive reasoning. The main theme that you always stress is the multiple approaches to a problem which encourages people to think for themselves & not some complex flow chart. The practicality & speed of CORRECT diagnosis without damaging components is your forté. Thank you sir! " In order to think deeply one must first learn to think clearly." - Nikola Tesla

[@ScannerDanner]

@@pedrorojascervantes3928 what a compliment! Thank you so much for this blessing today

[@pedrorojascervantes3928]

@@ScannerDanner You are most welcome my brother in Christ! Maranatha! Come quickly Lord! May the Lord bless you more as you continue to bless others so selflessly!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Anyone who says you are long winded is short minded. Great video

[@ScannerDanner]

Matt! Thanks my friend

[@fixallman77808]

THANK YOU for the teaching of the many ways to test the ignition system. While your initial test was too the point, I still had questions about plugs and wires , which you totally answered with your follow up testing. Now I have more complete and accurate testing procedures to follow. This is a GREAT lesson for anyone attempting to service the ignition systems, if you have some basic understanding . For those reading this, and as Scanner Danner stated here, he has a WONDERFUL channel that goes through all these theories and many more. I have spent some time in your classes, Danner, and am.much more prepared now with what you have taught in your class. I will be returning to get more lessons from this master teacher. These classes and the way you teach are making me into a better tech , and answering a lot of questions I've had on electronic engine controls,. Yes the seemed to have gotten more complex, on the surface, but many old school testing procedures still work if applied correctlt. THANKS again Scanner Danner for all the effort you have put in to helping others understand more.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you so much for this comment!

[@TheTor]

Thank you for this brother Scanner Danner, your test light test from about 8:30 to 13:00 was pure gold and helped me tremendously to confirm that I had a specific bad coil. I purchased a spark plug tester and it confirmed that I was getting spark from the wires/coils/plugs, but that didn't solve my problem as it didn't isolate nor confirm the I had a bad coil. I grounded the spark plug tester, used that in place of your test light, and found the bad coil when the spark between it and the tester fizzled out after about half a centimeter in distance. Replaced the bad coil and car has been running beautifully ever since!

[@travislyals3688]

P. Danner was an amazing technician 20 years ago at Rosedale Tech and taught me so much. It’s good to see you are still going strong. Great video!

[@abonourabonour1006]

I was hoping to have a wonderful teacher like you since I was young. I was very tired to get some simple information that is not reliable but now I thank God I am learning from the best teacher in America

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks my friend. I'm certainly not the best but I do love what I do. Thank you again!

[@michaelpiecewicz9748]

for those of you who aren't aware or don't have a 5.5 mm socket a 7/32 inch socket is only a couple thousandths different works perfect. Personally I just painted a 7/32 socket and leave it in my metric set between my 5 and 6 mm sockets. Thanks Paul for all you do for our automotive community!

[@speedy_pit_stop]

Interesting to see that a weak coil can manifest such a high secondary resistance. Good lesson right there. Thanks

[@jndnaps]

Wow! Thanks for this video. Had the same problem on my 96 Deville. It would come and go and never throw a code. I changed plugs and wires and was gonna change out the ICM till I saw this. It was bad on the #6 like this one in the video and #7 was a little better. First set I checked. The other 3 were great! Changed it out and all good. Thanks again!! 😁👍

[@cobbysparks9891]

Long winded? This content isn’t for everyone. Only those who actually want to know what they are doing. Scanner Danner content all day long!

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you my friend

[@RC-Heli835]

I learn something new from you always Scanner Danner! This is the 1st time I've seen the KV test. I found a spark plug wire slipped off about an inch the other day on my 2000 Windstar at the firewall causing intermittent skipping and surging at road speed. I had seen plugs do that in the 02 Focus after changing 1st the coil pack, then the wires and finally the real culprit the plugs. So I started with new plugs on the Windstar and found the loose plug wire. It had been that way quite a while too because it had some sort of dusty corrosion built up in the boot. It was shrunk up and dry and busted when I cleaned it out and forced it back on. The boot is wrapped in electric tape now and working like a charm!😃

