Triumph Repair: spitfire 1500, test light, electrical problem

Question
we read the answer to the question about the car starting but not running when you put the key in the on position and we have the same problem. we checked and theres no power at the coil so we wanted to know if there are any other things we can do to find out what it is before we buy any of the parts? thanks

Answer
Hi Cody,
I must have dropped the ball if I didn't also say to NEVER buy a part until you have run tests to see what part has failed.

Any electrical problem needs to be tested using a wiring diagram and a test light and either starting at the "Load" (what ever item don't work) and testing for power and ground and then if it has no power (as you say is your case too) use the test light at each joint in that circuit all the way back to the "Source". (the battery) Some mechanics start at the battery and go toward the load but I like starting at the item that don't work and go toward the power supply.

If you don't have a diagram let me know what year car you have and I will put one on my web site for you to copy.
Howard