How to test a lawnmower coil with a multimeter, step by step
- Remove the ignition coil from the lawnmower
- Test the ignition coil using a multimeter
- Purchase a new ignition coil if the test fails
- Install the new coil
- Test the lawnmower with the new ignition coil. The lawnmower’s ignition coil is located inside the lawn mower’s engine and is attached to the fly wheel’s magnet.
How do you test a lawn mower coil?
What you will need
- Digital multimeter that can measure resistance (ohms) -- Check Multimeter Prices on Amazon.com
- Leather gloves -- Check Prices on Amazon.com
- Owner’s manual for your Lawnmower (Check manufacturer and model of your Lawnmower)
- Wrench -- Check Prices on Amazon.com
What makes a lawn mower coil go bad?
What makes a lawn mower coil go bad? There are 3 "normal" causes for ignition coil failure. This is not real common on a small engine as usually the engine will shut down from heat before the coil will fail, but it is possible. Resistance problems. If the wrong spark plug is used, you can count on the coil failing.
How to test a lawnmower coil?
– Procedure:
- Safety. Wear your leather gloves, and make sure to keep wearing them throughout the whole procedure.
- Remove the cover. The spark plug has a cover, normally a rubber cord, and can be pulled off easily with a slight tug. ...
- Locate the coil. First locate the flywheel of the engine. ...
- Connect the multimeter. ...
- Check the resistance. ...
- Resistance is too high. ...
How to check a lawn mower coil with an ohmmeter?
- Open the hood.
- Pry the small, round plastic plugs from the top engine cover and that conceal the screws for the engine cover.
- Unscrew the oil cap on the lower engine cover.
- Locate the coils.
How do you test a lawn mower coil with a multimeter?
Scratch the lead on the plate to ensure it's in contact. Touch the meter's black lead to the metal coil housing and watch the meter. If the meter's display indicates a value of 2.5 to 5 K ohms, then the coil is good.
How do you check a coil with a multimeter?
Connect the multimeter to the negative and positive terminals of the ignition coil to get a primary circuit reading. If the multimeter shows a reading of 0 ohms, the ignition coil has shorted and needs replacing.
How do I know if my lawn mower coil is bad?
Replace the original wire with the in-line spark tester, and attempt to start the motor. Watch for the same intensity of a spark that you saw when the mower was cold, If there is little or no spark, the ignition coil is bad and needs replacement.
How do you check if a coil is firing?
Here's How To Diagnose and Test An Ignition CoilPlug the tester into the coil.Attach the ground wire.Plug in the coil connector.Adjust the spark gap to the correct measurement.Start the engine.If there's spark, great, it works! If there's no spark, it's a bad coil.
How do you test a Briggs and Stratton coil?
0:042:23PushMowerRepair.com - Briggs Ignition Coil Testing - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd you get our positive lead and just put it in where the spark plug will go feel it a scratch. SoMoreAnd you get our positive lead and just put it in where the spark plug will go feel it a scratch. So it contacts then we're going to put our negative lead here on the middle.
How many ohms Should a coil read?
You should have a resistance reading of at least 3-4.5 ohms. A bad coil will show a higher reading then 3-4.5. Next, place the red or black lead from the meter to the centre of the coil , and to either one of the terminals positive or negative. You want 9500-10000 Ohms, a little less is ok but no more.
Will a lawn mower start with a bad coil?
Bad ignition coil symptoms for riding lawn mower include: hard to start, the engine only runs when you wiggle the plug wire, and poor performance indicating that your lawn mower's ignition coil needs to be replaced.
How do you check a coil?
3:275:53How to Test Ignition Coils - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut you do have a spark tester so you're ready use the test light and it is giving the signal on andMoreBut you do have a spark tester so you're ready use the test light and it is giving the signal on and off. So what you do then if you have an external coil you're disconnected from the distributor cap.
What would cause a lawnmower not to get spark?
If no spark appears, check for broken wires, shorts, grounds or a defective stop switch. Once you have confirmed that the stop switch is working, reconnect the spark plug lead.
How do you test a 2 wire coil on a plug with a multimeter?
