Testing spark with an actual spark plug is not a great way to diagnose no spark.

You need to get one of these ($5 at autozone)


Also the MFR is above your left foot (if you were sitting in the drivers seat with your left foot extended just to the right of the dead pedal)

The case is anchored to the car via a (10mm?) bolt. You dont need to remove the whole case, you can get a small flat head and pop out the internal solenoid and leave the case attached to the car. This is what I did. Once its out you need to examine the solder joints for signs of stress. And yes when you turn your key on it should click a couple times.


However the fact that the dash lights aren't coming on too points to the ignition switch. Try wiggling the key when you are reproducing the symptoms. Its not a fool proof test but if it changes things then it confirms the ignition switch.