Your car’s engine won’t run without a properly functioning ignition coil. This component is responsible for converting the vehicle’s battery power into high-voltage electricity, which is then used to create the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the cylinders. If you suspect that your ignition coil is failing, you can use a multimeter to check its resistance and voltage output. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Before you begin, gather the necessary tools. You will need a multimeter, a set of spark plug wires, and a pair of gloves. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery to prevent any electrical shocks. Locate the ignition coil and identify the terminals. The primary terminals are usually thicker than the secondary terminals. Set the multimeter to the ohms setting and connect the probes to the primary terminals of the coil. The resistance reading should be between 0.5 and 2 ohms. If the resistance is too high or too low, the coil may need to be replaced.
Next, set the multimeter to the volts setting and connect the probes to the secondary terminals of the coil. Have someone crank the engine while you observe the multimeter reading. The voltage should be between 20,000 and 40,000 volts. If the voltage is too low or too high, the coil may need to be replaced. Once you have checked the resistance and voltage output of the ignition coil, reconnect the battery and start the engine. If the engine runs smoothly, the coil is functioning properly. However, if the engine still has problems starting or running, you may need to replace the coil.
How to Check Ignition Coil with a Multimeter
An ignition coil is a crucial component in an internal combustion engine. It converts the low-voltage electricity from the battery to the high voltage needed to create a spark plug, which ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders. A faulty ignition coil can lead to a variety of problems, including hard starting, misfiring, and reduced engine power.
Checking an ignition coil with a multimeter is a relatively simple procedure that can help you determine if the coil is functioning properly. Here are the steps on how to do it:
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This is a safety precaution to prevent any electrical shock.
- Locate the ignition coil. The ignition coil is usually located on top of the engine or near the distributor.
- Identify the coil terminals. The ignition coil will have two terminals: a primary terminal and a secondary terminal. The primary terminal is usually connected to the battery, while the secondary terminal is connected to the spark plug.
- Set the multimeter to ohms. The ohms setting measures resistance.
- Connect the multimeter leads to the coil terminals. The positive lead should be connected to the primary terminal, and the negative lead should be connected to the secondary terminal.
- Read the multimeter display. The multimeter will display the resistance in ohms.
People Also Ask
What is a normal resistance reading for an ignition coil?
The normal resistance reading for an ignition coil will vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle. However, a typical resistance reading for a primary coil is between 0.5 and 2 ohms, and for a secondary coil is between 6,000 and 12,000 ohms.
What does it mean if the ignition coil resistance is too high or too low?
If the ignition coil resistance is too high, it means that the coil is not getting enough current to create a strong spark. This can lead to hard starting, misfiring, and reduced engine power. If the ignition coil resistance is too low, it means that the coil is drawing too much current, which can damage the coil or other electrical components in the engine.
How often should I check my ignition coil?
It is not necessary to check your ignition coil on a regular basis. However, if you are experiencing any problems with your engine, such as hard starting, misfiring, or reduced engine power, it is a good idea to check the ignition coil to rule out any problems.
