Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Got a no spark condition with your MSD, Hyperspark, Mallory, or Accel ignition box? In this video, the Holley Tech Center walks you step-by-step through ignition troubleshooting to help quickly diagnose spark issues on carbureted or EFI setups, including Sniper EFI.
Before replacing parts, we cover the basics:
• Checking 12V switched power and main power/ground
• Inspecting wiring, connectors, fuses, and relays
• Understanding how Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI) systems work
• Testing points-style and magnetic pickup distributors
• How to test your ignition box the right way
• Diagnosing distributor, rotor, cap, and coil problems
Unlike traditional inductive ignition systems, MSD, Hyperspark, Mallory, and Accel CDI boxes discharge 420–570 volts to the coil, so proper testing procedures are critical. We’ll show you how to safely trigger the white wire or magnetic pickup connector to verify operation and determine whether the ignition box is at fault or if there are other problems like the coil or wiring.
We also cover MSD ignition testers:
Part #8998 - Set rev limits & test MSD units: holley.com/products/tools/ignition_tools_and_testers/parts/8998
Part #89981 - Universal ignition tester for multi-channel & coil-per-cylinder systems: holley.com/products/tools/ignition_tools_and_testers/parts/89981
Whether you're running a carbureted, EFI, or Sniper EFI setup, this guide will help you get back to making spark fast.
Learn more about Holley ignition systems at Holley.com and MSDIgnition.com.
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @HolleyPerformance
Facebook: facebook.com/HolleyPerformance
Got a no spark condition with your MSD, Hyperspark, Mallory, or Accel ignition box? In this video, the Holley Tech Center walks you step-by-step through ignition troubleshooting to help quickly diagnose spark issues on carbureted or EFI setups, including Sniper EFI.
Before replacing parts, we cover the basics:
• Checking 12V switched power and main power/ground
• Inspecting wiring, connectors, fuses, and relays
• Understanding how Capacitive Discharge Ignition (CDI) systems work
• Testing points-style and magnetic pickup distributors
• How to test your ignition box the right way
• Diagnosing distributor, rotor, cap, and coil problems
Unlike traditional inductive ignition systems, MSD, Hyperspark, Mallory, and Accel CDI boxes discharge 420–570 volts to the coil, so proper testing procedures are critical. We’ll show you how to safely trigger the white wire or magnetic pickup connector to verify operation and determine whether the ignition box is at fault or if there are other problems like the coil or wiring.
We also cover MSD ignition testers:
Part #8998 - Set rev limits & test MSD units: holley.com/products/tools/ignition_tools_and_testers/parts/8998
Part #89981 - Universal ignition tester for multi-channel & coil-per-cylinder systems: holley.com/products/tools/ignition_tools_and_testers/parts/89981
Whether you're running a carbureted, EFI, or Sniper EFI setup, this guide will help you get back to making spark fast.
Learn more about Holley ignition systems at Holley.com and MSDIgnition.com.
Follow us on social media:
Instagram: @HolleyPerformance
Facebook: facebook.com/HolleyPerformance
