Bench Testing a DIS Ignition Coil (COP)

[@automotivedefenz2195]

$5 Dollars for a spark tester. Better than 60-100 dollar coil. lol. Anyway just wanted to say thanks Matt for your videos. My electrical diagnostic skill level has sky rocketed after going through James D Halderman electricity and electronics. All thanks to your advice it made me want to learn more in depth of what electricity is. I enjoy asking mechanics what electricity is and they have no clue. lol. Knowledge is power my friend.

[@OzMechanics]

Awesome video matt. And cool demonstration. Congrats on the 100k subs

[@SchrodingersBox]

Thanks man. I think it was the shirt you sent me... and that little clear car. What was that lol????

[@OzMechanics]

Schrodingers Box just consider the clear car a good luck charm.

[@michaelcordero5588]

I did the same procedure has you did, but I started to play with it. Sending power on and off like 15 times till the coil blew. Lol it's an old one, I use it with the purpose of learning. Now i know to test it maybe 2 times before it get hot and blew the plug in coil. Don't judge me Matt, I'm learning. Damn! It's hard to became the 2%.

[@ann-marienewbound9402]

Love that you are back publishing videos. Can’t wait for when your paid website is ready and I can subscribe to QM again

[@mhammer5]

I know the feeling, that is the no load situation, in car operation I had anyway. I suddenly recall an HEI I installed on a Camaro I had, a 1972 model not full 12v under operation, but only in testing the voltage at the connector plug to the HEI. Found out a ugh!! crimp connector had much resistance causing headaches of working properly. Problem was I broke my own rule, solder solidly electrical connections was the fix. Thanks for your videos, subscriber for a long time. P.S. We (my wife and I) get a kick out of your rebuttal comments/videos, very laughable moments. Continue on, thanks.

[@asadbaloch2018]

Is it possible to make a full detailed video on how to check coils ? And how many V did you used to tigger the coil? A full detailed video will be really helpful

[@wyattoneable]

There you go. You confirmed it was an easy test. I'm good at "simple".

[@Pablo_Automotive]

Great tip Maat, i am use this tip for many years, regards from Spain ⚡⚡⚡⚡😃😃🔧🔧

[@billk5727]

Good idea! Good way to check it! Some people that don't have money for new ones can test salvage yard ones easily.

[@craigboone5527]

Than you very much for always sharing you knowledge.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Easy enough to test. The owner could have just swapped coils if he was in doubt but then again 98% are thinking inside the box wrench and firing the parts cannon. Boom!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yep- that’s exactly how I would have done it in fact!! No scope, no bench test- just swap coil and check spark and if it’s still there check it off the list!!!

[@TheDisgruntledMechanic]

Thanks for putting in the time Matt to make your videos. I am still deciding if I want to cough up that $3.99 for your paid channel. I guess I will give up my 1 latte a month and give to you instead! haha! take care.

[@martinlohstroh]

Congratulations on 100k

[@SchrodingersBox]

Oh yeah thanks!! I remember having 1000 not all that long ago. Hell I remember having 100 and saying "Hey this is working!"

[@rainbowdiamonds2865]

Easy and perfect. Thanks for your Videos. All good for you.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Glad you like them!

[@eclectarama]

Matt, thanks again for another intelligent, clear explanation. Looking forward to subscribing to SBQM.

[@noahark200]

Your all Aces in my book Mat

[@richardmiles4668]

Hey Matt I have been fighting my s10 2000 zr2 no spark! My spark tester went wild when I did crank sensor bypass test constant spark when engine not even turning over ?I'm thinking covert to carb but 460le tranny seems to be a problem help me on one problem or the other one I am desperately needing this truck fixed !!! richard [e-mail]

[@govhickenlooper]

Looks like a good coil. It must not be one of ours!

[@SchrodingersBox]

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!! Ouch!!!!!

[@rustynail9793]

Eric O needs to see this comment... We all know how much he loves dorman hahahahaha

[@SchrodingersBox]

Hey Cardone can go to hell since they snubbed my submission for their diganostic video contest!

