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PRESTOLITE Bid Ignition System: Testing

NOTE: Before starting tests, make sure battery is fully charged and delivers 12-13 volts. Check all wiring and connectors for damage or loose connections. Replace any high tension wire which show signs of cracks or deterioration.
  1. Disconnect high tension wire from one spark plug. Using an insulated pair of pliers, hold spark plug wire 1/2" away from engine. Crank engine and see if spark jumps gap. If spark does not jump gap, replace spark plug wire and go to next step.
  2. Disconnect center distributor cap wire at cap and hold wire 1/2" away from engine. Crank engine and see if spark jumps gap. If spark does not jump gap, check for a faulty distributor cap or rotor.
  3. If distributor assembly is okay and there is still no spark, disconnect Black and Dark Green primary wires from distributor. See Fig 1. Connect Ignition Tester (J-25331) into wiring harness.
  4. Turn ignition switch on. Cycle test button on tester and check for spark between wire and engine. If spark occurs, distributor sensor is faulty and should be replaced.
  5. Using a voltmeter, check for battery voltage at coil positive terminal. If battery voltage is noticeably lower than battery voltage, check for high resistance in circuit between battery and coil (including ignition switch).
  6. Connect voltmeter between coil negative terminal and ground. With ignition on, voltage reading should be between 5 and 8 volts. A reading under 5 volts or over 8 volts indicates a bad coil.
  7. If voltage readings are okay, press test button on tester and observe voltmeter. Voltage should increase to battery voltage and drop to 5 to 8 volts when button is released.
  8. If voltage does not change as indicated, electronic control unit is faulty and should be replaced. If there is still no spark, test coil resistance and open circuit voltage using coil tester or voltmeter.
    IGNITION SYSTEM SPECIFICATIONS

    Application Specification
    Sensor Resistance (@77°F) 1.6-2.4 Ohms
    Ignition Coil
      Primary Resistance 1.25-1.40 Ohms
      Secondary Resistance 9000-12, 000 Ohms
      Open Circuit Voltage (Minimum) 20, 000 Volts
    Fig 1: Ignition System Wiring Schematic
    G09321102Courtesy of AMERICAN MOTORS/RENAULT CORP.
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