what's a proper way of checking if your engines actually getting a spark?

I was talking to my mechanic today as I was getting an oil change for my crown vic.

I told him that my gta stalled on me and that it isn't running right now. I told him exactly what happened and he thinks it's basically not getting any spark. so how do I check?
he said something about briding it with a screw driver.

thanks.

simon.

 

Just pull any plug, put the boot back on and press the thin little L shaped thing (on the end of the plug, across from the tiny cylinder shaped thing) against a clean ground (a clean spot on your engine, chassis etc) get someone to turn it over and you should see a spark, if you dont, then check another cylinder or two to be sure.
greg

 

Yeah, put the screwdriver in the wire. Then lay it against something metal and you should see an arc.

Course you could take a wire off witht he motor running, if you get shocked, it's working right.

 

I'll wear some thick rubber gloves so I don't fry my ***

ok so I think I got it.

screwdriver to wire to clean ground must see arc

 

Err ya sorry the driver in wire test sounds better/quicker. My test is too see if your plugs are firing alright as well. But if I remember correctly they way your car broke down it wouldnt be the plugs...
greg

 

I'm going to visit the car soon. It's at the farm right now sleeping

they have a charger there so I hooked it up so the battery should be fine but I had to leave before I got a chance to see if with the full battery she would start.

something I neglected to mention is that the car had stalled once before.

I went to east side marios with my girl for dinner. about half an hour. we drove through the parking lot because she wanted to go to a store for some clothes. we came out and I tried to start the car and there was nothing. the engine wouldn't even crank. dash lights came on though. I poped the hood and let the car sit for about 3 minutes. after that I didn't have any probs for a long time.

 

another question.

before this **** with my car started to happen I heard a buzzing sound coming from the spark plugs or in their direction. even my buddy said so because we where looking under the hood like the monkeys we are.

it's sounded basically like a cut wire of some kind. buzz buzz buzz

I dunno. bah!

 

I would rather use the sparkplug against ground test... a screw driver may put too much strain on the ignition system?