[@jarinwilson9539]

Haha give this man a raise! Oh crap...Did I just assume your gender?

[@SchrodingersBox]

I'm a boy I'm a boy but my mom won't admit it....

[@user-dt9fo9cy8b]

Thanks, good method to keep in the mental tool box. Hey, I'm still learning how to read wiring diagrams. Have you thought about doing a few videos on wiring diagrams, and how to read them? I think that would be great! Especially as more and more sensors and controls are being added to new vehicles. Again thanks, I always enjoy the thoughtful work approach. Its encouraging to be reminded, in the myriad avenues of life, that it is important to learn basic concepts, and to extend those basic understandings in order to resolve inevitable troubles. Sometimes its easy to get tunnel vision, and use thoughtful investigation in only one area of life. Look forward to the next!

[@SchrodingersBox]

My pay channel is full of wiring diagram training info and i’ll be doing much more on them. It launches in a couple weeks.

[@timigenk7342]

thx Matt. helps me a lot in becoming a better mechanic. where can I learn deep knowledge about electrical car diagnostics and electrical understanding ? can not wait for your paid channel.

[@SchrodingersBox]

It will be on the paid channel. I will be focusing very heavily on this in fact. It will be the foundation of the channel!

[@labradormcgraw]

Such simple measures... but they save you $$$.

[@dannytheplumber7394]

Great video , thanks !

[@jesusmalagon4336]

Thanks for shearing your knowledge your time thanks great

[@CarNRadio1]

i had a boot on the coil that was bad and was giving me misfires. had to replace the coil since i couldn’t get boots separately. but i tested it the same way.

[@HorseDoofus]

Is there a way to test a 3-wire paired-output (i.e. cyls. 1+4 then 2+3 wasted spark) coil pack like this? I mean on the bench with spark plugs and a battery? I've tried all sorts of combinations with known good coil packs, but never managed to get a spark at the plugs. I know you can measure the windings' resistances; but I would like a good way to test coil, leads, and plugs in one go when the rest of the car is unavailable. If you have a paid-content video that covers this, I'll happily sign up.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yes there is. I don’t show it anywhere but the operate the same exact way. Just provide power and ground and then input the signal as usual and you will get two sparks instead of one.

[@HorseDoofus]

@@SchrodingersBox I thought it would be something like that, but I guess there's more going on with the ECU signal than can be simulated with a prod from a test probe. Perhaps I need to add a condenser somewhere.

[@kugmyster]

3:49 "Extreme basic detail."..... May I use that one?

[@SchrodingersBox]

Indeed you may, until I make it a registered trademark like "that's hot" it is in the public domain. I suppose the phrase may be interpreted as oxymoronic now that you point it out lol.

[@davidessien5465]

Nice video! However, the routing for the wiring was not really captured. Please can you also highlight specifically the routing for the wires to and from the COP?

[@SchrodingersBox]

it’s very simple - your reference and signal inputs are battery positive. the ground of course goes to negative.

[@davidessien5465]

@@SchrodingersBox Thank you so much 🤝

[@martiniendeffo6422]

Awesome video

[@mrAq_pA]

Sparkin` !

[@peterciurea7771]

I have a set of denso toyota/lexus COP - 4 pin coils. How would you drive those on the bench? I want to use one as an ignitor for a foundry. I looked up the pinout 1 is GND 2 IGT (5V+) 3 IGF (ECM return to gnd?) 4 GND. I was thinking to connect 1,2 and 4 to +12V, +5V and GND respectively and connect a momentary switch between ground and 3- would that work?

[@SchrodingersBox]

Test it exactly the same as a 3 wire. The 4th wire is strictly a confirmation signal to the PCM from the induced voltage created by the coil firing.

[@martiniendeffo6422]

Can i do the same with the coil pack of a 1997 16v Ford escort zetec

[@TheCowgirlNiamh]

Nice! Is there a similar way to test for cars that don't have coils but have the ignition cables instead?

