Hey... is there a simple way to check for spark without pulling the spark plugs out?

I'm having a little problem getting my A6 started and I'm trying to go through the process of elimination.

1. Battery died so I put a new one in this morning. Car ran fine before the battery died.

2. Checked all the fuses to see if anything electrical was a mess... nothing there.

3. Used starter fluid to see if the engine would fire... nothing happened there... I thought it might be a fuel pump issue or a fuel pump fuse.

4, Checked all the fuses... nothing wrong there.

Anyway I was wondering if it's electrical and wanted to see if there is a quick way to check for spark without pulling the plugs.

HELP!!!!!!!!

 

1.Spark plugs are specific for engine code.
2.Bentley specifies Bosch models that are no where to be found.
3.Dealers sell PFR6Q for wide range of applications.

An outstanding article-step-by-step replacing spark plugs:

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng82.shtml

 

There is a such thing called "Spark Tester"....Arizona Autohaus (if you're in need to buy parts) has one for around $ 6, but I'm sure you can find one at your local AutoZone.
You just touch the wire and the tester lights up as spark passes through the wire.

P.S> BTW, thanks nemohm and ocaudica for your inputs, guys.

 

Pulled the intake boot and put my hand over the snorkel... son turned the engine over and got pressure coming in and out.

Pulled the timing belt cover and the belt isn't spinning.

Looks like the timing belt broke.

 

By the way, replacing the plugs on that 2003 2.7T looks like a "major" PITA comparative with the '95 2.8 L.

 

Has anyone ever used the Pulstar Pulse Plugs. They are $50 a pair so they either must be good or they are duping folks. They say they are 20,000 X higher current than traditional plugs. Anyways, if anyone has any feedback on this it would be great to hear. The feedback at apw is quite good, but it is only three feedbacks.

http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/de...2004QQBE1.html

 

For whomever purchases/prefers Bosch plugs:

Sparktacular 2009 Year-Round Rebate Promotion

 

Based on the above reference to sparkplugs.com I was able to find this info on the new Pulstar plugs:

http://www.sparkplugs.com/sparkplug4...Results&mfid=0

+3 HP and +3Tq is hardly worth the money, but if you also get improved gas mileage, it might be worth considering.

 

It looks to me that the Iridium plugs offer the best bang for the buck in the performance category. I think the NGK (HP) or Denso (Tq) plugs seem good. I am in no hurry to make this decision, but that is where I am leaning after looking over all the data at Sparkplugs.com

 

For the time being I will try the Bosch+4, as I already purchased them before initiating the thread.

I can anytime switch to NGK or Bosch Iridium, as are readily available at AutoZone/O'Reillys. On top of everything else, the spark plugs are cheap parts (excluding the Pulstar, if not racing...lol), easily replaceable anytime unlike something else.