What is ballast resistor in ignition system for?
In simple terms, the ballast resistor in a Mopar limits the amperage, or current flow, through the coil while the engine is running, thereby extending the life of the coil and breaker points of the distributor.
Can you run a coil with a ballast resistor?
You can however use such coils provided you remove the ballast resister. Never try to run a ballasted coil when a ballast resistor is not present in the ignition system! Can I fit a Powerspark Electronic Ignition Kit if I have a ballast resistor?
What are the symptoms of a bad ballast resistor?
The most obvious symptoms will be the vehicle starts, but then immediately dies as soon as you release the key. If this happens, the professionals at YourMechanic will be able to measure the voltage coming from the ballast resistor and determine if you need a replacement.
When did the first ballast ignition system come out?
Ballast ignition systems were introduced in around 1970. To find out for sure, use a multimeter to check the voltage on the positive wire of the coil with the ignition on. You can test the resistance of the coil using a voltmeter and measure the Ohms (resistance) across the +’ve and –’ve terminals.
How can I tell if I have a standard or ballast coil system?
How can I tell if I have a standard or ballast coil system? Ballast ignition systems were introduced in around 1970. To find out for sure, use a multimeter to check the voltage on the positive wire of the coil with the ignition on.
How can I tell if my ballast resistor is failing?
A quick and easy way to diagnose ballast resistor failure is to bypass it by running a temporary jumper wire from the battery to the coil. If it starts and remains running, you’ve found the problem. The ignition points are not designed to take full battery voltage for long.
Do all ignition coils need a ballast resistor?
Thereof, does an ignition coil need a resistor? Pete, most coils need the resistor Although that’s not the case with EVERY coil, most do require it. The resistor limits the CURRENT going through the coil. Also, if you have a points ignition, it lengthens the life of the points greatly.
How big is a ballast resister circuit in a boat?
It can be either a small resistor (often a rectangular white ceramic thingie about 2 inches long) OR in some cases the WIRE that goes to the coil has an intentional resistance to it. The resistance VALUE is often between 1 ohm and 1/2 ohm. Just start by looking for 6 to 12 volts on the coil terminals with ignition on and engine stopped.
Ballast ignition systems were introduced in around 1970. To find out for sure, use a multimeter to check the voltage on the positive wire of the coil with the ignition on. You can test the resistance of the coil using a voltmeter and measure the Ohms (resistance) across the +’ve and –’ve terminals.