Ignition Coil

TESTING

External Mounted Ignition Coil

COIL PRIMARY RESISTANCE TEST

1. Turn the ignition switch off, then disconnect the ignition coil connector.
2. Check for dirt, corrosion or damage.

   Fig. 1: Ignition coil primary resistance test — 3.0L engine (B Series Pick-up)

   Fig. 2: Checking the primary ignition coil reesistance — 3.0L engine (MPV)

   Fig. 3: Ignition coil primary resistance test — 2.6L engine

3. Use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance from the positive (+) to negative (–) terminals of the ignition coil. The 2.6L has a pair of positive and negative terminals on each side of the coil.
4. The resistance measurements should read as follows:
   • 3.0L engine(B Series Pick-up): 0.3–1.0 ohms at 68°F (20°C)
   • 3.0L engine (MPV): 0.72–0.88 ohms at 68°F (20°C)
   • 2.6L engine: side 1 — 0.77–0.95 ohms and side 2 — 0.9–1.1k ohms at 68°F (20°C
5. If the reading is between these specifications, the ignition coil is OK; continue on to the Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance Test. If the reading is less than or greater than these specifications, replace the ignition coil.

COIL SECONDARY RESISTANCE TEST

1. Turn the ignition switch off, then disconnect the ignition coil connector.
2. Use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance between the negative (-) terminal to the high voltage terminal of the ignition coil.
3. The secondary resistance measurements should read as follows:
   • 3.0L engine (B Series Pick-up): 6,500–11,500 ohms at 68°F (20°C)
   • 3.0L engine (MPV): 10,000–30,000 ohms at 68°F (20°C)
   • 2.6L engine: 6,000–30,000 ohms at 68°F (20°C
4. If the reading is between these specifications, the ignition coil is OK. If the reading is less than or greater than these specifications, replace the ignition coil.

   Fig. 4: Ignition coil secondary resistance test — 3.0L engine (B Series Pick-up)

   Fig. 5: Checking the ignition coil reesistance — 3.0L engine (MPV)

Internal Mounted Ignition Coil

NOTE: The ignition coil is an integral component of the distributor assembly on 1996–98 MPV 3.0L engines. If the ignition coil requires service, the distributor must be replaced.

COIL PRIMARY RESISTANCE TEST

1. Turn the ignition switch off, then unplug the distributor 3-pin connector.

   Fig. 6: Distributor 3-pin connector terminals — 1996–98 3.0L engine

2. Use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance between terminals A and B on the distributor side.
3. The resistance should measure 0.49–0.74 ohms at 68°F (20°C).
4. If the reading is between these specifications, the ignition coil is OK; continue on to the Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance Test. If the reading is less than or greater than these specifications, replace the distributor assembly.

COIL SECONDARY RESISTANCE TEST

1. Turn the ignition switch off, then unplug the distributor 3-pin connector.
2. Remove the distributor cap.

   Fig. 7: Measuring ignition coil secondary resistance — 1996–98 3.0L engine

3. Use an ohmmeter to measure the resistance between terminal A and the ignition coil tower.
4. The resistance should measure 20–31k ohms at 68°F (20°C).
5. If the reading is between these specifications, the ignition coil is OK. If the reading is less than or greater than these specifications, replace the distributor assembly.