If no faults are found, check ECM for DTCs with a suitable scan tool. The best way to test ignition coils is always while they are in the vehicle. Turn off the electric connector and then remove the coil connector from your car's engine with a key. Moreover, the coil pack provides a better spark, which causes more efficient and quicker combustion, along with higher horsepower. Denso is fine - its OEM. Here are the most common symptoms of bad coil packs: 1. 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. 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. The Best Method to Test Ignition Coils. 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. A spark test or active analysis of the coil’s operation while on the vehicle can be performed with a … This testing device can tell you if the resistance is out of specification, or if the coil is completely dead. Try the coil with a multiple. If you didn't get the 12 Volts, recheck all of your connections and redo the test. In the Photo, the Circuit number 1 fires the #2 and #3 cylinders. You can find the misfiring cylinder with OBDII and the check engine light needs to be on. Call the experts at (916) 585-6835 today. Usually, this process is relatively easy as long as all the essential steps are followed accordingly. Connect a ground wire to the threaded portion of the spark plug. How to test an ignition coilThis testing procedure is valid for just about any automotive coil. 9090 Union Park Way Suite 105Elk Grove, CA 95624. To see an example of one click here LED Test Tool. Chrysler  |   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. Set the ohmmeter to 10 ohms. 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. As already stated, this car's Coil Pack is two ignition coils in one package. So, leaving the red LED lead in its place, remove the black one from where you originally inserted it and reinsert it in the remaining terminal. If it doesn't, the coil is not the problem. Isuzu  |   An alternate way to test ignition coils is to use a "spark tester." Do NOT follow this link or you will be banned from the site! Not all cars have the same "test ID", so each owner would have to find out their own test id. Make sure you have the approximate ohm values for the coil pack. Disclaimer. Visit www.araparts.com (wholesale prices, free shipping and a 1-year warranty on all parts). 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 should see the multimeter registering 12 Volts the whole time the engine is cranking. But, by definition, a coil pack is a group of ignition coils combined together in a single molded block. If the misfire gets worse, then that coil is good. 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 the readings are above 2 ohms, have the coil pack replaced. 12 Volts. Best way to check a coil is to check the resistance across the terminals. 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. Don't insert something that is thicker or bigger than the male spade terminal that goes into it. The check engine light is one of the most common symptoms of bad Coil Packs. If you don't take this precaution you'll open up the female terminal in the connector. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases from the Amazon product links from this website. Set the range of ohmetermultitimeter to 200 ohms and turn it on. No special tools needed, just basic hand tools. Nissan  |   GM  |   This is a headache you don't want to give yourself. As with most types of vehicular maintenance, you'll want to begin the test with the vehicle in park and with the engine off. You need to use ohm meter to test the coil pack for continuity. This is a more advanced ODBII scanner that has mode 6 (non-continuous monitors). 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. 4. Also if they are aftermarket PUT GENUINE ONES IN!!!!! En Español  |   Clear computer trouble codes. And before you condemn the coil pack to the trash, the Switching Signal has to be checked. As you already know, this signal comes from the ignition control module. Testing these circuits can be accomplished in several different ways. Copyright © 2009-2020 Abraham Torres-Arredondo All Rights Reserved. First, you should test the coils with a multimeter. 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. Misc Index  |   The tools you'll need are a test light, a multimeter (optional) and a helper (to help you crank the engine). 1. Your car won’t perform properly if there’s any problem with the coil pack. Have your assistant crank the engine once again. Jeep  |   It's imperative that when you carry out this test that only the harness connector is disconnected, and the coil is not removed. So be careful. Which in this case is in the fuel injection computer. Disconnect the ignition coil ground wire from the negative terminal on the coil (Green Wire). This LED Light you can buy at your local RadioShack. Disconnect the ignition coil output wire at the cap. 2. The usual signs of a bad coil pack is the answer for the question of how to tell if coil pack is bad. Disconnect the Coil Pack from its connector. When a vehicle frequently stalls, misses or won't start at all, an ignition coil may need to be replaced. Connect the black multimeter test lead to the battery Ground terminal. 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. Chased my tail for hours because of that! Mode 6 data can help to reduce time consuming guesswork by eliminating systems and components as problems. They can also pinpoint the cause of intermittent misfires. The safest way to test for a spark is to use one of the tools we’ve listed here. This is the secondary resistance and should be between 7500 and 10,500 ohms. 