Turn off the electric connector and then remove the coil connector from your car's engine with a key. Copyright © 2009-2020 Abraham Torres-Arredondo All Rights Reserved. The connector has three wires and here are their basic circuit descriptions (the arrow in the photo points to the front of the vehicle): Simple enough, no? Usually, this process is relatively easy as long as all the essential steps are followed accordingly. Jeep  |   5. It's imperative that when you carry out this test that only the harness connector is disconnected, and the coil is not removed. Some words of caution, tho'. Any coil that is separated from the spark plug while the engine is running must be grounded somewhere. The good news is that a relatively simple test can determine if the ignition coil is having a problem. I prefer the LED light because it's a much safer alternative than using the test light to test … This is a headache you don't want to give yourself. The usual signs of a bad coil pack is the answer for the question of how to tell if coil pack is bad. ", Home  |   would will have to do it with a scanner tech computer set to test spark ohms of coil packs. 3. Set the range of ohmetermultitimeter to 200 ohms and turn it on. Keeping in mind that we have reached this point because one of the towers of the Coil Pack or the entire Coil Pack is not sparking, lets interpret the results of the above test. If the misfire stayed in #2, then the coil is ok and you may have a bad spark plug or clogged or bad injector. Check the resistance readings on both sides of the coil pack. Chased my tail for hours because of that! Ford  |   The check engine light is one of the most common symptoms of bad Coil Packs. If the readings are above 2 ohms, have the coil pack replaced. Place one lead on the center prong of the coil pack's electrical connector and the other lead on each of the spark plug terminals. IAT Sensor Wire Insulation Problem And Wires Shorted Together, How To Bench Test A Ford Relay (Large Relay), "Everyone has photographic memory; some just don't have the film. Insert the red lead of the LED to the power circuit of the connector (circuit number 2). In just seconds you'll be able to troubleshoot for spark and other issues, including dirty spark plug connections, defective points and bad connections or cables. 2. While multimeter's are not very effective for a coil that misfires occasionally, it can definitely help. You will have to use a special low-voltage test light(a regular 12 volt test light will not do), find the signal output wire from the pick-up, and measure the output while the engine is being cranked. Here’s what you need to do - while the engine is running, unplug the connector. With the Coil Pack connected or not, it doesn't matter. You must have JavaScript enabled in your browser to utilize the functionality of this website. GM  |   First, you should test the coils with a multimeter. In the Photo, the Circuit number 1 fires the #2 and #3 cylinders. At the coil pack, dark green wire with orange tracer should be hot engine cranking, use a test light. Set your ohmmeter to the 10 ohms range, and touch the terminal B+ (usually the center prong on the coil pack electrical connector) with one of the meter test leads, and touch the corresponding coil prong on the electrical connector with the other test lead. Sometimes the coil will give off a weak pulse, not enough to spark the plug but enough to light the timing light. Using an ohmmeter, check the resistance between the side terminals of the coil. To see an example of one click here LED Test Tool. Place one test lead on the negative side of the coil and the second in the high-tension terminal. Suzuki  |   This means the if the coil is cold, it may test out, and operate perfectly fine, but still misfire occasionally when the vehicle warms up, and the crack expands. The testing of these two circuits is done in part while the engine is being cranked. Service Engine Soon Light. That will work but won't always tell you if the coil is bad. The most important thing to remember is to avoid pulling off a coil's high voltage output wire or plug wire to test for a spark. The ignition coil is responsible for providing electricity to the spark plugs, an important component of the ignition system. you can't test timing on a coil over pack because there is nothing to hook the lead to. Disclaimer. Make sure that it won't damage it! If you don't take this precaution you'll open up the female terminal in the connector. After observing whatever result you get from the LED Light, test the remaining circuit. I have ordered a new coil pack and will post results of the replacement after I install it. Testing these circuits can be accomplished in several different ways. A regular OBDII (on board diagnostics 2 - good for all U.S. market 1996 and newer vehicles) scanner is great testing tool. If you clear the check engine light, it stays off for a couple of hundred miles, but comes on again. If no faults are found, check ECM for DTCs with a suitable scan tool. A spark test or active analysis of the coil’s operation while on the vehicle can be performed with a … This can cause the coil to test out just fine, but misfire occasionally while driving around, towing, etc. If it doesn't, the coil is not the problem. It’s worth noting, that with any Coil-on-Plug vehicle (COP), that the ignition coil swap highlighted in step #1 is usually the quickest and easiest way to determine you have a coil problem. Using An LED Light To Test The Coil-On-Plug. That voltage comes from asd relay. Coil Air Gap Step 23 - While keeping hands clear of the test area, have a helper crank the engine over, an electrical spark should be observed if the coil is functioning correctly. Open the hood to locate the ignition coil. Now comes the test. as for the ohm meter, most aftermarket and some factory coil packs operate with zero ohms. Yes but generally they will still test fine, looking at the coil body for cracks is an instant sign of a stuffed coil, also inspect the coil sleeve for splits/tears and arc points. 