[@arnoldocastaneda2171]

I have a Chevy impala 2001, and I experiencing problems around that area,you are giving explanationabout, and my high school short semester, + working around, in that business, with friends, my biG brothers, experience, and knowledge, I have., Coming from Mexico don't take me too far, now that have a car of my own., I watched your video, and like to thank you for that

[@buildstoys]

Good timing, just brewed a cup of coffee and sat down at the computer :)

[@weldingjunkie]

Those engines are built proof very well tested. Great video Paul and Caleb. Thanks for sharing

[@patriot2164]

Rainy Day , Tropical storm rolling threw , Great content , Just wanted to say , Great Instructor , Tech schools should all be so lucky to have an Instructor this thorough

[@ScannerDanner]

I appreciate that!

[@fascistpedant758]

A 7/32 socket works well on 5.5 mm. Thanks again. Have a nice day.

[@brianmason1414]

That's awesome to know... thank you! I have 5.5s, but in case of loss, knowledge is power...

[@hotrodpaully1]

Was going to post the same you beat me to it

[@spelunkerd]

Even when I think I know most of this I still pick up clarifying details. Thanks for the effort Paul!

[@wyattoneable]

Isn't that the truth. I learn something every time.

[@MultiBlotter]

Outstanding explanation skills how you go into detail and explain things so the layperson can understand !

[@mikechiodetti6737]

I'm always hesitant to remove plug wires from the coil with the engine running. Got bit enough times to know better, especially with old wires! Good Job and theory of operation, plus Nice Diag!

[@karpenterken1]

Same here. That's why I bought good quality boot pulling pliers many years ago, straight and angled. They aren't the answer to all boot pulls, but they'll do most.

[@mikechiodetti6737]

@@karpenterken1 Years ago I built a box with 8 spark plugs wires coming out of it, with spark plug ends in a "pass through" "Y." You plugged in the plug tip end to the plug and the plug wire end to the sp plug wire from the distributor. The wire to the box was grounded to see if the the cylinder was working. Beats getting zapped!

[@Mr2004MCSS]

Great video. I have a 92 Cavalier with the 2.2L that uses this same type of control module and coil setup. I've had to change both the module and coils a couple of times over the years. It seems like when a coil goes bad, it can take out the module. About two years ago I replaced the control module and one coil because the module went out and the coil had a crack in it. A year later the module goes out again and the coil that I didn't replace the previous year now had a crack in it too. Plugs and wires were also fairly new. This system has never seemed like it was trouble free as I've had several cavaliers with this setup and I've had to do control modules and coils on them all.

[@ruadorodel4030]

Now u have a new subscriber and a student as well fr philippines. I keep watching and watching ur tutorials im a new mechanic and it really helps me a lot.. Thanks for sharing ur knowledges..

[@ScannerDanner]

Awesome!

[@dans_Learning_Curve]

Great video! You should start all of your videos with the introduction you gave on this one. People are all ways looking for the quick fix.

[@shacklefordduh6849]

THANK YOU for using the old school test light. You're the man bro!

[@wyattoneable]

Your very good at explaining the process and including typical KZbin watcher concerns/questions ahead of time.

[@ScannerDanner]

thanks Wyatt, it comes from hearing those questions in my head before they are even asked. How? Because I hear you guys in my head all the time! lol

[@chrismechanic2000]

straight to it, another example of not forgetting to check your basic's first, nice vid mr danner.

[@Matbug1812]

The longer the wind, the more information!

[@8953147]

Thanks for the emphasis on checking the plugs and leads, when troubleshooting a bad coil. Great teaching point!!

[@samcripes3046]

It's nice to see you back. Been following a long time it seems like. Hate to see the nasty comments some leave. Give Caleb huge hugs from us from around the world.

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks man! But I haven't gone anywhere have I? Just curious, I've been uploading here consistently, more so since Caleb is helping me, but I've not had any long time away periods. Maybe you just weren't being notified?

