
How To Test Ignition Switch With Multimeter
- Step 1: Take Off The Shroud Below The Steering Wheel To test your ignition switch using the first method, you have to take off the casing covering the other parts of the switch. ...
- Step 2: Set The Multimeter To The 20 DC Voltage Range ...
- Step 3: Position Multimeter Probes On Car and Ignition Switch ...
- Step 4: Turn The Ignition Switch And Evaluate Results ...
Full Answer
How to test an IGBT with a multimeter?
Test IGBT with Multimeter BAD or Good Condition
- Discharge IGBT by shorting 3 terminal together. Use resistor legs or other similar metal wire. ...
- Test C and E terminals by using Rx1K Ohm range. Touch the test lead and read the measured value. ...
- Test G and C terminals by using Rx10K Ohm range. Touch the test lead and read the measured value. ...
- Test G and E terminals by using Rx10K Ohm range. ...
How can I test my ignition control module?
how to check ignition module:
- Check that your ICM is up to date. Use the minus cable of your DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter) to ground it to the vehicle’s metal frame. ...
- Check your ICM spark plugs (ignition module) for power. ...
- Isolate the problem.
How to check if ignition control module is bad?
- Park your vehicle in a safe place and locate the ignition module.
- Look under the dashboard.
- Open the hood and remove the distributor cap using a Phillips screwdriver or ratchet and socket, but do not disconnect the spark plug wires from the distributor cap.
- Look on one side of the distributor.
How to test for bad ignition control module?
Symptoms of a bad ignition control module
- Check Engine Light. The Check Engine light illuminates any time the vehicle detects a problem with a component that’s related to the functioning of the engine.
- Engine misfires or runs rough. The ignition control module controls the strength of the ignition spark as well as its timing. ...
- Module overheating. ...
- Vehicle stalls suddenly. ...
- Acceleration issues. ...
How to test ignition module?
Where is the ignition control module located?
How to check spark plugs for current?
What is an ICM on a car?
How to ground a DVOM?
Where is the ICM located?
Can you test an ignition control module?
See 2 more

How do you test an ignition module?
0:1210:20How to test an ignition coil/module with a test light (distributor ignition)YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTest light with an air gap going to ground go ahead and crank it. Please. As you can see there is noMoreTest light with an air gap going to ground go ahead and crank it. Please. As you can see there is no spark. The next step is to check coil positive and coil negative while we're cranking.
How many ohms should a ignition module have?
A typical value would read 0.4 - 2 ohms.
What voltage do ignition control modules need to operate?
This ignition spark must have sufficiently high energy. Depending on requirements, voltages between approx. 28,000 V and approx. 35,000 V are necessary to generate sparking between the spark plug electrodes.
What are the signs of a faulty ignition module?
engine is misfiring or running rough: an engine misfire results from incomplete combustion. a faulty ignition module can affect ignition timing, resulting in an engine that misfires and runs rough. the engine may also run well at low speed, but won't accelerate well.
What causes ignition modules to fail?
The number one reason that ignition modules go bad is because of heat. On most of the cars that have a recurring problem with this, they have the original distributor in the car. As the distributor ages and wears, the bushing in the shaft goes goes bad and starts to cause excessive heat.
What causes ignition module to burn out?
The leading cause of premature failure of an ignition coil is due to a worn or bad spark plug ignition cable. A bad spark plug ignition cable will have a much higher than normal resistance. This high resistance causes a very high amount of voltage to be generated from your ignition coil's secondary winding.
Where does the ignition module receive its power?
The battery supplies power as the negative terminal is grounded and the positive is connected to the ignition switch. The power is sent to the ignition coil which is of two winding if you can recall; primary and secondary winding. These windings are insulated but the primary is thicker than the secondary winding.
What controls the ignition control module?
The ignition control module (ICM) gathers information from a triggering device (usually the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor) to determine your vehicle's base ignition timing.
