how to test a motorcycle ignition switch

Note that you have power coming into the kill switch and power out of the kill switch. How Does a Motorcycle Work?The ignition key goes in the Ignition Switch.Once the ignition switch is turned on, the transmission placed in neutral, the choke pulled out, the fuel petcock turned on and the KILL switch turned to the run position, the motorcycle can be started. From the spark plug, remove one wire and thrust an old spark plug all through to the end of the plug boot. How Do I Access My Raspberry Pi Remotely? If your switch is fed from a 10 amp fuse it's like mine, the start relay current bypasses the switch. Find a metal surface on the engine Hold the Insert the ignition key into the switch. One can also refer the manual to find the exact ranges of the resistance for the coil. Follow these steps for removing a damaged motorcycle ignition switch. On the positive terminal of the coil, … Thanks! IGNITION SWITCH TEST Switch Test The easiest way to test these circuits is to use a battery or a battery charger. © 2021 Written In Chrome. terminal of the coil, place the red lead. During replacement, always select an ignition switch with the same amperage and size. Using the negative lead of your DVOM( Digital Volt Ohm Meter ) ground it to the vehicle’s metal frame. Before concluding that you have a malfunctioned ignition, Using is a spark on your old spark plug. red lead of your multitester. Yes! Patent Pending. The negative lead should go into the distributor base’s good ground. Like it is a fuse, switch or battery, but they all test OK. Can anyone suggest something else that I can check? the only steady current through it is the tail light, Electric petcock and a couple of relays, I think your 3 Amp switch will be fine. Some recommended products may use affiliate links. Whenever you feel that the motorcycle is running rough and is difficult to start then the ignition coil is to be tested as a part of the troubleshooting procedure. your multimeter, check for the voltage of the positive terminal when Rotate the ignition key and place it on the run status. A If the engine does not crank, and you hear a "click" when you first turn the key to the "III" position, then your ignition switch is not the problem. HandToolsForFun.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. below are several methods you can use to test the functionality of your We may earn money reviewing products from the affiliate links on this site. When the new ignition coil is installed then the testing of the coil is really very necessary. ignition switch is working effectively. system is faulty. The main purpose of the ignition coil is to step up the low battery voltage to high which is needed to spark plug. it is dead. Place the black lead on your multimeter to Half of the battle is knowing there is a problem. the frame of your car, and the positive terminal on your battery, attach cable.eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_10',106,'0','0'])); Find Connect a power source to the red wire. If it does not start, but you hear a clicking sound, your Turn the ignition switch off and disconnect the module’s wire. multimeter’s red lead and push the module wire through it. the battery’s voltage is reading at the wire. By putting your keys into the switch, start your engine and see if there is a spark on your old spark plug. strip and ensure it is not damaged or burned. Ignition Switch Fault. If there is no voltage reading, The following are tips to make the execution of your steps easier and precautions to take when carrying out these steps. Return to the ignition switch or key switch diagram and locate the "Ignition" terminal. The result of the resistance should be very low. The primary wire is the one that is going towards the CDI points or CDI box. After Connect a test light to the ground side of source. If no spark appears on the plug, your However, on some motorcycles, the ignition switch can be seen behind it, before the fuel tank. Your ignition may be sticky due to years of use or because of exposure to the elements, but whatever the case it likely just needs a little dose of lube to return it to its smooth-turning self. Providing tool knowledge, appliance/device testing tips, and DIY project info in an easy-to read & non-intimidating style. I pulled the ignition switch and tested it with an ohm meter and it was OK. The electromagnetic triggering consists of a rotor (typically attached to the crankshaft), and two-fixed pole electronic magnets. The initial electricity is received by the primary windings and are located towards the side of the coil. Note: You can just leave the emergency kill switch to ON at all time and just use the Ignition key switch turn ON/OFF your motorcycle. If this is the case then the entire switch needs to be replaced. terminal, place the black lead of the voltmeter. Step 4) If the final result of these wires is not between the indicated numbers then it shows that the ignition coil is bad. Slowly rotate the key from one position to the next and back again If using a charger set to 2 or 10 amps not start!! Step 1: Check your ICM for current. lubed the fak out of it, and cycled the key numerous times to make sure everything worked again. Here is what you … It the rotor The entire Probe your ignition red wire connection to test the voltage. Follow the path of one or more wires from the ignition terminal. Disconnect the ignition switch from the motorcycle wiring loom. Without taking out the spark the negative wire of your ignition module. the ignition key till you get to the off position. In fact, the newest version identifies the drivers key and allows him to activate the starting system. Also send me special offers and deals on Wells Cargo trailers via e-mail. Some of the symptoms above can be caused by a worn key. supply wire. This will let you know whether the installation was successful and if there is any additional problems or issues associated with it. if its anything like my dodge dakota ignition cylinder was doing (not turning,m key comes in/out easily). Hit the starter button and listen. Clip the red voltage meter lead to the grey wire terminal on the back of the ignition switch. First, turn … Let us help you find the next ignition switch for your motorcycle. multimeter is less than 90% of the battery’s voltage, your ignition With the dash free from the motorcycle, set it upside down on your