Toyota Repair: distributor coil, camry xle, electronic distributer

Question
1992 camry xle 2.2 liter, electronic distributer, car will turn over but wont start. I have been told to use a "test light" to check for a ground signal trigger at the the neg side of the distributor coil. What is this "test light"? Can it be purchased or is there another way to test for this ground signal trigger?

Answer
You can get a 12volt testlight at most autoparts stores for less than $20.  The coil is usually tested by checking for battery voltage at the positive side of the coil terminal, it should be a steady 12 volts with the key on, the coil can also be tested with an ohm meter. In a lot of cases the coil will short out and either develop cracks or arc to ground causing no spark.