What should I set my multimeter to check ignition coil?
1:127:49How to Test an Ignition Coil Pack - Best Testing Procedure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's one before you start the car and then you get grab your multimeter. Put it on DC voltage.MoreThat's one before you start the car and then you get grab your multimeter. Put it on DC voltage. Ground your black test lead and then on the connector. Side you start checking for voltage.
How do you reset ignition module?
3:455:50How to Reset the ECM - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition to disconnect the positive battery cable. 3 wait 30 seconds for tap the positive terminalMorePosition to disconnect the positive battery cable. 3 wait 30 seconds for tap the positive terminal cable to the positive battery post. 3 times 5 reconnect the terminal cable 6 start the vehicle.
Is ignition module the same as ignition switch?
No they are not the same. The module, in short, controls the spark going to the spark plugs. It is really much more complicated than this. The switch is what supplies power to start the vehicle and when in the correct position, it supplies power to keep the car running.
What is the most common ignition problem?
1. Faulty Ignition Coil, Spark Plug, or Spark Plug Wires. An ignition issue can be caused by a faulty or failing ignition coil, spark plug, or spark plug wire set. These critical components of your ignition system keep your engine running smoothly.
How many ohms should my ignition coil read?
You should have a resistance reading of at least 3-4.5 ohms. A bad coil will show a higher reading then 3-4.5. Next, place the red or black lead from the meter to the centre of the coil , and to either one of the terminals positive or negative.
What should I set my multimeter to check ignition coil?
1:127:49How to Test an Ignition Coil Pack - Best Testing Procedure - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThat's one before you start the car and then you get grab your multimeter. Put it on DC voltage.MoreThat's one before you start the car and then you get grab your multimeter. Put it on DC voltage. Ground your black test lead and then on the connector. Side you start checking for voltage.
What should your Ohms be on a coil?
Vape coils generally have an ohm range of 2.4-2.8 ohms, with lots of people enjoying a resistance of 2.5ohms. Low ohm vape coils produce more vapour and flavour and case use more e-liquid and take more battery power than high ohms. High ohm e-cig coils produce less vapour and use less e-liquid and battery.
How many ohms should car spark plugs read?
When spark plugs are new, the resistance value is between 500 and 3000 ohms. As the plug ages, values below 5000 ohms are acceptable. But once the plug's resistance value exceeds 5000 ohms, the plug should be replaced.
What is the best way to test ignition control module?
When it comes to testing your ignition control module, a digital multimeter is more preferred over the analog one. Its two key functions are:
What does it mean when your ignition module fails?
If your ignition module has failed, this means your car won’t start.
What does it mean when a multimeter is not reading the voltage?
If there is no voltage present, it means your ignition switch or the ignition wiring circuits has a problem.
What should the voltage of a multimeter be?
The multimeter voltage reading should be between zero and the battery voltage.
How to check if car ignition is open?
Pierce your car’s positive ignition module wire with the red lead of the multimeter. The wire should have a battery voltage reading. If this doesn’t happen and no battery voltage reading shows, you need to check for open circuits between the wires and ignition switch.
Why does my engine misfire?
An engine misfires due to a lack of complete combustion. An ignition module that has a problem or that is faulty is a key reason for incomplete combustion.
How many types of multimeters are there?
There exists two types of multimeters which include:
How to check if ignition control module is bad?
if you can’t get power to or from your ICM, your ignition controller is bad. Read our article and use a Multi-Meter.
How to check spark plugs?
To check the spark plugs for current, grab your 12V test lamp and plug it into your spark plug connections. If your test constantly flickers when you start the engine, you can continue and make sure that your plugs are in good working conditions.
How to check if ICM is up to date?
Step 1: Check that your ICM is up to date. Use the minus cable of your DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter) to ground it to the vehicle's metal frame. PS: It MUST be earthed from a metal part of the car. Now let your assistant start the engine while you test the various terminals for power.