[@Andyandcars]

You earned a like for taking 50,000 volts⚡️

[@haze541bsn]

Thank you so much for this video I have been waiting to see you have a car with the 3800 engine I have one in my 01 Monte Carlo SS If you remember im the one who posted a comment about diagnosing a no start (no crank) only using a test light and the cause being the transmission because the neutral safety is inside of it as part of the electronic gear selector if im saying that right just one thing I want to point out is that on my 3800 that btw has less than 100k on it is that it also has that secondary air pump it's mounted low under the air box and can be seen by removing the driver's side headlight. Anyway thanks for posting another great video and your book is #1 on my wish list for the holidays 👍

[@Viper81766]

His book is beyond amazing . It has helped me more than the dozens of other books I have all put together . Best automotive teacher on Earth .

[@quangnhatnguyen1172]

I like the footage when you looked around finding Danner. It made me smile! :)

[@garysasinowski6078]

Appreciate the great videos. I have two cars with the 3.8 GM engine; this was very helpful for checking for bad coil packs. Thanks.

[@SmittySmithsonite]

AHH! Got you right in the thumbnail! I hate when that happens, lol - I think it scares the crap out of me more than it hurts, every time. :D Was just thinking of how much money this video would've saved me if it had come out when I first got my driver's license. HEI modules, coils, maybe even caps and rotors. I always ran plug wires until the spark came out of the sides of them, and the plug gap could only be measured with an Allen wrench. Back in those days, the stuff still lasted quite a while before it would cook! Great one as usual, brother! I lol'ed at Caleb bustin' your chops again. :D

[@ekimbrough1413]

Still with you Paul.

[@renj6531]

I thought the 3800 ceased to exist with the Lesabre in 2005, you learn something new everyday

[@porcupinepunch6893]

That's when the Series Ⅲ 3800 started

[@arthurfricchione8119]

Paul and Caleb excellent video with great theory. Thanks for showing the scope pattern. Very informative. Going back to chap.one to refresh my brain. 👍👍👍

[@peanutbutterisfu]

Brave man I never touch any ignition system parts when running had to many bad experiences lol

[@hakocet3490]

Well done educated video, i love that you show us how things really work, million thanks🤙

[@rusty6666]

Nice work dan love the content and the way you explain all the the details on how to check everything that will and can cause the issues ....Thanks...

[@jamessvetlovics4948]

Idk if you will see this cuz I'm 7 months late sry buy I dont watch you that much anymore, but this video just got me excited again like when I first started watching u, I love when you go in depth and then beyond to actually understand what the problem is, I think I'll even subscribe to ur website again just because of this video, keep em coming just like this, but on more complex problems, love u danner

[@ScannerDanner]

Thank you!

[@billyyoder8171]

Thank you again Danners cubed. Good job. Have a blessed and safe week.

[@billk5727]

Thanks Paul and Caleb. Enjoyed the entire video and picked up plenty of tips with the discussion. TakeCare, Bill

[@garysgarage.2841]

I got an old snap on kV tester that works great and fits in your back pocket. Got it new over 30 years ago but over the years with coil on plug setup's it graduated to my old school never used tool box.

[@mule761]

Just watched the 86 Mustang show brought back some nightmares for me on a 91 E150 had two reputable shops that could not find the problem and that being it would quit without warning multiple modules were installed turn down to be distributor wasn't grounded to the block had corrosion between the two what a nightmare thanks again

[@BigDog50001]

Great diag Paul!

[@richardcranium5839]

excellent video! i was thinking hook up a scope and do that test so people could see the results as they show on a screen and you did ! now if you only showed the old time pencil test for polarity.... but then who runs a beer can coil anymore. i always liked the raster and parade views on the old sun scope for comparisons. made life simple except for dragging that heavy monster across the shop.

[@codysautodiagnosticsprogra8706]

Always appreciate your lessons and education.

[@hatfez]

Vice grips... Used as replacement for broken water valve handles & weak hood struts in shops all over the world!

[@leethalweapon6529]

I was looking all day for a tutorial on this. Thank you so much, I’m a do it myselfr lol

[@metinhalil574]

Great vid Paul and Caleb. Thanks again from Australia 👍

[@brotherbrian1]

Great video as always Danner. I always learn something new from them(except the TPMS one. LOL).

