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Testing Ignition Control Module with a multimeter

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Old 09-12-2016, 08:47 AM
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irv
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Testing Ignition Control Module with a multimeter

1986 pickup with 22r motor. Truck cranks strong but will not start. Running through the tests. Ignition Coil passes the ohm resistance test and is in good working order.

I am a bit unsure of how to test the Ignition Control Module with a multimeter. With the key in the "On" position and with my multimeter set to 12V, I'm touching the positive and negative leads to the output plug on the Module (the 2 wires within the harness that plugs into the Ignition Coil). It reads only about 1.7 volts. Should this read the same as the battery's voltage (about 12V)? Or am I totally wrong in this test.
Old 09-13-2016, 08:17 AM
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I did this test yesterday. You put the multimeter positive probe to the ignition coil positive, and the negative probe to a ground. Reading should be aprox. 12v.

Now whats killing me is yesterday I had a consistent, albeit high, reading for my primary coil. Today, when retesting, my secondary coil is still consistent and within spec, but my primary is jumping all over the place. I'll get readings from 0.02 - 18.97 ohms. It isn't the multimeter cause I get good readings on the TPS. I dont think it's a bad ground because I'm getting a good reading on the secondary coil and they re in the same unit...wouldnt they share a ground?

Old 09-13-2016, 08:21 AM
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You'll also need to check the power transistor in the igniter (ignition control module) which involves a AA battery. I'll put a pic of the FSM page up

EDIT******

You want page IG-8

http://web.archive.org/web/201011270...985FSM_OCR.pdf

Last edited by Quinn's87RE; 09-13-2016 at 08:27 AM. Reason: link to FSM
Old 09-13-2016, 02:00 PM
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irv
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That service manual has the absolute worst page numbering system I've ever seen.

Originally Posted by Quinn's87RE
You'll also need to check the power transistor in the igniter (ignition control module) which involves a AA battery. I'll put a pic of the FSM page up

EDIT******

You want page IG-8

http://web.archive.org/web/201011270...985FSM_OCR.pdf
Old 06-27-2017, 09:41 AM
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Hi...i am a new user here. I think you should put the multimeter positive probe to the ignition coil positive, and the negative probe to a ground. Reading should be approx. 12v.It looks like it is a bad ground because I'm getting a good reading on the secondary coil and they are in the same unit.
Old 06-30-2017, 10:31 AM
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Edit: just noticed this was a reserected thread. lol sorry my reply is to the first set. I would bet it is the ignition pickup in the distributor. http://www.ebay.com/i/291700886943?chn=ps&dispItem=1

Last edited by Schnayke; 06-30-2017 at 10:51 AM.
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