Can you run a car if the engine module breaks down?
Not to say the obvious, but once an engine module breaks down, your vehicle won't run at all, but fortunately you can fix it with the simplest tools and in 3 easy to understand tests. Testing ignition control module is simple, so you need the following multimeter.
Can you test an ignition controller?
Yes, you can definitely test an ignition controller and using a multimeter is one of the fastest ways to do so. What does the ignition control unit do? The ignition control module or ICM is nothing more than a switch in itself that switches the ignition on or off.
How to locate ignition module?
Step 1 - Locate Ignition Module. To locate the ignition module, refer to a wiring diagram for your vehicle’s particular make and model. As you might guess, the placement can change based on the type of vehicle, so it is important to have the correct diagram or you will be practically going in blind. You'll want to identify the terminals running in ...
What is the purpose of the ignition module?
Test light. The ignition module is responsible for creating the spark that starts your engine, so when your car won't start, testing this part is a good place to begin. You will want to determine whether the ignition module is producing electricity and that the electricity is getting to the spark plugs to get your engine going.
What to do if spark plug light does not come on?
If the light does not come on, inspect the wiring to the spark plugs for tell-tale signs like burn marks, fraying, and breaks. You can also use your DVOM to check for continuity if there are no obvious visual signs of damage. Switch your meter to the Ohms setting and test the wiring again.
How to check if spark plugs are working?
Test this by attaching a 12V test light to your spark plug terminals. If the light flickers when the ignition is cranked, you will need to check other components for a solution to your starting problem. If the light does not come on, inspect the wiring to the spark plugs for tell-tale signs like burn marks, fraying, and breaks.
Can you replace an ignition module yourself?
Make sure to check all wiring going to and from the ignition module and spark plugs since wires are much easier and cheaper to replace than engine parts. If your ignition module does need replacement, you can choose to do it yourself if you're confident in your level of experience.
How to test ignition module?
Testing an Ignition module is easy so, here is what you will need 1 Multimeter 2 A wiring diagram of your vehicle (which can be found online) 3 Wire Piercing probes 4 A helper (to crank the engine) 5 A 12 volt test light 6 A replacement ignition switch **
Where is the ignition control module located?
Typically the Ignition Control Module is located inside of the distributor housing or mounted on the side of the engine compartment. Not to state the obvious, but once an engine module goes bad your vehicle will not run at all, but luckily you can fix that with the simplest of tools and in 3 easy to follow test.
How to check spark plugs for current?
To check the spark plugs for current, you will grab your 12v test light and tap into your spark plugs terminals. If your test flickers constantly when you crank the engine then you can go ahead and note that your plugs are in good working conditions.
What is an ICM on a car?
An ICM is nothing more than a switch that turns the ignition system “On” or “Off”. Inside of the distributor there is a sensor that sends out a signal to the ICM, which is then used to fire up the ignition coil that will create enough energy for the spark plugs.
How to ground a DVOM?
Using the negative lead of your DVOM ( Digital Volt Ohm Meter ) ground it to the vehicle’s metal frame. PS : It MUST be grounded off a metal part of the car. Now have your helper crank the engine while you’re testing the different terminals for current. If there is no current being passed to the terminals sadly you will have to replace the entire ignition control module.
Where is the ICM located?
The ICM location varies from make, to models and of course to the year the vehicle was built. Please note that some cars might not have a separate ICM but is instead controlled by the Engine Control Module (ECM) which goes by different names such as the Powertrain Control Module ( PCM) / Engine Control Unit (ECU). Before going ahead and look for it. fire up your search engine and find out whether you have an Integrated Electronic Ignition system so you won’t end up reading this since it won’t be of any use.
Can you test an ignition control module?
Yes, You can definitely test an ignition control module and using a multimeter is one of the fastest way to do so. What does the ignition control module do? The Ignition Control Module or ICM is nothing more than a switch per se that turns the ignition system “On” or “Off”.
