Ignition Coil: Testing and Inspection
Ignition Coils with Power Output Stage, Checking
The following procedure is used to diagnose Ignition Coils with Power Output Stage (N70, N127, N291, N292).
Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required
• Multimeter.
• Diode test lamp.
• Wiring diagram.
Test requirements
• Fuse (SB6) OK.
• The Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay (J271) OK.
• The Engine Speed (RPM) Sensor (G28) OK.
• The Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor (G40)OK.
• Battery voltage at least 12.5 volts.
• All electrical consumers such as, lights and rear window defroster, switched off.
• Vehicles with automatic transmission, shift selector lever into position " P" or "N".
• A/C switched off.
• Ground (GND) connections between engine/transmission/chassis OK.
• Ignition switched off.
Test procedure
- Perform a preliminary check to verify the customers complaint. Refer to => [ Preliminary Check ] Preliminary Check.
Start diagnosis
- Remove the engine cover with air filter.
- Remove the Ignition Coils electrical harness screws - 1 -.
- Disconnect the Ignition Coils electrical harness connectors - arrows - from the Ignition Coils with Power Output Stage (N70, N127, N291, N292).
Checking voltage supply
- Switch the ignition on.
- Using a Multimeter, check the Ignition Coil electrical harness connector terminal 1 to Ground (GND) for voltage.
Specified value: battery voltage.
- Switch the ignition off.
If the specified value was not obtained:
- Check the Ignition Coil electrical harness connector terminal 1 to the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) Power Supply Relay (J271) terminal 2/87 for an open circuit, short circuit to Battery (+) or Ground (GND).
- Check the wiring connection for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals.
- If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.
If the specified values were obtained:
Checking activation
CAUTION!
Do not touch the Ignition Coils connecting parts or adapter cables during the following test.
- Using a diode test lamp, check the Ignition Coil electrical harness connector terminals 1 to 3 for voltage.
- Crank the engine.
The LED should flicker.
- Switch the ignition off.
If the LED flickers and the voltage was OK:
- Replace the faulty Ignition Coil.
If the LED does not flicker:
Checking wiring
If the manufacturers test box is being used. Perform the following step.
- Install the test box.
If the manufacturers test box is not being used. Perform the following step.
- Remove the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) (J623). Refer to => [ Motronic Engine Control Module J623, Replacing ] Motronic Engine Control Module J623, Replacing.
- Using a Multimeter, Check the Ignition Coil electrical harness connector to the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) (J623) electrical harness connector T60 for an open circuit.
Specified value: 1.5 ohms Max.
If the specified value was not obtained:
- Check the wiring connection for an open circuit, short circuit to Battery (+) or Ground (GND).
- Check the wiring connection for damage, corrosion, loose or broken terminals.
- If necessary, repair the faulty wiring connection.
- Erase the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory ] Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory.
- Perform a road test to verify repair.
If the DTC does not return:
Repair complete, Generate readiness code. Refer to => [ Readiness Code ] Readiness Code.
- End diagnosis.
If the DTC does return and no malfunction is detected in the wiring and the voltage supply was not OK:
- Replace the Motronic Engine Control Module (ECM) (J623). Refer to => [ Motronic Engine Control Module J623, Replacing ] Motronic Engine Control Module J623, Replacing.
- Assembly is performed in the reverse of the removal.
Final Procedures
After the repair work, the following work steps must be performed in the following sequence:
1. Check the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 03 - Read DTC Memory ] Diagnostic Mode 03 - Read DTC Memory.
2. If necessary, erase the DTC memory. Refer to => [ Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory ] Diagnostic Mode 04 - Erase DTC Memory.
3. If the DTC memory was erased, generate readiness code. Refer to => [ Readiness Code ] Readiness Code.
End of diagnosis.