How to test an ignition:
1. Remove the top cover on the saw to expose the spark plug.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Place the sparkplug wire onto the sparkplug but do not install the spark plug into the cylinder, leave it dangling loose.
4. Hold the boot on the end of the sparkplug wire with your hand and place the electrode tip of the sparkplug onto a metal surface on the saw (the cylinder for example). The spark plug should remain in the spark plug boot.
5. Using your other hand pull the starter cord quickly.
6. If your ignition works you should see blue sparks where the plug is being grounded on a metal surface. (make sure your ignition switch is in the on position)

More technical method:
1. Remove the top cover on the saw to expose the spark plug.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Attach one end of alligator clip wire to the spark plug boot, make sure the clip contacts the metal conducting surface inside the boot.
4. Attach the other end of the alligator clip wire to the hot end of a digital multimeter
5. Touch a good metal surface ground with your ground probe on the multimeter
6. Set the multimeter to 20v DC
7. Pull the saw over and look for the multimeter to react. Fluctuating readings means it works, no action and the ignition doesn’t work.

Less technical method:
1. Remove the top cover on the saw to expose the spark plug.
2. Remove the spark plug.
3. Place the sparkplug wire onto the sparkplug but do not install the spark plug into the cylinder, leave it dangling loose.
4. Hold the metal threaded part of the spark plug in one hand and pull the saw over with the other.
5. If you feel a shock the ignition works
Sometimes I use this method in high light situations when I can’t see the spark directly. It gives a very positive yes or no result.