Ignition Control Module: Testing and Inspection

Fig. 1 Igniter Unit Voltage Test Connections.:

Fig. 2 Igniter Unit Continuity Test Connections.:

EXC. 1985-88 CIVIC/CIVIC WAGON & CRX & 1988 PRELUDE

1. On models with Hitachi distributor, disconnect lead wires from igniter unit. On models with Toyo Denso distributor, remove igniter cover and pull out igniter unit.
2. Check voltage between blue wire and ground, then between black/yellow wire and ground with ignition switch in ON position, Fig. 1. Battery voltage should be present. On models with Toyo Denso distributor, two blue wires are used. Be sure to perform voltage check on blue wire indicated in Fig. 1.
3. If battery voltage is not present at either wire, trace circuit and repair as needed.
4. Measure resistance between green terminal and other blue terminal on pickup coil. If resistance is not approximately 750 ohms at 70°F, replace pickup coil.
5. Check continuity between igniter unit terminals shown in Fig. 2, connecting ohmmeter leads in both directions. Continuity should be present in one direction only.
6. If continuity is indicated in both directions or if continuity is not indicated in either direction, igniter is defective.
7. Connect ohmmeter positive probe to blue terminal and negative probe to ground, then measure resistance on igniter input. Resistance should be at least 50,000 ohms at 70°F.

Fig. 3 Igniter Unit Distributor Terminal Identification.:

Fig. 4 Igniter Unit Terminal Identification.:

1987 CIVIC & CRX W/FUEL INJECTED ENGINE & 1988 PRELUDE W/CARBURETED ENGINE
Toyo Denso Type
1. Remove distributor.
2. Remove igniter cover and pull out igniter unit.
3. Check voltage between BLU1 terminal and body ground, then the BLK/YEL terminal and body ground with ignition switch in On position, Fig. 3. There should be battery voltage.
4. Measure resistance between GRN and BLU2 terminals on pickup coil and replace pickup coil if resistance is not 650---850 ohms at 70°F.
5. Check for continuity in both directions between A and B terminals on igniter output, Fig. 4. There should be continuity in only one direction.
6. Connect ohmmeter positive probe to terminal D and negative probe to ground, then measure resistance of igniter input. Resistance should be 450---550 ohms or greater at 70°F.



Hitachi Type
1. Remove distributor cap from housing.
2. Disconnect wires from igniter unit and check voltage between blue wire and body ground, then black/yellow wire and body ground, with ignition switch in On position. There should be battery voltage.
3. With wires disconnected, check for continuity in both directions between terminals. There should be continuity in only one direction.