How to Measure an Ignition Coil?
2 Answers
Specific methods for testing an ignition coil are as follows: 1. Turn the vehicle's ignition switch to the ON position and unplug the ignition coil connector. 2. Use one end of a multimeter to measure pin 3 and the other end to measure the ground wire. 3. Unplug the ignition coil connector, use one end of the multimeter to measure pin 1 and the other end to measure pin 5 of the ECU. 4. Unplug the ignition coil connector, use one end of the multimeter to measure pin 2 and the other end to measure pin 2 of the ECU. 5. Use the multimeter to measure whether the resistance of the sensor's primary coil is approximately 0.9 ohms. Precautions for using the ignition coil are as follows: 1. Prevent the ignition coil from overheating or getting damp. 2. Do not turn on the ignition switch when the engine is not running.
Measuring ignition coils isn't actually difficult, just use a multimeter. First turn off the car key to prevent electric leakage. Use a small wrench to unplug the ignition coil's wiring connector - don't pull too hard. Then set the multimeter to resistance mode. Typically, the primary coil resistance should be between 0.4 to 2 ohms, while the secondary coil ranges from 6k to 15k ohms. If the measured values are too high or too low, the coil is likely faulty. I once encountered aged coils during repairs - the car made rattling noises during startup, and testing showed out-of-range resistance. Replacing it solved the problem. I recommend keeping an inexpensive multimeter handy. Be careful during disassembly to avoid damaging the wiring. This method can be done in a home garage - no need to rush to a repair shop. If unsure about values, check the car manual for standard references. Overall it's simple and safe - you'll get the hang of it after a few tries.
