How to test an ignition module???

[rob86gn]

I was curious if anyone knows how to test an ignition module on a 86GN? To test the coil you connect an ohm-meter onto two of the plug wire terminals on top of the coil right? How about the module??

 

[norbs]

caspers electronics tester $119.95

 

[rob86gn]

That's a fair chunk of change, probably worth it though. There's no way to test it with a multimeter or anything cheaper?

 

[norbs]

Well a timing light, will give you an idea. Connect it to each cyl and watch it fire, if it skips its a miss.........

 

[John Larkin]

Casper's tester only tests the coil pack. Module testing needs to be done at a parts store like Autozone. They have Wells module testing machines at the ones I've been. It's accurate and free.

 

[ijames]

Casper's tester tests the module and coilpack as a set. It powers and pulses the module at 0-6000 rpm and provides spark gaps so you can see each coil fire. Worth the price if it saves you one unnecessary module or coilpack purchase. If you have multiple coilpacks or modules you can swap unknown coilpacks on a known good module to test them, and of couse with a known good coilpack you can try different modules to test them. A great thing for a club or a few friends to chip in and buy.

You can use an ohmmeter between the two towers on each coil as a rough test. Depending on how hot the coilpack is you should get 11-14 kohms. This will show an open or shorted coil secondary but won't detect a voltage breakdown problem.

 

[TurboJim]

Casper's tester only tests the coil pack. Module testing needs to be done at a parts store like Autozone. They have Wells module testing machines at the ones I've been. It's accurate and free.

Not true John. While the tester will not pinpoint timing or dwell problems, it will most certainly give a go-no go diagnosis of the module since it simulated cam/crank signals to test the coils. And since were going thru the module, if you got spark, the module is probably OK.

 

[rob86gn]

I only suspected the Wells module since I have been thru 2 Wells coils in a very short time period. I recently ordered GM coil, GM module, and Taylor Thundervolt 50 wires TAY-98024 (custom for GN).

The wires are spiral core not solid core, I think that may have been a contributing factor too with my situation(solid core wires). I spoke with a GN guys at a car show in Sycamore, IL today and they said they would not buy a Wells coil or module.

I am using a Wells crank sensor though and that seems to work ok, at least something does...

 

[VadersV6]

Add an additional ground wire going from the coil assembly frame, to the chassis. If your modules keep frying, I would suspect a poor ground connection.

 

[Red Regal T]

I only suspected the Wells module since I have been thru 2 Wells coils in a very short time period. I recently ordered GM coil, GM module, and Taylor Thundervolt 50 wires TAY-98024 (custom for GN).

The wires are spiral core not solid core, I think that may have been a contributing factor too with my situation(solid core wires). I spoke with a GN guys at a car show in Sycamore, IL today and they said they would not buy a Wells coil or module.

I am using a Wells crank sensor though and that seems to work ok, at least something does...

I'd nix the Wells ignition module also. I guess you could get a good one, but at $100 a clip, even though guaranteed, not worth the agg. Incidently, a Wells module will not even test with a Caspers tester. There's no way to test them except on your car.

 

[broke1]

There's no way to test them except on your car.

Bingo.I had a coil/mod test good when it wasnt.

 

[Red Regal T]

That's also true. While the tester will indicate if a coil or module (doesn't tell which) is bad by not sparking evenly or at all, if you do have unit that fires properly and appears to be good, it may still be bad. Only a WOT pass tells the tale for sure.

 

[GNVenom]

Hang in there folks.
I've got a module tester in the pipeline, soon to be released. Mainly, it's for diagosing ignition problems, no-start conditions, bad wiring and so on.
It's a hand-held unit that will test each and every wire on the coil module, with a "go-no go" system so it will be able to check the cam sensor, crank sensor, and all handshake signals to the ECM. It will be able to diagnose an absense of cam and crank signal, check for power in the appropriate places, and have a cam sensor "override" button that will start a stranded vehicle along with a built-in tach.
Well at least it's in the pipeline. Soon....


-John Spina
www.casperselectronics.com
www.gnvenom.com
www.gnspyder.com

 

[rob86gn]

Vaders- That sounds like a good idea. Something to do while I'm waiting for parts and it does make sense that the ground could be the problem. Thanks!

 

[Jerryl]

Hang in there folks.
I've got a module tester in the pipeline, soon to be released. Mainly, it's for diagosing ignition problems, no-start conditions, bad wiring and so on.
It's a hand-held unit that will test each and every wire on the coil module, with a "go-no go" system so it will be able to check the cam sensor, crank sensor, and all handshake signals to the ECM. It will be able to diagnose an absense of cam and crank signal, check for power in the appropriate places, and have a cam sensor "override" button that will start a stranded vehicle along with a built-in tach.
Well at least it's in the pipeline. Soon....

John,
How long is the pipeline, or, did I miss it?

 

[SHADOWII]

John!

Now that sounds like another tool for the tool box!:biggrin:

 

[Blown&Injected]

I will be doing some testing real soon as I believe I have a coil/module failure.

One thing that has worked for me is to take the coil off and then hook a test light to the wires under the coil. 3 wires with 6 connectors. The light will pulse while cranking the engine - one of the wires might not pulse the light or stay on all the time.

That was good enough for me to replace the module.