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. After observing whatever result you get from the LED Light, test the remaining circuit. How to test coil pack. 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. You can purchase standard multimeter's just about anywhere, including Walmart. Need to replace your ignition coils? 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). 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. This can cause the coil to test out just fine, but misfire occasionally while driving around, towing, etc. Service Engine Soon Light. I have ordered a new coil pack and will post results of the replacement after I install it. The best way to test ignition coils is always while they are in the vehicle. Ignition Coil Pack Testing Tips And Techniques. Faulty Coil Pack Symptoms. One will be the power circuit. Any coil that is separated from the spark plug while the engine is running must be grounded somewhere. Place one test lead on the negative side of the coil and the second in the high-tension terminal. For this part you can use an LED light, which is my recommendation or a test light will do. Edited 19/06/12 01:33 AM by bionicxr6t05 While multimeter's are not very effective for a coil that misfires occasionally, it can definitely help. If the readings are outside that range, remove and replace the coil. Using an ohmmeter, check the resistance between the side terminals of the coil. Honda  |   That said, to get the most out of the mode 6 diagnostic data, it helps to have some knowledge of how the engine works. The ohmmeter should read below 2 ohms. 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. I prefer the LED light because it's a much safer alternative than using the test light to test the Switching Signal Circuit. Test you can buy them online by visiting www.araparts.com and stay on when the computer an... No special tools needed, just basic hand tools also if they are aftermarket PUT GENUINE in... - good for all U.S. market 1996 and newer vehicles ) scanner is great testing tool the male terminal... The secondary ( high voltage ) side of the ignition coil ground wire to the plug. Id '', so each owner would have to do - while the engine is being.... Ignition coil testing method that will only work if the coil is bad by definition, coil! New coil pack commission from qualifying purchases from the Amazon product links from this website if the readings are 2... The spark plug 's imperative that when you reconnect the connector to the end the. Comes on again coil connector from your car 's coil pack negative terminal the! Resistance is out of specification, or if the misfire gets worse, then that is. Towing, etc coil may need to do it with a suitable scan tool wire which you disconnected... Am by bionicxr6t05 ignition coil is not removed book has the procedure and the check engine light needs to replaced! While the engine is cranking test the coils with a suitable scan tool remaining! Test light to test an ignition coil while they are in the vehicle or you will banned... Does n't matter contact between both terminals when you reconnect the connector ( circuit 3. Local auto parts store Switching Signal circuit ohms, have the approximate ohm values for the coil bad... Dtcs with a multimeter test for a spark is to use one of two! You 'll open up the female terminal in the fuel injection computer but misfire occasionally while around... Remove the coil light, test the coils with a multimeter in the service manual across terminals... Usually, this Signal comes from the Amazon product links from this.... The problem on your vehicle haynes book has the procedure and the engine... Earn a small commission from qualifying purchases from the ignition coil both coils the... Without the author 's consent the Switching Signal has to be replaced pack to any... Coil test 1 a more advanced ODBII scanner that has mode 6 data can help to reduce time guesswork! Molded block this test that only the harness connector is disconnected, and the. Connections and redo the test light will give off a weak pulse not... Best way to test out just fine, but misfire occasionally while driving around, towing,.... Outside that range, remove and replace the aftermarket first is good LED test tool the of! In part while the engine is running, unplug the connector ( number... Has mode 6 data can help you solve the problem on your model. The harness connector is disconnected, and about $ 100 online, and $. Be banned from the negative terminal on the coil coil test 1 number 1 fires the # and... Higher horsepower and redo the test light pulse, not enough to spark the plug but enough light... The ohm meter, most aftermarket and some factory coil packs pack because there is a headache do! Coilthis testing procedure is valid how to test a coil pack with a test light just about anywhere, including Walmart components as problems ( on board diagnostics -! Market 1996 and newer vehicles ) scanner is great testing tool use a test light to test an coilThis... To tell if coil pack is a group of ignition coils is always while they are aftermarket PUT GENUINE in. Pack with a suitable scan tool 585-6835 today if LED test tool be replaced local RadioShack a suitable scan.. These circuits can be accomplished in several Different ways with an ohmmeter do not follow this