Which component would you check if a vehicle is not starting and there is no spark at the plugs?

When a vehicle is not starting and shows no spark at the spark plugs, the ignition coil is a critical component to check first. The ignition coil is responsible for converting the low voltage from the battery into the high voltage needed to create a spark at the spark plugs. If the ignition coil is faulty or damaged, it will not produce the necessary high voltage, leading to a no-spark condition.

In such a scenario, checking the ignition coil could reveal whether it is functioning properly. If the coil is defective, it would need to be replaced to restore the ability of the engine to start by firing the spark plugs.

The other components mentioned, while important, do not directly affect the spark at the plugs. The battery is responsible for providing the initial electrical power, the starter motor is involved in cranking the engine, and the fuel pump delivers fuel to the engine, none of which directly relates to the generation of a spark for ignition. Therefore, the ignition coil stands out as the primary component to investigate in this situation.