workbench on a clean, soft towel. On the negative battery If you do Test and make note of the resistance across one of the electrical contacts. All Rights Reserved. or the ignition switch. The secondary windings are located on the rear and the plug wires are attached to them. An ignition switch is found in the control system of a vehicle, and its primary purpose is to activate the vehicle’s electrical system, including the power window and the stereo. Coils can be considered as the watertight component that are generally sealed and they are not a repairable item. The timing of the ignition is achieved with an electromagnetic trigger arrangement. If no spark appears on the plug, your ignition is definitely faulty. If the resistance is zero, the VOM is functioning. In some cars, install the switch as part of an anti-theft system. If you get 12vdc at the terminal of the coil then it shows that no reading is coming out and the coil is bad. After this activity, do not start the engine. the positive wire of the ignition module and rotate the key to the It is also known as a start switch or a starter switch. Not only that, but we have them all in … After this, measure the resistance from the higher tension (ground wire or secondary wire). Using your It is, i finally got the key to turn (after 2hrs in a parking lot), drove home, and removed the ignition. vehicle has a problem, but it is not with the ignition switch. faulty ignition switch can cause a lot of troubles and inconvenience One can further analyze the results by using machines that can test the coils under pressure. This will also help you to determine whether the coil is the main problem or else the battery is weak. The result for this should be higher around 7000 to 14000 ohms. Tighten, only, until snug. ignition module should be changed if the multi tester does not show the If your engine won't start, then you should check the ignition switch. The plug cap is to be removed for the test, if it is not removed then it can make your test inaccurate. reading, there is possibly an open circuit between the switch and the ignition switch. voltage reading on your voltmeter should be 12.6 V. If Here's how you can test your motorcycle ignition coils. the distributor rotor keenly as your engine is starting. the ignition switch to the run position after turning it on. For a well-functioning battery, the It is indeed a very simple process and you need a single device to test it and that device is multimeter which is also known as the ohmmeter. the spark plug, remove one wire and thrust an old spark plug all Turning the ignition key to the ON position does absolutely nothing. The If your plug wires and caps check out, you can now test your ignition coil. Place your bike on a level and flat surface with good lighting nearby. To the ground base of your distributor, place the negative position. ignition switch using both a digital and an analog multitester.eval(ez_write_tag([[336,280],'handtoolsforfun_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',103,'0','0'])); Under Using your multimeter, check for the voltage of the positive terminal when the key is in the switch, and the ignition switch is on. If there is no voltage It is, therefore, advisable to use a multimeter to test whether your ignition switch is working because it will check for both AC and DC voltage, current and resistance. 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You should hear the click of the starter relay and the clunk of the starter solenoid. The ignition switch itself is connected to the ignition cylinder by a shaft or … Step 2) One can easily access the wiring of the ignition coil by opening the housing. Open the Coil Housing. Now you can simply remove the four small screws that retain the switch, swap out the Harley dash ignition switch, and reinstall the four screws. Note If the fuse is damaged, It should be 0.5 to 1.5 ohms. A 12 volt test light; A replacement ignition switch** As you can notice this list is simple and perfect if you’re trying to work with a budget. Observe auto-range capability. On the positive The resistance can be measured from the ground terminal wire or the primary wire. lead.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'handtoolsforfun_com-leader-1','ezslot_9',107,'0','0'])); Using Use the positive lead of the multimeter to back-probe the module’s power feed wire. ignition is definitely faulty. Don’t spend the extra money on a mechanic when you don’t need to. Buy the best ignition switches for motorcycles with Lowbrow Customs. Sometimes the cap itself can add extra resistance to the results. however, not necessary to go through this step if your meter has an Rotate the key to the switches off position. the dial on your DMM (Digital Multimeter) to the “volts” sign after correct voltage. Rotate Step 3) The plug cap is to be removed for the test, if it is not removed then it can make your test inaccurate. Testing of the ignition coil depends on the amount of resistance that is set on the meter. Put the ignition key into the ignition switch and crank the engine. Place your Find a metal surface on the engine on which you will place your metal spark plug. Just a random guy who likes to build things. But no matter the location, the majority of motorcycle ignition switches are all the same. Access the wiring for your ignition coils by opening the housing. Firstly, set the Ignition key switch to OFF position followed by set the kill switch to OFF OR Ignition key switch to OFF position, lay down the side-stand (If your bike has the cut off sensor). Free Shipping on orders $79.95. If the engine cranks, then your ignition switch is obviously working fine. If A stubborn ignition switch is frustrating to say the least. The ignition system and starter solenoid are usually powered by this switch, especially in vehicles with internal combustion engines. through to the end of the plug boot. How to Check a Power Adapter with a Multimeter. First measure the resistance between the primary wire that comes from the CDI box and the ground or ground wire. the run position on the ignition switch. replace it with a functioning component of similar amperage as the Start your engine, or There are some bikes where the ignition coil is located under the flywheel and those are mostly mopeds. takes place after turning on the multimeter and selecting the ohm (Ω) Start your engine by putting the ignition key into your