[@SchrodingersBox]

It will still have a coil but one shared for all cylinders. Test is the same.

[@kurtypi]

On a 5.4L triton I overfilled the oil change by over a quart and then before i could drain it back out it ran terrible and still continues to run rough when everything was good before the oil change. Should I suspect oily spark plugs? pcv and fuel filter and maf are not issue afaik not sure about egr or fuel pump but its crap under load and idle when it was fine b4 the oil overfill

[@kurtypi]

also fuel trim is insane high no matter load or idle

[@SchrodingersBox]

Remove the plugs and crank engine to remove any oil that may have churned up into the cylinders as result of crankshaft contacting the oil

[@kurtypi]

Thank so much for that suggestion! I hadn't thought of that but I was in process of removing plugs and the boot and tubes show new oil sling. I cranked the engine over to relieve fuel pressure and changed the fuel filter but didn't take out the plugs first now I think I'm on the right track so thanks again to you and scotty u guys rock!

[@tommynewhouse931]

thanks,always great advise...

[@sanctealphonse4510]

Hey Matt, I've got a single cylinder misfire on my 2003 Ford Expedition on a cold start which goes away after about 10 seconds of warming up. I know the coil and plug is fine (all new plugs not too long ago) and I've done the swaperoo w/ the coil and the mis remained at #1. I would wager that it's not a fuel injector issue since the mis goes away when warm. I've also done a compression test and it checked out fine. I'm wondering maybe an intake manifold issue perhaps just because it goes away when warm which would seem to me to indicate that something is sealing itself up with a little heat. If you have time I would like to hear any thoughts you might have. Thanks!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Misfire issues with cold start are very often vacuum leaks and while I don't generalize by vehicle type I can tell you I have seen a disproportionate number of this on Fords around that model year- in fact I believe I have 2 and maybe 3 videos on this phenomenon- all on Fords. Since you can't do a fuel trim analysis on a cold start, your best bet is either a smoke test when the engine is cold or if you don't have that capability, trying propane or brake cleaner around the intake with engine cold and listen for the response and look for the O2 sensor response if they are oscillating. Also check your mode 6 and really verify it's single cylinder. If it is truly single cylinder then an intake leak is less likely (but still possible) and ignition is more likely. swap plugs and wires with adjacent cylinders and re-check mode6 and see if the misfires moved.

[@sanctealphonse4510]

Hey thanks Matt! I did verify the mode 6 data (#1 has 2,667 misses, #2 has 20 and #5 has 10) I've done the propane / fuel trim test to no avail in the past but now that the problem has gotten worse I may try it again but the problem is it warms up in like 10 seconds and then the mis goes missing so I'm thinking I might just save up for one of those $150 smoke machines on ebay and try that next.

[@johnnymalicoat754]

Can you test your signal ckt with the car running or turning over with a test light? Or is the 5v signal too week to light the test light?

[@SchrodingersBox]

You can do all of those. You can also use an LED testlight- most systems are 5V so an incandescent one won’t light.

[@johnnymalicoat754]

@@SchrodingersBox Thanks brother

[@jejumsautocareaxis8470]

Is the input signal +5v?

[@jbpost52]

Matt is your pay channel up or when may it be up?

[@SchrodingersBox]

not yet maybe 2-3 more weeks

[@johnmccain6058]

You better hurry. I don't have that long.

[@jbpost52]

will be waiting upon your update.

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Matt, Could a weak coil, if there is such a thing, spark doing a test like this but not spark in situ because of the in cylinder pressure? Does making it jump 1/2" count for that? Thank you, Mike

[@SchrodingersBox]

YE$!!! I cover this in fact in the full length video. There are many reasons that a successful spark externally may not translate to adequate spark in a cylinder. Compression ratio, A/F ratio, load and other variables all contribute the the spark pattern, However as a short qualification test- if the spark jumps an air gap of 1" or more, then coil performance is definitely not the issue,

[@todayintheshopbanksy5904]

Thanks Matt, I will be tuning in to the other channel soon.

