Removing plug wire while engine running to test if its firing?

Question

i have a misfire and want to test which cylinder is not firing can it be ok to remove spark plug wires while engine running? and just stick them back in? or could i get shocked or mess something up? thanks!

Answer 1

If you are touching the car car when you pull them you will get shocked!!! The better way is to fell for the cold spark plug or just to pull the plugs and see witch one is not fireing.

Answer 2

should be ok, just be carefull.  I did that once, and got a nasty jolt....ouch ouch ouch....LOL

Answer 3

sure! no problem this is the easiest way... it is acually better to pull them from the distributor (because sometimes the wires are in tight and hot places) but yea just be very careful not to get shocked and remove them/ replace them one by one and reinsert them again BE CAREFUL and everything will be perfectly fine man! good luck!

Answer 4

yes you can do it. it is a good way to see which cylinder is not working. you might get shocked, but it will not hurt you. yes it will tickle alittle.  when you have bad wires that is when you get shocked the most. the automakers are making it so that this trick will not work anymore. once a cylinder starts to misfire it will shut off the coil and injector so raw gas does not get to the cat.

Answer 5

you might get zapped doing it that way. pull a plug wire off, stick a old plug in the wire and ground it on top of the engine, have someone crank the engine and look for spark.

Answer 6

DO NOT REMOVE SPARK PLUG WHILE ENGINE RUNNING.  You can buy a spark plug tester from your local auto parts store you put your plug wire on it and clip it to the block or chase ground and have some one turn over the engine to see if it is fireing.  or if you have a timing light  it will work on all of your wires.  (to see if it is firing not for timing.)  good luck