Is it safe to stick a screwdriver in the #1 sparkplug wire while cranking to check for spark?
I dont want to get blown off my feet..haha

 

I don't know if that's safe or not, but I wouldn't try that. Here's an inline spark tester. It's much safer.

 

Yeah I have done that before, just make darn sure you have the blade of the screwdriver closer to a ground path then you have your hand!! But I would recommend using a tester though.But in a pinch it will work.

 

Will it damage the ignition or computer to remove the plug wire at the cap and hold it about a half-inch away from the contact? That's how I've done it on older vehicles - haven't needed to diagnose on this system. Pretty easy to spot spark while cranking using that technique.

 

I haven't had any problems.....except for the time that the screwdriver slipped and the spark must have travelled into my hand and exited from my elbow which was about 1/4" from the fender....ouch!
Now I prefer to use an inline spark tester.

 

I pull spark plug wires all the time... But then again, that's on lawnmowers and tillers that the throttle cable is fubar on... A little bitty jolt and nothing major...

Probably a bit more oomph in an automotive system, lol