[@haywardsautomotive6156]

I already received my T-shirt and my hoodie will arrive Monday. You live dangerous Paul pulling away secondary wires from the sparkplug w/o plug wire insulated pliers especially without misting them to check for spark leakage. I've been bit too many times and was waiting for you to saw "Crap" and don't do this to check for cracked or leaking spark plug wire 🤣 The best secondary wire test set is the Pico PP361 Mixmaster Secondary Signal Mixer 1 and has 12 channels to do up to 12 cyl engines. It comes with 4 secondary pickup leads and you can order a PP339 Mixmaster Set of 4 HT Pickup Lead Set to do 8 cyl and 2 sets to do 12 cyl engines. Pico also has PP400 which is COP Ext Lead Set of 4. The Pico Mixmaster blows the Snap-on Set out of the water just like the Pico scope blows the Snap-on out of the water. I loved my Snap-on scope until I bought my Pico thanks to Eric O from SMA and I'll grab my Pico first if I need detail & long time base without scope aliasing. If I need a scan tool and scope I'll use my Snap-on unless I need the detail of a Pico.

[@ScannerDanner]

thank you my friend!

[@VoltageDropDiagnostics]

Another great video Paul! I really want to take a class on secondary ignition myself. Question though. On these coils, would you have been able to backprobe the module connector and see primary ignition? Its been a while since ive worked on these engines, so I cant remember, or not.

[@ablackformula]

The current ramp was obtained from the primary ignition side. If you're looking for the voltage waveform, you probably can not get it at the module since the transistors are inside the module. However, if you removed a coil and put jumpers in it's place, you should be able to probe at the jumper.

[@ScannerDanner]

The driver and power feed for the primary circuit is underneath each coil so you cannot view primary ignition voltage waveforms on this model. But you can view the PCM to ICM control signals, and primary current of course. Thanks!

[@ScannerDanner]

@@ablackformula there you go, jumper wires and it can be done :-)

[@manuelamaya826]

Thanks for video, with knowledge and test light solved the fault. See you and next video.

[@571919]

GREAT REPAIR VIDEO GREAT MECHANIC!!!

[@michaeljerryscarbrough]

Caleb ? Sorry if I misspelled. Your video’s are great. Keep up the good work.

[@rm5902]

Priceless Apprecuate the detail

[@dmorley100]

@26:21 I thought about buying that Secondary Ignition Adaptor years ago, but I found that Snap-on had a single cylinder ignition pickup and an adapter that plugged it into the Vantage Pro that I wound up going with. You can only look at the ignition waveform of one cylinder at a time, unless of course you were working on something real old with a distributor and a separate ignition coil and coil wire that fed into the distributor. I’d have to play around with it some to get it in the right spot, but a lot of times, I can even use that pickup to look at secondary waveforms on coil on plug setups.

[@ALZWE-LIBYAN-CAR-ELECTRICIAN]

Paul.. Question but not for this video... I'm from Libya... If I bought some of your products in your amazon shop will be in the same package? Or every product will be it self? I mean by weight. If one product 1Ib Second 2Ib Other 3Ib Will be in one package contain 6Ib. Or will be 3 packages?...

[@eddiereichel9354]

I had to rewind to catch the "shocking moment" Been there done that. And I mean while its funny it really dont feel fine.

[@PaulyD0859]

That is a HUGE shop! Does your brother wear roller skates?

[@nigelclark7360]

We used to do that test Coil reserve test back in the 60s pulling one plug lead off making the coil voltage high in the dark if there is an HR leak it would show up as small Sparks and sometimes depending up on the amount of leakage you would hear a cracking sound

[@PaulWattsSpringGunning]

When I saw the original wires I thought you might have a carbon track. Ran into that a few times on 3.8s. It would pop right out under the boot to coil mounting bolt next to it. That problem would have transferred with new coils and module.

[@Pablo_Automotive]

Another great weekend whith the team Danner thanks

[@mr.nobody4900]

Excellent case study, A + Rating.

