So does your application require a ballast resistor? Quite simply, if your distributor has breaker points the answer is yes; if not, the answer is no. See all 7 photos 2 Older points-style ignition system used a single resistor which reduced amperage to the coil resulting in extended life for the coil and points.
Q. Can you bypass a ballast resistor?
The duty of the ballast resistor is to limit voltage to the ignition coil. A quick and easy way to diagnose ballast resistor failure is to bypass it by running a temporary jumper wire from the battery to the coil. If it starts and remains running, you’ve found the problem.
Table of Contents
Q. How do you install an ignition ballast resistor?
Connecting a ballast resistor is a fairly straightforward project, but you will want to pay attention to the wiring.
- Step 1: Determine if Ballast Resistor Is Needed.
- Step 2: Locate Ballast Resistor along Firewall.
- Step 3: Drill Holes for Securing Resistor.
- Step 4: Install Ballast Resistor.
- Step 5: Connect Wires to Positive.
Q. How do you test a 12 volt ballast resistor?
To test your ballast resistor you need an ohm meter or multimeter set to ohms. Remove the connectors from both sides of the resistor. The ohms should read between 1.8 and 5 ohms. You should be getting 9 volts to the positive side of the coil.
Q. What is a ballast ignition?
The colder the weather or the more worn the starter motor, the more current it draws, the less there is passed to the coil to instigate ignition. The ballast-resisted system utilises a 6 (commonly called the ‘cold start’ system) or 9-volt coil instead of the older style 12-volt item.
Q. What Ohm ignition coil should I use?
Most ignition coils should have a primary resistance falling somewhere between 0.4 and 2 ohms; however, refer to your manufacturer’s specifications for the correct reading. If a reading of zero is displayed, that signifies that the ignition coil has shorted internally in the primary windings and needs to be replaced.