Ignition Coil Pack Testing Tips And Techniques

In summary, all coil-pack type systems behave pretty much the same way as a distributor type system. They all require:

1. Battery voltage.
2. They all require an ignition module to provide the switching ON or OFF of the Ground for that voltage.
3. in turn the ignition module needs a Triggering signal from a crankshaft position sensor to know the exact time to switch this Ground.

You have also learned in this article that:

1. This control module may be located in the computer itself, or somewhere in the engine compartment.
2. How to test the switching signal from the ignition control module. In the case of this article, this signal comes from the computer.
3. The most effective test to test the ignition coil's secondary circuit by using an HEI spark tester.

The really cool thing about the majority of the electronic systems on today's vehicles is that they're pretty easy to test. Well, as long as you have the information to do it with. Knowledge and information are power.

So whether the ignition system is on a Ford, or a Chrysler, a Dodge, a Chevrolet, a Buick or whatever, they all obey the laws of physics (when it comes to electricity). So knowing some theory and some tests and you're on the way!

I recommend the following articles to shed more light on the subject.

1. Ignition system basics.
   • How Does An Ignition Coil Work?
2. Testing a Coil-On-Plug ignition system.
   • How To Test 2-Wire Coil-On-Plug Ignition Coils
3. No-start case study.
   • Volvo 740 GLE Cranks But Does NOT-START.
4. Case study of an ignition misfire diagnostic.
   • Carbon Tracks Are A Common Cause Of Ignition Misfires.
5. Testing the ignition system for spark.
   • Cranks But Does Not Start Diagnostic Tips.
6. The HEI spark tester.
   • The HEI Spark Tester (The Best Spark Tester On The Market).
7. Case study of a does not crank condition.
   • How To Test A Does Not Crank Condition -Case Study (GM 3.8L)