I finally put together a system to test my igniters as outlined in the shop manuals. Two of the igniters I tested are ones that I just pulled off my SE due to a no spark condition. I got a spark when I put the ones off of my GSL onto the SE, so this would have me believe the first ones are bad. Not so according to the test. I tested a third one that I had pulled off the SE a couple years ago due to the car stalling and getting erratic techometer readings. This one also passed the basic test. What gives? Has anyone found that some will function when cold but then fail after heating up? Will a stronger test current change their performance? If I had to guess, the only way to truely test a questionable igniter is to mount it in a car with a known working ignition system and look for any performance change.

 

It's because of those reasons I do not believe in testing ignitors that way. They're solid state devices and either work or do not work. When I bench test ignitors, I have a spare coil, spark plug, and a pickup or a speaker. This type of testing has never given a false positive.

 

I made my own tester too...but I cant remember the website where I got it from. Maybe I will take pics soemtime this weekend instead.