[@dtnel]

It said your suretrack subscription is expired. If so call em and say you just bought the tool and ask what kind of deals they have as you've been looking at them, identifix and alldata and they'll make you a offer cheaper than the last price you posted. I think I got it for $145ish before taxes which taxes bring it to $160ish or so. Yeah now that he's got you down there he don't have to diagnose anymore. I'm sure being the brother there's not a downside to that. Keep up the good work! Still thinking about heading to Philly this week but would like to get a couple guys to go to Super Saturday with me.

[@vizualizeit08]

Thank you so much for your time an another great video!

[@johnmckamy6398]

how could anybody thumbs down this video ?

[@fire7765]

Thanks for your education your book is great.

[@ScannerDanner]

thank so much for the support!

[@xaviergonzalez5145]

You are a beast Paul! I am saving money to buy your book! God bless you!

[@HomieHektor]

Xavier Gonzalez subscribe to his on-line class, it’s worth it 💯 %

[@ScannerDanner]

@@HomieHektor thank you!

[@ScannerDanner]

@Xavier Gonzalez thank you!

[@dtnel]

Online class and videos are golden. I've used the videos more than once to reference back to on something I was working on while working on it. I take my smartphone which can share the data with my scan tools and my iPad so I can pull stuff up on site. One thing to remember though if you ever get shopkeypro and are a mobile mechanic make sure that's part of the subscription. I actually wrote it in the contract that I signed, scanned and emailed back to them as they monitor piracy closely so when they see you popping up on different ip addresses which are tied to different cities as mobile data can be they won't shut you down for violation of terms of service. They know my Snap-On scan tool serial number and know what other scan tools and devices I use to access their database so I'm good. I stay under the 6 user threshold so im sure that helps. On a side note @Scannerdanner check the 19.4 update as they'll have the access for FCA vehicles. You as a tech, shop or tech with a shop invited by them have to register. Gives you FCA authentication as with the networks they want to know who's in these cars if they're doing network diagnostics for repairing and deleting codes afterwards. Fee is $50 per year. After so many techs on plan each addl per shop is $2 per tech. So basically since as a business I paid the $50 I can put xxx amount of employees on for example and after so many then each addl will cost $2 per employee. Another way for them to get more money. That fee will have to be amortized to the customers thru the shop fees thru the year. More ADAS functions as well were added. Works with alot of the newer scan tools such as Solus Edge, Modis Edge, Verus Pro, the D8 and the other they came out with in the same 6 month stretch as the D8 along with the Zeus and other mentioned ones in the update flyer. This would be for the FCA access. I haven't dealt with the FCA yet so I'll hold on paying the $50 fee. Do you or anyone else know if the new FCA deal will work thru the OBDII or will we need the workaround FCA cable that plugs in over center console area as I have that as I had someone who I was going to do a job for once and they backed out last second. One thing I've found is people sure squak alot about paying a scan fee but I tell them I'm not going to just throw parts at your car. Paul you've helped me alot with my confidence as moving from class 8yrs ago to automotive which I'd actually did in high school but gravitated away from until the last few years. I've always did my own repair work and even did the parts cannon a time or two and out of frustration from the dealers misdiagnosis and refusal to acknowledge or even refund for it I bought your book in 2014ish and the rest has been history! 🙏 👍👍👍👍

[@leepennington4649]

ZAP!!! I saw it coming!!! LOL!!! Sorry bud but it was hilarious! Plus I know how it feels.

[@randygould4109]

great old school diag . great one for the new bees to watch

[@johnlenoir1023]

My brother had a truck with a 350 while V8 would that same spider injection crap could never never get it to run right for more than a couple of days he eventually sold the truck because of that thank you for your video

[@kevinshasteen5682]

Just FYI you arent long winded. All the little gurly boys gettin their pannies in a wad complaining can go somewhere else. Be as long winded as you like; thats how we learn. Wish your stuff was around in the early 80's when I first began wrenching. The 3.8 had a long life; accept for its ignition it was a really dependable engine. Keep up the great work you do. When's Kaleb gonna becomes a line tech ;)

[@ScannerDanner]

Thanks Kevin! And as far as Caleb following this path, he won't be, he will fix his own cars I am sure, but he has a different path to walk :-)

[@vaughndibble4598]

A good tool for this is a GTC505 engine ignition analyzer and cost wont brak the bank and it works vary good

[@kevinedward1234]

Paul, great video as always!!!!!!