[@jsnthurst1]

Do they sometimes not work only when they are hot?

[@SchrodingersBox]

yes any electrical component can be affected by heat

[@marleythechameleonandherbi2724]

sehctib Thanks for another good video Matt! yllis

[@arlobubble3748]

My car is coil on plug but only has 2 inputs to the coil, would be interested to learn how to accurately bench those. I'm assuming it will be covered in the paid content.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Indeed!

[@MechanicTechnicianRepair]

Exselete diagnostic. Tech. Nice. Video

[@hnd2893]

Maybe I missed the safety part somewhere, the part about sparks and battery gases...

[@SchrodingersBox]

you didn’t miss it. you just misunderstand it. it is impossible to ignite the battery with that setup.

[@MFDOOMgr]

Does your website exist now?

[@SchrodingersBox]

Yes it does. www.schrodingersboxqm.com

[@joseriggio4366]

If the owner replace cable wires and coils, what was the misfire cause, thanks

[@SchrodingersBox]

if I recall the car had a cylinder with bad compression.

[@joseriggio4366]

Schrodingers Box Thanks Matt, your blog is great 👍

[@dougstewart9093]

So what ended up being the problem with this car if it wasn't the coil??

[@SchrodingersBox]

good question. I don’t even remember it was so long ago hahahaha. This video was an off-shoot of a main video where I was diagnosing the car and ruled out ignition and I believe I ultimately found the car and an intake manifold leak if I remember.

[@jharrison6557]

I'm guessing this is a 3 wire coil, could this test be done with a 4 wire coil as well?

[@SchrodingersBox]

absolutely. I’ll cover that design too in the full video. It will be completely comprehensive being multiple parts and at least an hour and a half in total of both theoretical and hands-on application.

[@mhammer5]

I love the shirt, where can I get one?

[@SchrodingersBox]

I actually just got it from an amazon store where I get all my geek shirts and SOCKS!! My science socks are even better lol!!!

[@tartarsauce2601]

I just clear the code and swap the coil with another cylinder. If the code changes to the other cylinder then boom, Bob's yer uncle.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Change the pulg and wire with other cylinders and cover all ignition possibilities!

[@trealwilliams1563]

Where's the website???

[@SchrodingersBox]

www.Schrodingersboxqm.com

[@MowSow]

A coil is more than just giving spark .. the winding on the inside wears.. Over time, the constant exposure to electrical currents and the associated heat can cause the windings to degrade. This degradation can result in increased electrical resistance, reduced performance, and eventual coil failure.

[@rickdeckard1075]

which would be tested how?

[@SchrodingersBox]

By ohming the primary.

[@rickdeckard1075]

@@SchrodingersBox you can test the coil's winding(s) for intermittant faults, under load, by ohming the primary?

[@SchrodingersBox]

No- you can test for resistance or a short in the primary on a failed coil.

[@rickdeckard1075]

@@SchrodingersBox ah ok, yeah i see that now after reviewing the circuits, thx for the info

[@NoIPHU]

Can't add more than what others said. Just waiting here to spend my money on your paid channel :)

[@SchrodingersBox]

I generally try not to keep paying customers waiting lol... it's all in the hands of my web developer. I had a couple challenges where I had to change developers but this new company is on the ball and actually working really fast. The delays are on my end- not theirs!

[@will7its]

I couldnt see the connections.......

[@bobbyhutcheson5192]

Ok,I watch a lot of your vids and feel I have picked up knowledge from you. I watched bench test ignition coil and that test won't identify one that fails imteittemtly from heat or cold .Many times they fail and check good as a new one with an ohm meter. Somebody say Ameni.

[@SchrodingersBox]

Very true! it’s why i really recommend in-vehicle testing. Thanks for watching.

[@BobbyJr556]

Hmmm, making sparks on top of a car battery. Seems very safe 🤔

[@SchrodingersBox]

Those who don't understand basic, fundamental physical chemistry would be concerned. It's like people who think Oxygen is flammable. Eloevate beyond ignorance and your world will be free.

