
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.
Full Answer
What are the most common Ignition Control Module problems?
One of the most common failures with this type of ignition control module (ICM) is a misfire condition in which the ignition module doesn't activate one of the Coil-On-Plug (COP) ignition coils. This condition is usually misdiagnosed as a bad ignition coil and the end result is money spent on parts that don't solve the misfire issue.
Why is my ignition control module misfiring?
This condition is usually misdiagnosed as a bad ignition coil and the end result is money spent on parts that don't solve the misfire issue. In this article, I'll show you my way of testing the ignition control module.
How do I find the ignition module on my car?
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.
How do you diagnose a misfire in an ignition system?
All of the information you need to diagnose a misfire or a no-start problem (caused by the ignition coil, the ignition module, or the crankshaft position sensor). Wiring diagram. Component pin outs. Connector pin outs. Ignition system component part numbers. Firing order.

How do you test a golf ignition module?
1:207:20Mk1 Golf Ignition Testing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen we turn the ignition on is battery voltage across those two pins. So as you can see whoMoreWhen we turn the ignition on is battery voltage across those two pins. So as you can see who connected brought for a terminal 4 to the positive probe terminal 2 to the negative probe.
How do you test an ignition switch module?
3:214:52Discover How To Test Your Entire Ignition System With One Simple ToolYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLight again and attach one lead on to your admission control module. And then on the other one whenMoreLight again and attach one lead on to your admission control module. And then on the other one when someone is cranking the engine. You touch it and the light should come on okay crank the engine.
What are the symptoms of a failing ignition module?
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. 3. stalling: a failing ignition module can occasionally prevent the engine from getting spark, causing it to stall.
How do you bench test An ignition control module?
5:4312:40Bench Testing Ignition Modules - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipJust turn the distributor and the ignition spark box will jump from the high voltage terminal of theMoreJust turn the distributor and the ignition spark box will jump from the high voltage terminal of the ignition coil.
What causes the ignition control module to fail?
The common cause of one driver/transistor failing is a shorted ignition coil primary winding. This is a winding of wire within the ignition coil where each loop is separated by a very thin plastic coating.
How do you use a multimeter to check a key switch?
0:088:07How to Test a Riding Lawnmower Key Switch - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd what a multimeter will do while we're checking continuity is essentially. Just make sure thatMoreAnd what a multimeter will do while we're checking continuity is essentially. Just make sure that the circuit is good in between the two connectors that we're testing.
How do you diagnose a bad ignition control module?
1:412:314 Signs of a Bad Ignition Control Module failing symptoms ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipNext use a test light and check for power at the ignition control module terminal while cranking theMoreNext use a test light and check for power at the ignition control module terminal while cranking the engine. If there is no power most likely the ignition control module is faulty.
How do you test an ignition coil with a multimeter?
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 clean an ignition module?
7:4612:46Removing/Cleaning the ignition coils/module on a Saturn S-series.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd then if you wish to clean it like with water or something you may want to pour some electric.MoreAnd then if you wish to clean it like with water or something you may want to pour some electric.
How do you check an engine control module with a multimeter?
2:197:07Testing ECM Input Sensors with a Volt Ohm Meter - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'll show you how to test some of these sensors just using the multimeter that I showed you earlierMoreI'll show you how to test some of these sensors just using the multimeter that I showed you earlier we turn it to the on position Ohm's tells ohms resistance resistance to electrical flow.
How do you test an ignition amplifier?
0:217:28RPi Engineering A&R Amplifier And Ignition System Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAsk you to check what connections you've actually got on your coil. So obviously you should haveMoreAsk you to check what connections you've actually got on your coil. So obviously you should have power ignition in which we have on this terminal.
How do I test a CDI box with a multimeter?
Step 2 – Testing CDI (Cold Test) First take the leads of the multimeter and connect them together. If you are using a digital multimeter then you should hear a beeping sound. Measure for continuity between all the ground and the various other points. If your cdi is working well, you should not hear any sounds.
Is there a fuse for ignition switch?
The ignition relay is often located in the fuse box under the hood. It can also be located in a fuse box under the dashboard inside of the car. The ignition relay's exact location may differ from vehicle to vehicle depending on the design of the vehicle and the company that manufactured it.
How do you tell if it's your starter or ignition switch?
Test the Starter It is under the hood, usually on the passenger side at the bottom of the motor next to the transmission. The ignition switch is a set of electrical contacts that activates the starter and usually is located on the steering column.
How do you bypass an ignition switch?
9:3112:24how to bypass a failing ignition switch Honda Accord ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you still need a jump inside of there to give it power to continuously run. So what i did isMoreBut you still need a jump inside of there to give it power to continuously run. So what i did is when you put the key in and turn it over it turns on your accessory.
How do you check an ignition coil with a multimeter?
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 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.
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 many wires does an ignition control module have?
The ignition control module (ICM) has 4 wires coming out of it. Below are the descriptions of what each circuit does. Each circuit is identified by a letter, and this is the same letter that you will find on the ignition module's connector.
What is the switching signal on a car?
As you're probably already aware, the Switching Signal is just a term that describes the switching ‘on and off’ of the Primary Current's path to Ground (the Primary Current refers to the 12 Volts supplied to the ignition coil). If everything is working properly, the engine will start.
