Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Secondary Ignition Cable Resistance Test

CAUTION: Do not pull spark plug cables from distributor cap of four cylinder engines. The cables must be released from inside the distributor cap.

CAUTION: Do not leave any one spark plug cable disconnected any longer than necessary during testing. Excessive heat could damage the catalytic converter. Total test time must not exceed ten minutes.

CAUTION: To maintain proper sealing at the terminal connections, the connections should not be broken unless testing indicates high resistance, an open circuit or other damage.

NOTE: Use an ohmmeter to check resistance type cable for open circuits, loose terminals or high resistance as follows:

Spark Plug Cables
1. Remove cable from spark plug.

2. Lift distributor cap from distributor with cables intact. Do not remove cables from cap. The cables must be removed from the spark plugs.

3. Connect the ohmmeter between spark plug end terminal and the corresponding electrode inside the cap, ensure probes make good contact. Resistance should be within tolerance.

4. If the resistance is not within tolerance, remove cable at cap tower and check the cable.

5. If resistance is still not within tolerance, replace cable assembly.

6. Test all spark plug cables in same manner.

Coil to Distributor High Tension Cable
1. Remove distributor cap with the cable intact. Do not remove cable from the cap.

2. Remove the cable at coil tower

3. Connect the ohmmeter between center contact in the cap and the coil end of cable.

4. If resistance is not within tolerance, replace the cable.