[@johngregory1803]

@@SchrodingersBox You have obviously never had a battery explode in your face. If the battery you were using in the video was a wet battery and fully charged to the point of gassing,[ hydrogen and oxygen], then all it required was a spark which you were providing. You have called many people idiots who have commented on your videos, but this time your ridiculing of Veritas Aequitas, makes you the idiot. Don't say it can't happen. Iv'e seen it happen three times in my working life in the trade.

[@SchrodingersBox]

@@johngregory1803 You still don't understand. CHEMISTRY. CHEMISTRY. It is impossible that would happen with my setup unless hydrogen somehow changed it's atomic number to become denser than oxygen. The spark cannot possibly ignite the hydrogen. Come on man. It's above your head. Literally. It's above your head.... You don't get that do you? It's a chemistry pun.

[@johngregory1803]

@@SchrodingersBox I believe now is the time to prove your theory. Make a video of the test using a good, wet [dilute sulfuric acid] battery that is fully charged and gassing. You created two sparks, one at the coil which was level with the top of the battery and one with your test light which was above the battery, right in the firing line of the rising hydrogen and oxygen gasses. Just as a side note,why do you think when you are jumping an assumed flat battery off a good one, the last connection of your jump leads should not be on the negative post of the assumed flat battery, but on the engine?. With your education you will know that with the last connection of the jump leads you will create a spark and if the assumed flat battery is fully charged and gassing, then you could be in for a very big and loud bang, with the top of the battery blown off. It happened to me when I was a sixteen year old apprentice in a transport garage when I removed the charging leads from a battery without switching off the charger. A quick learning curve. I am now 78 yrs young and retired but you never forget the lessons you learn the hard way. Your coil test was potentially dangerous and many of your viewers may not know that. I like your videos by the way and even at my age I still like to keep up with modern technology, mainly because I don't want to be ripped off by garages. PS your'e known in the UK.

[@SchrodingersBox]

@@johngregory1803 Yeah you are not even on the same wavelength, pal. I do not have to "prove my theory" It has already been proven. Laws of physical chemistry do not have to be proven. What exactly would I be proving- That an ignition source located only within the realm of an accelerant without fuel source and 78% nitrogen content will not combust? This is already established in normal ST&P atmosphere. Every day. At all times. in the entire universe. Hydrogen has an atomic number of 1. It is lighter than oxygen with an atomic number of 16. It is ALWAYS lighter than oxygen. It will NEVER not be this way. You need me to prove this? Just do the math. That's your proof. Now, if I locate the ignition source into an atmospheric condition providing for both acceleration and fuel- hell yeah it could combust. But I didn't do that. Nor would I ever. Explain to me how this could possibly happen that at the ignition source in the video the hydrogen is going to displace the nitrogen while preserving the oxygen accelerant? YOU prove how that can possibly happen in this setup in this video. The burden is on you- not me! You are the one trying to disprove a physical chemistry law that has been established for over 400 years now. Come on John- all of physical chemistry is awaiting your proof!!!

[@frugalprepper]

second!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Second is the first loser! :-P

[@badbanano]

The boot and insulation are just as suspect with a random misfire 300 code

[@situationmoney]

Be careful... You're foolin' with the likes of AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance, Napa, etc... They all sell ammo for the parts cannon and they have thousands of spark plugs, plug wires and ignition coils in stock...

[@SchrodingersBox]

Lol actually I have a GREAT relationship with my local O'Reilleys. They give me a corporate discount and often refer me to people needing help.

[@minatv638]

many mechanician doesn,t understand english please translate to many language like kinyarwanda

[@ashteregg2133]

that's a crap test you need to put the coil under stress pressurised cylinder?

[@SchrodingersBox]

Not if the gap is over an inch you don’t.

[@ashteregg2133]

@@SchrodingersBox still better under pressure

[@halopersin]

I don’t know how but I got first comment!

[@SchrodingersBox]

Too much free time probably lol!