Have you observed any issues in your vehicle engine performance? Has your engine begun to stall? Will your car fail to start unexpectedly? Or will your car’s engine fail to start? If this is the case in which your engine ignition control module is faulty or failing. This is not a cause for concern as I will take you through how to test your ignition Control module with a multimeter.
An ignition module is an electronic component that is responsible for controlling the ignition system in a gasoline engine. It can be tested with a multimeter, a device that can measure voltage, resistance, and other electrical properties.
The ignition module also known as the ESC module works with the computers in your car and works to time your engine ignition system to ensure the best capacity and efficiency. Most of us know extremely little or nothing about engines, therefore before learning how to test an ignition module, we must first check ignition modules using these basic methods. In this article, I will teach you how to test the Ignition control module with a multimeter.
How to Identify That Your Ignition Control Module Requires Testing
The Ignition control module ICM plays an important role in a vehicle’s ignition system. This ICM can cause some problems occasionally. Identifying a faulty ignition control module is therefore critical. But how am I going to achieve that?
Here are some symptoms that indicate a faulty ignition control system:
1. Check the Engine Light
Whenever your car suffers has a defective ICM, you can see the check engine light illuminate on the dashboard. The most typical sign of a faulty ICM is the check engine light
2. Engine Misfires
Combustion deficiencies can cause an engine misfire. One of the primary causes of incomplete combustion is a defective ignition module.
3. Stalling
A defective ignition control can interfere with this procedure
4. Unable to Power Up Accessories
Usually, when your car is in a Running position, all the additional equipment will usually turn on. However, if you have a malfunctioning ignition control module, these accessories will not turn on after being set to the Running position.
5. Vehicle Starting Issues
A bad ignition control system can cause some starting problems for your car.
Tools Required
- A digital multimeter
- Vehicle wiring diagram
- A 12V test light
- Ignition switch for replacement
How To Test Ignition Control Module With Multimeter?
We will use a multimeter test for this procedure. Follow these steps correctly.
Step 1: Check your ICM for current.
Connect your DVOM (Digital Volt Ohm Meter negative )’s lead to the vehicle’s metal frame. It MUST be grounded off a metal component of the vehicle. Now, have your helper spin the engine while you test the various terminals for current. If no current is passing through the terminals, you will have to replace the whole ignition control module.
If the current flow via these terminals, your multimeter provide readings. However, if you do not receive any reading, you will need to replace the complete ignition control module.
Step 2: Examine the Spark Plug Current
As you can see, in the preceding step, we check the ICM for the current status. If the current flows through the ICM, proceed to Step 2.
In this phase, we will put the ICM spark plugs to the test. You will need the 12V test light for this. Insert the 12-volt test light into the terminals. Ask your assistant to rev the engine while holding the test light. The spark plugs are operating properly if the test light flickers as the helper cranks the engine. Apply the same procedure to each terminal.
However, the multimeter may not always display any readings. If you are not receiving any current, go to Step 3.
Step 3: Identify the Faulty Wires
You should only proceed to this step if you did not get any current in Step 2. We will verify for continuity in this stage.
Isolate the wires that have a break or charred markings first.
Then, switch to resistance mode on the multimeter. Examine the wires that connect the spark plugs to the ignition control module. Remember, we’re looking for consistency here. If the multimeter displays an infinite reading, the individual wires are bad. If the multimeter reads zero, the wires are in good working order.
Apply the same method to all of the wires. You may have to spend some time doing this, but the bad wires are easily identified. Replace the problematic wires after you’ve identified them.
If you are unable to finish the replacement procedure on your own, do not be afraid to seek expert assistance.
Conclusion
In this post, we explored using a multimeter to test an ignition control module. You may also do it yourself if you have the necessary tools.
FAQs
How can I know if my ignition control module is faulty?
If there is no current to or from your ICM, your ignition control module is faulty. Read our post and make use of a multimeter.
How can you know if your automobile needs points or electronic ignition?
This is another pointless inquiry from a machine that has no idea what points are.
How do you test an electronic ignition module?
Do you mean the vehicle’s computer? It’s similar to a computer. Gigabit processor with 32 bits. Dozens of analog and digital sensors can communicate with dozens of other computers over a bus. Dealers are unable to test them. Using the “Substitute known working module” approach, they can identify they aren’t working. See if your local pick-and-pull car parts store has one.