[@christopherhummel1904]

i love all your videos. what scanner do u use .

[@ScannerDanner]

Typically the Snap-On Verus Edge

[@frugalprepper]

What would the KV look like on the companion cylinder of the open plug/wire? Hmm... I need to get my scope out and rig something up and borrow my mom's Lacrosse (For a "oil change"). I always keep a good used control module for a 3.1/3.4 and 3.8 and a 3 coils from the junk yard in my mobile load out. That a quick $100 when you see one broke down on the side of the road!

[@ScannerDanner]

I have that exact scenario in one of the two videos posted in the description under "related videos" . I showed the companion cylinder on a waste spark system with an open plug wire

[@ScannerDanner]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3evkoWalJqqmZo (it is at this exact time frame)

[@frugalprepper]

@@ScannerDanner You're the man Paul! God Bless you. I've learned so much from you that I've turned diagnosing and fixing cars into a stable side income to support my family. I continue to build relationships with local garages and customers, and one day it may be my full time job. I don't have all the cool tools yet, but when you understand the theory of operation, can form a hypotheses, and find a way to test it you can fix anything. Maybe one day soon, I can leave Network Engineering and IT Support behind me for good! You have taught me so much.

[@ScannerDanner]

so awesome to hear my friend! keep up the great work

[@thisthatwhatsup-mh3hq]

You seem like a really good mechanic it's a shame you don't live near me I would take my car to your place we have lousy mechanics where I live. My question is when I took the spark plug cable off, the spark was shooting around the coil away from the coil without a probe. Does that mean my ignition modular is going? I just removed 1 spark plug cable from a coil got shocked as removing it, and the spark from the coil was shooting around. I did not even have a chance to put a light probe next to it. Would that by chance my ignition modular is going bad?. Thank You

[@toddbrader8687]

I have an sia 2000, nice to use on older vehicles and to look at rasters. (Didn’t pay $1000). Use my inductive probe the most and my amp probe. Think I might have destroyed a coil by not checking the plug and wire wave forms after replacement. Good info

[@scientist100]

I have a random miss, P0300. Looked at scan data history and all had some sort of miss, others higher than others and it is inconsistent. Live data has some random misses but not consistent. LTFT are both sitting at 25, short terms are around the same at idle. No change to longs when accelerating but short do go to 0. I'm suspecting fuel delivery problem. This is a 2001 Suburban.

[@lukeleon8785]

Hey paul. Great vid as always. I have been wanting to test spark with a test light for a while the way that you demonstrate. Is there a certain type of test light you have to use? And can it be hooked up to battery negative or only a body or engine ground? Thanks

[@ScannerDanner]

Incandescent bulb only! No LED lights. You can find the light I'm using here www.amazon.com/shop/scannerdanner

[@ScannerDanner]

Oh and use anything metal on the car. I try to stay away from the battery for this test

[@lukeleon8785]

Awesome, thanks heaps

[@russgerner5689]

well done brother. 100% great video very helpful

[@alexismoreira9578]

Wow absolutely good video thanks

[@pierre-yveslavigne9688]

Ok I'm following you're video...😎

[@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268]

Is this an analog test light? What resistance and current does it support?

[@ScannerDanner]

Yep, regularly incandescent bulb and it draws about 200ma

[@ScannerDanner]

Any incandescent bulb can handle the energy from an ignition coil as it is very low amperage and high voltage

[@mobilecommunicationsnetwor5268]

@@ScannerDanner Thanks for taking the time to reply Appreciate it.

