500 SEL Ignition

[lakeside 500]

My wife was driving to work...

She stopped at a red light and the engine just died without any signs of trouble. When I tested for spark I found none, so I assumed a bad coil. This has not fixed the problem. I have been told there are two ignition controls, one in the engine compartment which is reasonably priced, and one behind the glove box, which must be made of solid gold $$$$. Is there a way to test either of these componants without going to a shop?

It is a 1985 500 SEL.