How to test ignition coil with multimeter Chevy?

To test an ignition coil on a Chevy vehicle, you can use a multimeter to check the coil's resistance and secondary voltage output. This process can help diagnose issues with the ignition system and identify a faulty ignition coil. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to test an ignition coil with a multimeter on a Chevy.

Gather the Necessary Tools

• Multimeter


• Ignition coil removal tool (if necessary)


• Gloves and safety glasses (optional)

Before you begin, make sure you have a multimeter that can measure resistance and voltage. You may also need an ignition coil removal tool, depending on the specific Chevy model you're working on.

Locate the Ignition Coil

The ignition coil is typically located near the engine's spark plugs. Consult your Chevy's service manual or do a quick online search to determine the exact location of the ignition coil on your specific model.

Test the Ignition Coil's Resistance

1. Disconnect the ignition coil's electrical connector.


2. Set your multimeter to the resistance (Ohm) setting.


3. Touch the multimeter's probes to the positive and negative terminals of the ignition coil. The resistance should be within the manufacturer's specified range, typically between 0.5 and 2 Ohms.


4. If the resistance is outside the specified range, the ignition coil may be faulty and need replacement.

Checking the resistance of the ignition coil can help identify any internal issues, such as a short or open circuit.

Test the Ignition Coil's Secondary Voltage

1. Reconnect the ignition coil's electrical connector.


2. Set your multimeter to the voltage (V) setting.


3. Start the Chevy's engine and let it idle.


4. Touch the multimeter's positive probe to the ignition coil's high-voltage terminal (usually the center terminal) and the negative probe to a good ground, such as the engine block. The secondary voltage should be between 20,000 and 45,000 volts.


5. If the secondary voltage is outside the specified range, the ignition coil may be faulty and need replacement.

Checking the secondary voltage output of the ignition coil can help identify any issues with the coil's ability to generate the high voltage required to fire the spark plugs.

By following these steps, you can effectively test the ignition coil on your Chevy vehicle using a multimeter. This diagnostic process can help you identify and address any issues with the ignition system, ensuring your Chevy runs smoothly.

How to ohm a GM coil?

And you see that one says 2.9. But we must remember to go back over to the first terminal just to check our meter and lead resistance which is 2. So the 0.2. Off of the 2.9. That's a 2.7 ohm coil.

How can you tell if a Silverado coil pack is bad?

The following seven symptoms should prompt you to visit your nearest Chevy dealer at once to have your bad coil repaired or replaced.

1. Check Engine Dashboard Light.
2. Coughing, Sputtering Sounds.
3. Shaking and Juddering.
4. Sudden Stalling.
5. Struggling to Start.
6. Reduced Accelerative Power.
7. Poor Gas Mileage.

How to test a 3 wire ignition coil with a multimeter?

To do this, set your multimeter to the ohms scale and connect one lead to the positive terminal of the coil and the other lead to the negative terminal of the coil. If the reading is infinity, then there is no continuity and the coil is defective. If the reading is zero, then there is continuity and the coil is good.

How do you test a Chevy ignition coil with a multimeter?

To test a Chevy ignition coil with a multimeter, set the multimeter to ohms, disconnect the coil from the vehicle, and test the primary and secondary windings for resistance within the manufacturer's specifications. For the primary winding, check between the positive and negative terminals, which should be less than 1 ohm. For the secondary winding, check between the positive terminal and the center point (or high-tension lead connection). 
This video demonstrates how to test the primary and secondary windings of an ignition coil: 57sVintage Engine RepairsYouTube · Oct 10, 2023
Before you begin

• Safety first: Disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting any work. 
• Label: If testing a coil pack, label each coil before removing it to avoid mix-ups. 
• Visual inspection: Check for any visible damage, cracks, or loose wires on the coil pack. 
• Zero your meter: Before testing, touch the multimeter probes together to check the resistance of the leads themselves. Subtract this value from your coil readings later. 

Test the primary winding 

1. Set the multimeter: Set the dial to the lowest resistance setting, typically 200 Ohms (Ω). 
2. Locate the terminals: Identify the positive and negative terminals on the ignition coil. For some models, these might be referred to by wire colors, such as red and yellow. 
3. Measure the resistance: Place the probes on the terminals and note the reading. It should be very low, ideally between 0.50.50.5 and 111 Ohm. 
4. Evaluate the results: A reading of 0.50.50.5 to 111 Ohm is good. If it is much higher, the primary winding is open and the coil is likely bad. 

This video shows how to test the primary winding of an ignition coil: 39sCody the Car GuyYouTube · Jan 24, 2013
Test the secondary winding 

1. Set the multimeter: Change the setting to the kilo-ohm (kΩ) range, typically 20kΩ. 
2. Locate the terminals: Find the positive terminal and the high-tension lead connection (the center point of the coil or the lead that goes to the spark plug cap). 
3. Measure the resistance: Place the probes on these two points and note the reading. It can be between 6,0006 comma 0006,000 and 16,00016 comma 00016,000 ohms ($6$kΩ to $16$kΩ) for a good coil. 
4. Evaluate the results: An open circuit (no reading) indicates a bad coil. A reading outside the expected range could mean the coil is bad. 

You can also watch this video for more information on testing the secondary winding of an ignition coil: 1mScannerDannerYouTube · Sep 19, 2014
Additional tests

• Coil pack comparison: If you are testing a coil pack, compare the resistance readings from each individual coil. The readings should be very similar. 
• Shorts to ground: Use the multimeter in resistance mode to check for a short between the primary/secondary windings and the coil's metal housing or ground. The reading should be very high (an open circuit). 

This video explains how to check for shorts to ground in an ignition coil: 48sMiracleMAXYouTube · Mar 6, 2021