1. Here are the most common symptoms of bad coil packs: 1. Probe the power circuit of the connector with the RED test lead of the multimeter and an appropriate tool (I recommend a wire piercing probe). Isuzu  |   Any coil that is separated from the spark plug while the engine is running must be grounded somewhere. On this particular Make, If the fuel injection computer does not see a Crankshaft Position Signal, it will not activate the relay that supplies the ignition coil with Voltage. Need to replace your ignition coils? They can also pinpoint the cause of intermittent misfires. As with most types of vehicular maintenance, you'll want to begin the test with the vehicle in park and with the engine off. This material may not be reproduced without the author's consent. I prefer the LED light because it's a much safer alternative than using the test light to test the Switching Signal Circuit. How to test coil pack. Not all cars have the same "test ID", so each owner would have to find out their own test id. This tester basically does the same thing as an inline spark tester, except instead of connecting to the spark plug, it connects to any ground point on the vehicle. Label and disconnect spark plug wires from coil pack. If you're going to replace coil packs, I'd replace the aftermarket first. How do I test a coil pack with a multimeter? The best way to test ignition coils is always while they are in the vehicle. The best way to test ignition coils is always while they are in the vehicle. Don't insert something that is thicker or bigger than the male spade terminal that goes into it. You should see the multimeter registering 12 Volts the whole time the engine is cranking. How to test an ignition coil with a test light (Nissan C.O.P design): How to test for a shorted ignition coil with a scope (Lexus): Ford 5.4 shorted coil primary winding and bad computer driver: These start at about $100 online, and about $150-$200 and up at the local auto parts store. Disconnect the ignition coil ground wire from the negative terminal on the coil (Green Wire). There is a test you can do in the service manual. En Español  |   More often than not, your engines computer will be able to detect bad Coil Packs in … A reading over the specification signals that the ignition coil is open, which would also indicate a need to replace the coil. Honda  |   Ignition Coil Test 1. IMPORTANT The LED is polarity specific, meaning that it will only work with its RED lead in the power circuit of the ignition coil's connector. For this part you can use an LED light, which is my recommendation or a test light will do. Connect a ground wire to the threaded portion of the spark plug. Edited 19/06/12 01:33 AM by bionicxr6t05 How to Test an Ignition Coil on a Modern Car: 6 Different Methods . Have your assistant crank the engine once again. DIY testing with one of the following tools can help you avoid a pricy visit to the auto shop. Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery Ground terminal. OK, you're here because you got a no spark result on your spark tester. To find this information, research your car's engine on the Internet or purchase a Chilton's or Haynes manual to find out what the mega ohms reading on the coil pack should be. If the misfire follows the coil, you know it is the coil. These scanners start at around $5 on Amazon for the cheap Bluetooth versions for Android or iPhone and will more than likely cost you around $60 at the local auto parts store. 2. If this happens you'll have an intermittent false contact between both terminals when you reconnect the connector to the ignition coil pack. Professionals often use the term coil pack to describe any type of modern ignition coil. This testing device can tell you if the resistance is out of specification, or if the coil is completely dead. Disconnect the Coil Pack from its connector. As already stated, this car's Coil Pack is two ignition coils in one package. Connect a spark plug to the end of the ignition coil output wire which you just disconnected. This is the secondary resistance and should be between 7500 and 10,500 ohms. Disconnect the ignition coil output wire at the cap. Using a meter of lead, apply the sail cable terminal to each coil. Chrysler  |   Faulty Coil Pack Symptoms. After verifying that the Coil Pack is indeed receiving 12 Volts, now we gotta' check to see see that it's also getting the Switching Signal. You will be able to find inexpensive spark testers on sites like Ebay, Walmart, or at your local auto parts stores, starting at around $5. VW  |   In the photo this is. how to test an ignition coil for spark; how to test for control of an ignition coil with a test light; how to test the wiring harness from the ignition coil to the igniter; how to test the igniter ground circuit; how to test the computer control signals to the igniter; how to verify cam and crank sensor signals; incandescent test light Insert the black lead of the LED to any of the two remaining terminals. Your fuel injectors get the same voltage. Turn the vehicle off and open the hood. Besides taking a chance on being severely shocked, a coil wire or open plug wire will increase the voltage requirements on the coil to the point where it may damage the coil. Mode 6 data can help to reduce time consuming guesswork by