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How many ohms should an ignition coil read?

An ignition coil is a crucial component in the ignition system of a vehicle, responsible for generating the high-voltage spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture in the engine's cylinders. The resistance of an ignition coil is an important parameter to measure, as it can provide valuable insights into the health and performance of the ignition system.


Typical Ignition Coil Resistance Readings


The typical resistance range for an ignition coil can vary depending on the specific make and model of the vehicle, but generally, the resistance should fall within the following ranges:



  • Primary winding resistance: 0.5 to 2.0 ohms

  • Secondary winding resistance: 6,000 to 30,000 ohms


These resistance values are measured with the ignition coil disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system, using a multimeter. It's important to note that the resistance values can be affected by factors such as temperature, age, and wear of the coil.


Diagnosing Ignition Coil Issues


Measuring the resistance of an ignition coil can help diagnose potential issues with the ignition system. For example, if the primary winding resistance is significantly higher or lower than the expected range, it could indicate a problem with the coil, such as a winding fault or a short circuit. Similarly, if the secondary winding resistance is outside the normal range, it could suggest a problem with the coil's insulation or a high-voltage leak.


It's important to follow the manufacturer's recommended testing procedures and specifications when measuring ignition coil resistance, as the exact values may vary depending on the vehicle model and year.

How many ohms should a good coil read?


For a standard coil you should measure about 3 Ohms. For a ballast coil you should measure between 1-2 Ohms. For a FACTORY electronic ignition you should measure somewhere around (and possibly below) 1 Ohm. (Others will have to tell you what the exact resistance for the factory electronic ignition coil is).



How many ohms is a 12 volt coil?


A true 12V coil will have a 3 ohm primary winding.



What is an acceptable ohm reading?


Compare your readings to the acceptable range of 20 – 60 ohms. The reading will give you insight into the problem. See the possible outcomes and recommended action below: Acceptable Range: If the measurements are within the acceptable range (20 – 60 ohms) then the electrical circuit for that station is good.



How to tell if an ignition coil is bad with a multimeter?


Set the multimeter knob to 200 Ohms scale. Place the red probe of the meter on the small terminal of the coil marked as (+) and keep the black wire of the multimeter on the (-) terminal of the coil and take the reading. If it reads around 0.3 to 4.0 Ohms the ignition coil is OK if not it is defective.



What is the Ohm's law on coils?


Ohm's law states that, at constant temperature, the current in a conductor between two points is proportional to the p.d. between these points. In particular, the coil and internal connections of a moving-coil instrument form a conductor.



What is the normal resistance of a coil?


Resistance is measured in “Ohms” (Ω) and on coils is most commonly a number between 0.15Ω - 2.1Ω. A higher number/resistance usually means the coil is designed to allow less power through it, whereas a lower number/resistance usually means the coil is designed to allow more power through it.



How to test magneto coil with multimeter?


Set the multimeter to its Ohms setting and set it to the 40 k range (don't use the auto-ranging feature). Place one tip of the probe on the engine block and the other on the rubber casing's metal clip. Ideally, the readout should be between 3 k and 15 k.



Can you drive with a bad ignition coil?


Can You Drive with a Bad Ignition Coil? If you're rocking a single ignition coil, you probably won't be able to start your car, let alone drive it. If you have a COP setup, it may be possible to drive your vehicle with a failed coil, but we advise against it since doing so can be unsafe and damaging to your engine.



What is ideal coil resistance?


An ideal inductive coil has a resistance of 100Ω When an ac signal of frequency 1000Hz is applied to the coil the voltage leads the current by 45∘ The inductance of the coil is .



How many ohms is acceptable?


According to the NEC, make sure that system impedance to ground is less than 25 ohms specified in NEC 250.56. In facilities with sensitive equipment it should be 5.0 ohms or less. The telecommunications industry has often used 5.0 ohms or less as their value for grounding and bonding.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.