How to Test if the Cruze Igniter is Functioning Properly?
4 Answers
Igniter is a very important component in the engine. To test if the Cruze igniter is functioning properly, you can refer to the following methods: 1. Visual Inspection: Carefully observe the platinum contacts. If they frequently show signs of burning, it could indicate poor capacitor performance. If the moving contact has raised burn marks while the fixed contact has sunken burn marks, it generally means the capacitor's capacity is insufficient. Conversely, if the opposite is observed, it suggests the capacitor's capacity is too large. Severe burning requires capacitor replacement. 2. Test: Connect the capacitor's wire end to its casing to perform a discharge test. A visible spark indicates a good capacitor, while no spark means the capacitor is short-circuited and needs replacement. 3. Comparison: Remove the central high-voltage wire and test the spark against the engine block, noting the spark condition. Then, disconnect the capacitor wire and test the spark again. If the spark intensity is similar in both tests, it indicates the capacitor is damaged.
My usual method is to first unplug the ignition coil connector and measure the resistance with a multimeter. The normal range should be around 0.5 to 1 ohm. If it's out of range, it indicates a problem. Then, test whether the input voltage is around 12 volts, avoiding operation when the engine is hot to prevent burns. If the voltage drops too quickly after turning the car key to the ON position, it may also indicate an issue. Next, connect the spark plug and observe if the ignition spark is strong and blue. A weak spark suggests weakened ignition. Also, pay attention to difficulties during cold starts or sudden stalling, as these symptoms hint at ignition system problems. If abnormalities are found, avoid forcing the car to run and have it towed to a repair shop for further inspection of wiring aging or control module failures. This can prevent the hassle of breaking down on the road.
I usually start by observing the vehicle's startup. If the engine struggles to start or the sound is sluggish, there's an 80% chance it's an issue with the ignition system. Then, you can remove a spark plug to test the spark—clamp an old spark plug onto a metal frame, connect it to the coil, and check if the electrical spark is bright and complete. If there's no spark, just replace the igniter. Additionally, plug in an OBD scanner to read the fault codes. If you see codes like P035X, it further confirms an ignition system fault. I recommend performing this check regularly. Also, pay attention to increased fuel consumption or intensified vibrations while driving—addressing issues promptly can save you money and hassle.
To check if the ignition system is working properly, I focus on inspecting whether the spark plug wire harness connections are tight. Loose connections can lead to poor contact and difficulty starting. Using a multimeter to measure the resistance within the normal range is sufficient. It's also advisable to test when the engine speed is unstable or acceleration is sluggish. If any aging components are found, it's best to replace them to avoid breakdowns on the road.
