Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

When Working on Ignition Sys., DME & Electrical Equip.


CAUTION: Always switch off ignition before working on ignition system - DANGEROUS HIGH TENSION!

- Always remove DME master relay for the compression test to avoid activation of ignition coils by ignition final stages of the DME control unit. DANGEROUS HIGH TENSION!

- Always switch off ignition before connecting/disconnecting Service Tester, other testers and adapters or replacing components!

- Secondary (high tension) side of ignition system must be loaded with at least 4 K-ohms.

- Never start engine after removing distributor cap or disconnecting wire (terminal 4) on ignition coil (terminal 4).

- Never connect a shielded capacitor or test lamp on ignition coil terminal 1.

- Never connect ignition coil terminal 1 wire to ground or B+. Consequently terminal 1 wire may not be used to interlock starting when service installing a burglar alarm system

Direct Ignition System (Without Distributor):

- Engine must never be started after disconnection of the secondary circuit, i.e. disconnection of connectors on spark plugs and ground connection (terminal 4a).

- There is dangerous high tension in or on:
^ Ignition leads
^ Spark plug connectors
^ Spark plugs
^ Ignition coil terminal 4

CAUTION: approx. 40 kV high tension.

^ Terminal 1 wire from ignition coil to DME control unit

CAUTION: approx 350 V high tension at terminal 1.

- Battery as well as wires on alternator and starter may not be disconnected on a running engine.