[@gxiong3917]

Friday car gremlins are the worst... 😩😝😄😔😀 AND YES, Your diagnosis thought process is GRADE A. Whenever I fix my friends cars, they always ask me if the end issue was something so easy to fix and replace, why is it taking me so long to fix? Because during the diagnosis process I have like 4-5 things going threw my mind, and I'm narrowing it down. Also it helps, because ya might find other or future issues. After the OBD scan, A stupid argument would be from that one (being nice) idiot person saying, but the coil works, see? And it gets really aggrevated when ya have to show it & prove it to them, and then.... explain all of it in layman terms so that they can comprehend the issue. SMH Great job fixing the car, and for the video. 👍👍

[@aussiefirestorm]

Thumbs..... up Paul!

[@MonzaRacer]

You could also test with old school MT2500 (if I remember number correctly)"scope on a rope" it just has dial and flashing light but was my spark checker for many years before buying my first MT2400 at yardsale for $1!

[@ScannerDanner]

the MT2500 was a scanner (red brick), the MT2400 was the original Vantage

[@TheCarTakerGarage]

That is awesome.Greetings from Norway ,Stefan :)

[@rhkips]

Super-quick way to rule out an open in the plugs and wires on these 3800s, pull both boots off the coil while the vehicle is running. A good coil pack should be able to jump spark between the two towers. If it doesn't jump, you've removed the secondary side and proven a bad coil. Of course, still gotta verify control and whatnot!

[@ScannerDanner]

I've always liked that test until I got burned on it once. The coil had good spark on one tower and weak on the other. With both plug wires off, it looked perfect and jumped the gap between the two towers perfectly. It was only when I did the test with the test light individually that I could see it. I ran in circles for a few on that one.

[@rhkips]

Oh geeze, yeah, that'd drive me bonkers too! Hadn't thought about that; you can have a failure mode that will pass current, but not produce current.

[@fascistpedant758]

That's one of Paul's old tricks. I was expecting him to demonstrate it again.

[@ScannerDanner]

@@fascistpedant758 I stopped using it after I got burned by it, it is still a good test but it has a variable

[@fascistpedant758]

@@ScannerDanner It's not uncommon for them to fire one cylinder but fail to fire it's companion. A crack at one tower would explain that. Also, it probably takes ~60kv or more to jump between the towers. That could damage an older, otherwise viable coil, or possibly even the driver.

[@danjensen100]

Hey Paul, regarding secondary waveforms, on the vehicle's I work on we need to use secondary "wands" such as the Pico COP probe (which is actually the only one I currently have access to) on most of the systems due to coil design. I have found it pretty frustrating to get a consistent waveform especially in regards to scaling and firing line kv. When moving around to different coils or between two different cars (for comparison) the waveform can seem to change in size/scaling and the firing line kv can sometimes seem to be "not dependable". Is this just a trait of secondary probes? Is there one probe that is better than the other (is the Wyze better than the Pico?) Or is it most likely user error? Thanks, Dan

[@ScannerDanner]

this is a trait of ALL secondary ignition probes and some coils (the ones with a build in driver) are almost impossible to get a secondary waveform from

[@ahmednajim3752]

Does this coil probe can catch tire pressure sensor? It would be awesome if it does. Quick and easy fix, nice case study

[@ScannerDanner]

not sure

[@emmanuelmata]

better then my auto tech classes in community college

[@maxtrowbridge60]

Any way of checking them if it wont run.ran with the old plugs and wires new ones wont start now

[@eliorocha10]

What are you using to test the coils? (to test the spark) circuit tester?

[@ScannerDanner]

Nope, just a simple incandescent bulb style test light. Do NOT use an LED type test light

[@Dhi-fe5eu]

Genius. The GM dealership would have said replace spark plugs, wires, coil packs and module.

[@alexmessina3383]

Thanks as always Paul. I'm curious about the negative current tail on the current ramp. What is the theory behind a current flow in the opposite direction to conventional, and how is it related/caused by a bad secondary winding. Would like to understand this. Cheers, Alex

[@ScannerDanner]

if the energy cannot be released properly, it will "ring" the winding and oscillate back and forth with each oscillation being weaker and weaker, so somewhere in there lies the answer to the current waveform. Sorry, best I got

[@aileenwagner2576]

Thank u!! This was very interesting!!