Ignition Power Stage: Testing and Inspection

Ignition Coil With Power Output Stage:

It is not necessary to test the power output stage unless there is no spark or intermittent spark.


1. Disconnect harness connector from power output stage.

2. Connect DVM between terminals #1 and #3 of harness connector, set to 20 volt scale.

3. Turn ignition ON and note voltage.

^ Should have battery voltage.

If not, check for:

a. Open circuit in wiring between terminal #1 of power stage and terminal B15 of fuse relay panel.
b. Open circuit between power stage harness connector terminal #3 and engine ground.

Repair as necessary.

4. Connect LED test light between terminals #2 and #3 of power stage harness connector.

5. Crank engine and observe test light.

^ LED should flash while cranking (if connected with proper polarity).

If not, check for:

a. Open ground circuit between terminal #3 of power stage harness connector and engine ground connection on intake manifold.
b. Open or grounded circuit between ECU terminal #11 and terminal #2 of power stage harness connector.
c. Faulty hall sensor.

Repair as necessary.

If hall sensor is OK, no wiring problems are found and LED still does not flash in step 5, then ECU is faulty (no ignition signal from ECU terminal 11).

If LED does flash and there is no spark, check ignition coil.

If ignition coil checks out OK and there is still no spark, replace power output stage.