As a senior car enthusiast, I have seen my fair share of car troubles. One of the most common problems that car owners face is a faulty pick up coil. The pick up coil is an essential component of the car's ignition system, and it is responsible for generating the signal that triggers the spark plug to fire. If the pick up coil is not working correctly, the car will not start or run smoothly. In this article, I will be discussing how to test the pick up coil to see if it is working correctly.
What is a Pick Up Coil?
The pick up coil is a small coil of wire that is located inside the distributor cap. Its purpose is to detect the rotation of the distributor shaft and generate an electrical signal that is sent to the ignition control module. The ignition control module uses this signal to trigger the spark plug to fire at the correct time.
Why Test the Pick Up Coil?
If the pick up coil is not working correctly, it can cause a range of problems with the car's ignition system. These problems can include difficulty starting the car, poor fuel economy, and decreased engine performance. By testing the pick up coil, you can determine whether it is working correctly and identify any issues that need to be addressed.
How to Test the Pick Up Coil
Testing the pick up coil is a simple process that can be done with a multimeter. Here are the steps to follow:
- Disconnect the distributor cap from the distributor.
- Locate the two wires that connect to the pick up coil.
- Set the multimeter to the ohms setting.
- Connect the multimeter leads to the two wires that connect to the pick up coil.
- Check the resistance reading on the multimeter.
If the resistance reading is within the manufacturer's specifications, the pick up coil is working correctly. If the resistance reading is outside of the manufacturer's specifications, the pick up coil may need to be replaced.
Conclusion
Testing the pick up coil is an essential task that should be done regularly to ensure that your car's ignition system is working correctly. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily test the pick up coil and identify any issues that need to be addressed. Remember, a faulty pick up coil can cause a range of problems with your car, so it is essential to address any issues as soon as possible.