Is a ballast resistor necessary?
Is a ballast resistor necessary?
So does your application require a ballast resistor? Quite simply, if your distributor has breaker points the answer is yes; if not, the answer is no. See all 7 photos 2 Older points-style ignition system used a single resistor which reduced amperage to the coil resulting in extended life for the coil and points.
What happens if the ballast resistor fails to work?
If your engine dies as soon as you stop turning the key in the ignition to start it, the ballast resistor could have failed. You can use an ohmmeter to test the voltage of the ballast resistor after removing the wires from where they attach to the ignition.
Where can I get a cheap ballast resistor?
Visit your local AutoZone store for the lowest prices on ballast resistors. The small component is simple to replace and very affordable. It is much cheaper to replace a ballast resistor than engine coils that have overheated due to bypassing a failing resistor. Not to mention coils are much more difficult to replace even with experience.
How long is the warranty on a ballast resistor?
Not all ballast resistors look the same, ask an associate to find the right one for your ignition system. The wrong one doesn’t offer the performance enhancing benefits of using the resistor. Most of the resistors come with a two year warranty on the part.
Why does my ignition resistor not show resistance?
If the ohmmeter doesn’t show any resistance, it’s likely that the ignition ballast resistor is bad. Replacing the part is relatively simple and keeps your vehicle running. Not replacing the simple yet crucial part could leave you stopped and unable to leave from your parking spot.
How to test ballast resistors, resistance and coils?
Ballast Resistors, Resistance and Coils 1 Test procedure: 1.1 Switch off ignition. 1.2 Disconnect all wires from coil (-). 2 Interpreting the results of the test: 2.1 If no significant voltage drop is detected in 1.4, the vehicle does not have a ballast resister. 3 Recommended coils
When to use ballast resistor on Stovebolt truck?
In reality ,the bypass is uneeded unless you’re starting the truck with a partially discharged battery or in very cold weather.I have none on my trucks and they start just fine when it’s 30 degrees. The ballast itself is a potential trouble spot, if you need a new coil, buy one with 3 ohm primary resistence and trash the ballast.
Why does my car have a bad ballast resistor?
The ballast resistor is commonly found in older vehicles, because they did not have the benefit of circuit boards found in most of today’s vehicles. Over time, the ballast resistor can be damaged by normal wear and tear, so there are a few things to look for when you suspect a bad or failing ballast resistor needs servicing.
Do you need to change ballast resistive wire?
If you have a ballast coil installed with a ballast resistive wire or a ceramic block then you can keep the coil as it is, there is no need to change it BUT if you change the coil you do need to match it to a ballast if one is present and not bypassed.
