How can I check my XJ for spark, by myself? Normally I'd have someone else crank while I'm under the hood, but that's not an option at the moment. Any clever tricks, or do I have to wait until I can get a second person here?

 

You can hook up a timing light and position it so you can see from the cab. Another way would be to use a remote starter.

 

position a plug lead towards driver side so end is visible from outside drivers door, tape it ~3mm from a good earth, reach in thru drivers window and crank

or a spark plug..or a cheap little tool called a "spark tester" low light makes it easier to observe spark color

 

This inspired me to fix my remote starter key fob - it's been a while since a car alarm would have done me any good - and I've got spark! Thanks, brother.

 

Glad to "inspire". lol I'm not hi tech enough to have even thought about using a remote starter. Never used one before. Believe or not I never even used a cell phone. GOOD job. And your quite welcome.

 

remove starter relay

remove housing from starter relay

install starter relay

turn ignition on

squeeze contacts on starter relay to engage starter

hold coil wire to check for spark