If you are a car enthusiast and have a Ford vehicle, it is essential to ensure that its ignition coil is working correctly. Ignition coils play a crucial role in starting and powering the engine of your vehicle. If the ignition coil is faulty, it can cause various problems such as misfiring, difficulty in starting, and even complete engine failure. In this article, you will learn how to test Ford ignition coil with a multimeter.
What is a Multimeter?
A multimeter is an essential tool for any car enthusiast. It is a device that measures volts, amps, and ohms. It can be used to check the voltage of a battery, test the continuity of a circuit, and measure the resistance of a component. It is a versatile tool that can be used for various purposes.
Steps to Test Ford Ignition Coil with Multimeter
Here are the steps to test Ford ignition coil with multimeter:
Step 1: Turn Off the Engine
The first step is to turn off the engine of your Ford vehicle. This will ensure your safety and prevent any accidents from occurring.
Step 2: Locate the Ignition Coil
The next step is to locate the ignition coil. The ignition coil is generally located on the engine block or the valve cover. You can refer to your vehicle's manual to find the exact location of the ignition coil.
Step 3: Disconnect the Ignition Coil
Once you have located the ignition coil, the next step is to disconnect it. You can do this by unplugging the wires that are connected to the ignition coil. Make sure you keep track of which wires you disconnect so that you can reconnect them later.
Step 4: Set the Multimeter
Set the multimeter to measure resistance. The resistance setting is usually denoted by the omega symbol (Ω).
Step 5: Connect the Multimeter
Connect the multimeter leads to the ignition coil. The black lead should be connected to the negative terminal, and the red lead should be connected to the positive terminal.
Step 6: Check the Resistance
Check the resistance of the ignition coil. The resistance should be between 0.4 and 2 ohms. If the resistance is outside this range, the ignition coil is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 7: Check the Primary Winding
Check the primary winding of the ignition coil. The primary winding is the winding that is connected to the battery. To check the primary winding, connect the multimeter leads to the positive and negative terminals of the primary winding. The resistance should be between 0.4 and 2 ohms. If the resistance is outside this range, the ignition coil is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 8: Check the Secondary Winding
Check the secondary winding of the ignition coil. The secondary winding is the winding that is connected to the spark plugs. To check the secondary winding, connect the multimeter leads to the positive terminal of the primary winding and the high voltage terminal of the secondary winding. The resistance should be between 6,000 and 15,000 ohms. If the resistance is outside this range, the ignition coil is faulty and needs to be replaced.
Step 9: Reconnect the Ignition Coil
Once you have tested the ignition coil, the next step is to reconnect it. Make sure you connect the wires correctly, as per the markings on the ignition coil.
Step 10: Start the Engine
The final step is to start the engine of your Ford vehicle and check if it's running smoothly. If yes, then your ignition coil is working correctly.
Conclusion
Testing Ford ignition coil with a multimeter is a simple process that can be done by any car enthusiast. It is essential to ensure that your ignition coil is working correctly to prevent any engine-related problems. By following the steps mentioned above, you can test your Ford ignition coil and make sure it's in good condition.