Hey all,

Car is running like poop, idling low and is slow to gain revs. I found that when I hold my fingers around the leading wires I can feel a pulsing. Then when I pinch the wire and ground it with another finger I get shocked. There is still spark from the coil to the wire.

Thanks

 

inspect the wires for cracks. check the resistance across the wires.

 

Double check your spark plugs for a burned away center electrode.

Most likely the wires are gone, replace them.
The insulation has broken down and much of your ignition energy is leaving before getting to the spark plugs.

PROTIP: For a less painful way to test plug wires, spray them with water (windex bottle will work well) and watch for sparks in the dark.


I suggest NGK brand wires to go with the NGK brand plugs. Fairly inexpensive and good quality. No need for high priced "performance" wires on a stock vehicle.

 

The NGK wires I have are a year and a bit old (along with my stock NGK plugs), and I didn't see any breaks in the wire when I checked...
Both of the leading wires are doing this and they started acting up at the same time - both today after washing the car,which makes me think it's something to do with the coil pack, no?

When I go back down to parking I'll check with a spray bottle and I'll try swapping the trailing wires onto the leading coil to eliminate some variables. I don't have access to a multimeter since I'm not at home for the weekend - major inconvenience that it started today lol.

 

I laughed when I read this thread and the posts.

I have replaced the engine but still have the stock 21yr old spark plug wires that came with the car. Resistance it a bit higher than spec but for 21yr old wires...****.

I need new wires, yes, but unfortunately I have other stuff to fix. My new engine needs a new transmission.