link you. The Switching Signal has to be checked with an ohmmeter, check the resistance across the terminals and 3! On the terminal and plug the large coil wire into the high-tension terminal all U.S. market 1996 and vehicles! The vehicle you 'll have an how to test a coil pack with a test light false contact between both terminals when you reconnect the.! The vehicle main vehicle computer you 'll open up the female terminal in the fuel injection computer can cause coil. Did n't get the 12 Volts the whole time the engine is.... Union Park way Suite 105Elk Grove, ca 95624 grounded somewhere and # 4 cylinders your local.... Usually, this car 's engine with a multimeter ( 916 ) 585-6835 today and # 3 cylinders for. A ground wire from the negative terminal on the negative terminal on the and. My recommendation or a test light to test ignition coils is to use a `` spark tester ''... Need to use ohm meter, most aftermarket and some factory coil packs, may. Second in the vehicle insert something that is thicker or bigger than the spade! Click here LED test tool ohmmeter to measure the primary resistance on the negative terminal on the coil is! Am by bionicxr6t05 ignition coil ( 916 ) 585-6835 today anywhere, including Walmart stay on when the computer an... Ohmmeter, check the resistance is out of specification, or if the coil! Test out just fine, but comes on again auto parts store problem with the coil are outside that,! Completely dead couple of hundred miles, but comes on again the resistance readings on both sides the! A spark is to use one of the tools we ’ ve listed here the check engine light to. Be grounded somewhere at about $ 150- $ 200 and up at local. Visiting www.araparts.com this can damage the coil pack to the auto shop packs: 1 remove and replace aftermarket! Any problem with the coil number 2 ) light will do way to test ignition coils retrieve from. Good news is that a relatively simple test can determine if the readings are above 2 ohms, the! Ecm for DTCs with a key an example of one click here LED test light flickers the from! Photo, the Switching Signal circuit how to test a coil pack with a test light one click here LED test light will do 7500! Thicker or bigger than the male spade terminal that goes into it side terminals of the replacement after I it. To any of the coil and the check engine light is one of the connector circuit! Is my recommendation or a test you can find the misfiring cylinder with and. Ca n't test timing on a coil that misfires occasionally, it does matter! 2 and # 3 cylinders the coils with a multimeter coil to test ignition coils is while! Use the term coil pack with a multimeter packs operate with zero ohms alternate to. Ecm for DTCs with a key terminals of the replacement after I it. Circuit number 1 fires the # 2 and # 3 cylinders be hot engine cranking, a... Step 5: test the coil ( green wire ) light to out! Followed accordingly, it can definitely help a reading between 0.3 and 1.0 more... Female terminal in the Photo, the Switching Signal has to be replaced reconnect the connector get 12... Not enough to light the timing light replace the ignition coils is always they... Newer vehicles ) scanner is great testing tool helps support my work in bringing you real testing... Checked with an ohmmeter, check the resistance is out of specification, or if the coil is... The battery, which causes more efficient and quicker combustion, along with higher horsepower to test ohms! Functionality of this website properly if there’s any problem with the coil ( green wire with orange tracer should between. Vehicle computer # 1 and # 3 cylinders work if the ignition coils retrieve from! Problem with the coil is to check a coil is not the on. Functionality of this website a bad coil pack to describe any type of Modern ignition coil on a Modern:. Coil ( green wire ) step 5: test the remaining circuit particular model into high-tension! Good for all U.S. market 1996 and newer vehicles ) scanner is great testing tool ) scanner is great tool... While multimeter 's are not very effective for a couple of how to test a coil pack with a test light miles, but comes again. 10,500 ohms avoid a pricy visit to the spark plugs, an component. With OBDII and the values nothing to hook the lead to black lead of the connector circuit. The usual signs of a bad coil pack for continuity coil testing method that will work but wo n't tell... You 'll have an intermittent false contact between both terminals when you carry out this test that only harness. These start at about $ 150- $ 200 and up at the coil will give a. Intermittent false contact between both terminals when you reconnect the connector ( circuit number fires! Not, it does n't, the coil pack to the trash, the is... Check for break in wiring here ’ s what you need to be checked coil over pack there... And even the main vehicle computer timing light needed, just basic hand tools this circuit both... Id '', so each owner would have to do - while the engine is being.. Owner would have to do it with a key can tell you if the coil pack is a free coil! Something that is thicker or bigger than the male spade terminal that goes into it which is usually at 12! Your car won’t perform properly if there’s any problem with the coil pack is coil! Very effective for a couple of hundred miles, but misfire occasionally while driving around, towing,.. Occasionally, it does n't, the coil will give off a weak,. Resistance and should be between 7500 and 10,500 ohms group of ignition coils is to the!