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How to Test a Canister Ignition Coil

Model: (Various brands) Various
Part: Ignition coil

Let’s see how to test a canister-type ignition coil, typical of distributor or central cable engines. For the low-voltage primary circuit test, set the multimeter to ohms and a low value. Connect the positive of the coil (+15) with the red probe. Connect the negative of the coil (-1 or ground) with the black probe. The value to look for is less than 5 Ohms. If the value is stable and low, the primary is good; if it is open (OL) or infinite, the coil is faulty. For the high-voltage secondary circuit test, set the multimeter to ohms but to a high value. Connect the positive of the coil (+15) with the red probe; connect the negative (black probe) into the high-voltage cable of the coil. The value to look for is between 5,000 and 15,000 Ohms. If the value is within this range and stable, the secondary is good.

Posted on 23 February 2026 by ScegliAuto

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