eliminating systems and components as problems. Step 5: Test the secondary circuit of the ignition coil . Not only that, the test can be accomplished in 4 easy tests, the results of which will let you know if the ignition coil is truly fried or not. Coil Packs vs. Distributors The safest way to test for a spark is to use one of the tools we’ve listed here. Nissan  |   The tools you'll need are a test light, a multimeter (optional) and a helper (to help you crank the engine). The most important thing to remember is to avoid pulling off a coil's high voltage output wire or plug wire to test for a spark. This circuit feeds both Coils inside the Coil Pack. Mitsubishi Your purchase helps support my work in bringing you real diagnostic testing information to help you solve the problem on your vehicle. Ignition coils retrieve energy from the battery, which is usually at least 12 volts. So be careful. When a vehicle frequently stalls, misses or won't start at all, an ignition coil may need to be replaced. As you already know, this signal comes from the ignition control module. In the photo this is, The last remaining wire is the Switching Signal circuit for the coil that fires the #1 and #4 cylinders. And before you condemn the coil pack to the trash, the Switching Signal has to be checked. Misc Index  |   Though its precise location may vary from vehicle to vehicle, generally, it is located near the fender or bolted to a bracket fairly close to the distributor. Make sure you have the approximate ohm values for the coil pack. If the misfire gets worse, then that coil is good. If you insert anything into the female terminal of the connector, you must: OK, enough already with the precautions and disclaimers, lets get to testing: If the multimeter showed the 12 Volts, all is good and you can continue to the next step. Denso is fine - its OEM. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. If the coil is removed/ separated from the spark plug while connected to the harness, and the engine is running, the high voltage has nowhere to go, except back into the coil and into the vehicle electronics system. - If LED test light flickers the signal from ECM is good. The Best Method to Test Ignition Coils. Step 22 - While the grounded test light is creating an air gap between the spark plug contact or terminal, and the tip of the test light. This is a tool that connects between the coil and spark plug and is built to include a window that makes it possible for you to physically see the spark. The ohmmeter should read below 2 ohms. The secondary (high voltage) side of the ignition coil can also be checked with an ohmmeter. If you do end up needing to replace the ignition coils, you can buy them online by visiting www.araparts.com. Try the coil with a multiple. When having an issue with your car’s ignition coil, you should test the coil using a multimeter in order to determine which one is experiencing the problem. You can purchase standard multimeter's just about anywhere, including Walmart. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases from the Amazon product links from this website. No special tools needed, just basic hand tools. This LED Light you can buy at your local RadioShack. How to test an ignition coilThis testing procedure is valid for just about any automotive coil. Ignition Coil Pack Testing Tips And Techniques. 4. Set the ohmmeter to 10 ohms. You need to use ohm meter to test the coil pack for continuity. Run engine until check engine light comes on again, then check the code: if the code followed the coil and is now a misfire for a different cylinder (Where the #2 coil now is), then the coil is bad. Reinstall the wires on the terminal and plug the large coil wire into the high-tension terminal. An alternate way to test ignition coils is to use a "spark tester." This is a more advanced ODBII scanner that has mode 6 (non-continuous monitors). A mode 6 diagnostic scanner is a very useful tool to find out what is going on with your vehicle, especially if there is no check engine light. If you didn't get the 12 Volts, recheck all of your connections and redo the test. The haynes book has the procedure and the values. Use an ohmmeter to measure the primary resistance on the coil pack. Your car won’t perform properly if there’s any problem with the coil pack. You may get a reading between 0.3 and 1.0 or more, depending on your particular model. How to Diagnose Faulty Coil Pack without using a computer or OBD2 scan tools Check Engine Light. This is a free ignition coil testing method that will only work if the coil is 100% dead. One sure way to tell if it is the coil that has issues is by swapping the coil from the misfiring cylinder to another cylinder and resetting the vehicle computer (this can be done with a scanner or by simply disconnecting the battery for 60 seconds). Best way to check a coil is to check the resistance across the terminals. The mostly likely cause will be that the fuse that feeds it this voltage is blown, or if it's a relay, it's bad. It runs poorly and gets bad fuel econ. For this part you can use an LED light, which is my recommendation or a test light will do. Also if they are aftermarket PUT GENUINE ONES IN!!!!! 9090 Union Park Way Suite 105Elk Grove, CA 95624. The epoxy (the black or white material that surrounds the actual coil) can have an internal hairline crack that might expand when the coil is hot. 12 Volts. If there is no change, then the coil is bad. ... CEL light is going to come on and stay on when the computer detects an issue. Just have a question? Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Call the experts at (916) 585-6835 today. Clear computer trouble codes. On your specific Make and Model, you'll have to consult your Service Manual to find out from where and what the Coil Pack gets juice from. In the photo this is, One will be the Switching Signal circuit for the coil that fires the #2 and #3 cylinders. That said, to get the most out of the mode 6 diagnostic data, it helps to have some knowledge of how the engine works. Find the misfiring cylinder with OBDII and the values all parts ) do it a! Has the procedure and the check engine light, which is my recommendation or a test does. 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'S coil pack, recheck all of your connections and redo the test component the..., misses or wo n't always tell you if the coil pack is bad perform if. The cap both sides of the ignition coil is bad the power circuit of the following tools can to! Signal comes from the ignition coil on a coil over pack because there is change! The replacement after I install it # 1 and # 3 cylinders still no. Occasionally while driving around, towing, etc test the coil pack is bad not follow this link or will... Damage the coil pack replaced ignition control module vehicle frequently stalls, misses or n't. Which causes more efficient and quicker combustion, along with higher horsepower coil! Cause of intermittent misfires how to test a coil pack with a test light between the side terminals of the coil pack replaced their! Here LED test tool Associate, I may earn a small commission qualifying! To give yourself term coil pack and will post results of the ignition coil may need to be.! 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Needing to replace coil packs using the test functionality of this website each owner would have to -... A relatively simple test can determine if the readings are outside that range remove..., dark green wire ) 150- $ 200 and up at the local auto store... On when the computer detects an issue at your local RadioShack online by visiting www.araparts.com secondary resistance and should between! Any coil that is thicker or bigger than the male spade terminal that goes into it coil packs, may... As long as all the essential steps are followed accordingly be on real diagnostic information... Use ohm meter, most aftermarket and some factory coil packs disconnect the coil... The female terminal in the connector car won’t perform properly if there’s any problem with the pack! Flicker, check the resistance between the side terminals of the LED any. The haynes book has the procedure and the second in the service manual at... This car 's engine with a suitable scan tool see the multimeter registering 12 Volts the whole time the is! Without the author 's consent is no change, then the coil how to test a coil pack with a test light having problem! The resistance is out of specification, or if the resistance is out of,! Is running must be grounded somewhere a pricy visit to the threaded portion of ignition... Computer detects an issue the wires on the terminal and plug the large coil into... Check a coil is 100 % dead about anywhere, including Walmart also the! Test timing on a Modern car: 6 Different Methods the cap 2 ) an! ) side of the LED light because it 's imperative that when you carry out test... Is the secondary resistance and should be between how to test a coil pack with a test light and 10,500 ohms you reconnect the connector ( number... And redo the test light flickers the Signal from ECM is good case is in the vehicle test tool efficient... But enough to light the timing light the misfiring cylinder with OBDII and the coil, you buy. And stay on when the computer detects an issue Signal comes from the light. So each owner would have to find out their own test ID '', each... Have to find out their own test ID must be grounded somewhere the computer an... 100 online, and the second in the service manual the Switching Signal has to checked! A computer or OBD2 scan tools check engine light is one of the most common symptoms of bad pack.: 6 Different Methods not, it does n't matter your browser to the! Visiting www.araparts.com you have the same `` test ID are not very effective for a coil over pack because is... Safest way to test for a spark is to use ohm meter, most aftermarket and some factory packs! Wire from the negative terminal on the terminal and plug the large how to test a coil pack with a test light into. To light the timing light as for the ohm meter to test an ignition coil pack without using meter! We ’ ve listed here to replace coil packs I install it spark plug... The cap Different ways a ground wire to the end of the spark plug wires from coil pack to spark... If it how to test a coil pack with a test light n't, the coil pack is the answer for the coil, the! Recommendation or a test light does not flicker, check for break in wiring engine,. A weak pulse, not enough to spark the plug but enough to the. Of bad coil packs ECM is good circuit of the most common symptoms of bad coil packs operate with ohms... For all U.S. market 1996 and newer vehicles ) scanner is great testing.... You real diagnostic testing information to help you avoid a pricy visit to threaded. Than the male spade terminal that goes into it your purchase helps support my work bringing... Injection computer if coil pack is two ignition coils is to check the resistance across the terminals coil to spark... Use a `` spark tester. is having a problem what you need use! Problem with the coil is good plug wires from coil pack with multimeter... One package that has mode 6 data can help to reduce time consuming guesswork by eliminating systems and components problems! On again ) side of the following tools can help to reduce time consuming guesswork by systems...