What do you use to create the 12 volts? And how do you properly jumper the BAC while cleaning so that you don't create a short?

 

I've always used the battery and a good ground, but I remove the BAC before I test it. Clean it well with carb cleaner. Spray the carb cleaner in, let it sit and drain it out. Do this repeatedly until it comes out clean. While you have the BAC off the car, test the resistance value to see if it's in spec. Pretty simple process.

 

so I could use the car battery??? I know it's 12v... I just want to make sure I don't damage anything... My car, myself or the BAC...
What kind of wires do I use b/t the BAC and the battery?

 

You really should put a low value resistor in series with the BAC when you test/clean it. 5-10 OHM is fine, of 10W or greater. This keeps you from frying the coil if you keep 12V applied for too long.

Watch out for sparks generated when you make or break the connection. Carb cleaner likes to burn.

As for wires, I use little jumper wires (available at most auto parts store, Radio Shack, etc.). They just have alligater clips on each end. Everyone should have several sets, because they are very handy.

 

where do I apply the resistor? Sry, to bug... I am new to the electronic side of RX7 maintainence...

 

I measured the resistance of my BAC and it came to 13.2 Ohms. So according to TeamFc3s.org this is within spec by being above 10 ohms and less than 20.

Below, is the next step of testing the BAC system, to make sure I have this right and I don't damaging anything, I went and got a 10 OHm 10W resistor, and I will connect the ends into the Harness plug that mates with the BAC. Then I will connect my OHM meter to the same ends of the resistor that are currently plugged in. Is this correct?

(FROM TEAMFC3S.ORG TECH ARTICLE)
With the connector still removed, and the engine still off, place a 10k ohm, 1/4 watt resistor across the terminals of the connector. This is easy to do, simply insert the resistor leads into the connector. Make sure that the leads of the resistor do not short against each other or anything else. Turn the ignition on, without starting the car, and measure the AC voltage across the resistor. You should get a value between 6 and 7 volts after it settles down. A voltage lower than 5V indicates a likely ECU failure. Go here for more information. If you get the correct voltage, move on to the next step.

 

Just some more FYI:

Look. Just remove the BAC. Leave the plug on. Turn the key to ON (engine off).

The BAC should be vibrating when the key is to ON. That itself proves the bac and ECU to be functional.

If you want, reach under the car and pull the small wire off the starter. Now put the key to START. The BAC will go full open while you hold the key to START. Again proving the ECU and the bac are functional.

Then clean it.

On cars without a Theft Protection relay, there is a bright BLUE coupler near/under the Trail coil assy. Pull that Blue coupler off its plug. Then put the key to START to see the BAC fully open, just like it does each and everytime you start the engine. That is a easier way to fully open the BAC than reaching under the car for the small starter wire.

For cars with Theft Protection, you can just pull the plug off the Stater Cut Relay and then put the key to Start. The starter won't turn but the BAC will open fully.