How to Test a Pertronix Ignitor

Pertronix is the name of a manufacturing company that specializes in making electrical after-market parts and supplies for automobiles. One such product is the Petronix Ignitor, which is an after-market ignition system upgrade kit. The ignitor replaces point-style electronic ignitions with a dependable, self contained electronic ignition system. If the vehicle refuses to start it may mean the ignitor is has worn out. Testing the Pertronix ignitor is a straight-forward process that only takes a few minutes.

Instructions

1

Use the socket set to remove the retaining bolt on the distributor cap and lift the distributor cap up and off the distributor. Leave the spark plug wires attached to the cap though.

2

Inspect the ignitor wires first to make sure they are all connected properly.

3

Unplug the red ignitor wire from the ignition coil and attach it directly to the positive battery terminal. Use a piece of jumper wire if necessary to make this connection.

4

Turn the multimeter on and turn it to the voltage setting.

5

Place the positive meter lead to the red wire connected to the positive battery terminal and connect the negative meter lead to the negative battery cable. Start the engine and examine the meter reading. The reading should fluctuate between 0 and 12 volts. If the voltage stays fixed or constant it means the ignitor needs to be channged.