What would cause a weak spark?
If the spark is still weak after replacing the whole ignition system, then the normal size wiring or connector to the coil may be corroded or damaged somehow. The other real longshot is that the grounding strap between the engine/trans, body, and negative battery terminal is corroded/worn/damaged.
What does weak spark mean?
Weak sparks are orange or red and may be hard to see in daylight. If you did not see a spark, remove the coil wire from the distributor cap. The engine will be weak, the unburned fuel will foul the spark plug, and the exhaust will pop.
Can a bad starter cause weak spark?
The starter will not have any impact on the engine’s ability to produce spark. There are a number of issues that may cause an ignition system to not produce spark. A bad crankshaft position (CKP) sensor (on engines that do not have a distributor), or broken, loose or corroded wires from the sensor to the PCM.
Can a spark plug have a weak spark?
Weak sparks are orange or red and may be hard to see in daylight. If you did not see a spark, remove the coil wire from the distributor cap. Attach the spark tester to the distributor end of the coil wire. If a spark is present, the problem is probably in the distributor cap, rotor or spark plug wires.
Why does my car have a weak spark?
If your tachometer registers and is not bouncing erratically then it is most likely the ignition module. If the tachometer needle doesn’t move at all it is most probably the crankshaft sensor. You say you have a “weak spark” now, that can also be caused be a failing sensor.
What causes a weak spark on a riding mower?
If there is a weak spark (as opposed to no spark) it’s unlikely to be a fault elsewhere. On a small (mower etc) engine, again a failing coil is a possibility – along with broken/perished HT wire. Any engine with old-school points and condenser – look at the condenser.
How can you tell if your ignition system is weak?
If you remove the secondary lead from an oil-filled coil and it is wet, the coil needs to be replaced. The proper method to check for spark is with a spark tester. It resembles a spark plug but has a sunken center electrode that simulates a load on the coil. Holding the plug wire and seeing if a spark jumps to ground is inconclusive.
Can a bad ignition module cause a weak spark?
With a Coil, you can check it hot and cold. Check the primary and secondary windings and compare it to spec. Actually all things can be good cold, but once heat gets around it, it fails. A newer HEI setup, the bad ignition module can also be a sign of no spark. Def. check the grounds and make sure power is where it should be.