1:094:21Testing A 2 Wire COP Ignition Coil - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnother method to test a two wire coil on plug ignition. Coil is simply to remove it from the sparkMoreAnother method to test a two wire coil on plug ignition. Coil is simply to remove it from the spark plug that it's sitting on top of put on a random one here.
How do you test a 12 volt coil with a multimeter?
1:278:12Ignition Coil Test (The Short Version) - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour your multimeter your own meter on the low range because if you're you're out a little bit itMoreYour your multimeter your own meter on the low range because if you're you're out a little bit it can actually show that you're out of specifications. For your particular coil.
How do you check a spark ignition coil?
1:393:35How To Test Spark Plugs AND/OR Coils On Any Car ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipTo test out the ignition coil we're first going to plug it into our wiring. We're going to take ourMoreTo test out the ignition coil we're first going to plug it into our wiring. We're going to take our tester bulb. Here plug it into the bottom of the ignition. Coil. Make sure it's nice. And snug.
Use of a Coil and Continuity Testing
The coil of a lawn mower is located close to the flywheel. The flywheel spins as you pull the starting rope, while the magnet attached to the flywheel near the coil generates a voltage by induction. Before the engine starts, there has to be a spark that ignites the combustion chamber.
Why Use a Multimeter?
A multimeter is a device used to measure multiple quantities, including ohms, as in this case. The multimeter can test for continuity and let us know if the coil is bad and needs replacing.
Things to Check Before Testing Ignition Coil
The ignition coil is hardly the first troubleshooting your lawn mower gets if it is having problems starting. There are some other, often specific things you can check first before proceeding to the coil if the issue persists.
Steps to Check Coil With a Multimeter
If you’ve gone through the other tests without any luck, it may be time to check the ignition coil with a multimeter. Here are simple steps you can take to test your coil:
Conclusion
Trying to use your lawn mower only to discover it won’t start can be so frustrating. Most times, it can even cause you to use extreme force to pull the starting rope and break it in the process. Luckily, this article shows you an easy and effective method to test your ignition coil with a multimeter.
How many times does an ignition coil break?
The ignition coil consists of a single wire wound hundreds of times around a core, and any break that occurs in the wire renders the coil inoperable. It's impractical to uncover the coil and examine the wire; fortunately, there's an easier way to find a break -- a continuity test.
What is the function of the ignition coil?
Function of the Coil. The ignition coil is mounted next to the flywheel, which is the part of the engine that spins when you pull the starting rope. Permanent magnets mounted on the flywheel pass close to the coil as the flywheel spins, and as they do, they generate a voltage by magnetic induction. A wire connecting the coil to ...
Why won't my lawn mower start?
If your lawn mower won't start, the problem may be that the spark plug isn't firing. Sometimes, all you have to do is replace the plug, but if you've done that, and you've taken care of fuel and air circulation issues, it's a good idea to check the ignition coil for continuity. The coil is the engine component that creates the voltage to fire ...
How to test if a lawnmower coil is working?
The most. Common methods to test a lawnmower coil are using a spark tester or a multimeter.
How to test coils?
The following tips will help you avoid common coil testing mistakes: 1 Make sure there is no ground connection: Ensure to detach the coil from the equipment wiring harness and engine’s wiring harness before connecting the spark tester. Only use the spark tester when you have unhooked the ignition grounding lead from the coil. Technicians often think the coil is not working properly and replace it because the coil’s grounding leads shorts out against a sheet metal piece. 2 Connect with the coil: Make sure that you connect the tester to the coil and not the spark plug for this test. The engine might start if it is attached with a spark plug, but you would not be able to turn it off because there is no grounding lead installed in this case.
What to do if your ignition coil goes bad?
If your ignition coil comes out to be faulty, you have to immediately replace it with a new coil. The ignition coil can go bad over time, but you can make sure it lasts as long as possible by cleaning it once in a while and making sure the spark plug ignition cables are not damaged. Garden Tool Expert.
What is the coil on a lawn mower?
An ignition coil, which is generally called a lawnmower coil, is an essential lawnmower component. It transfers voltage from the battery to the spark plug, which generates the spark that starts the mower. As the name suggests, it is two set wires coiled around its central metallic core. It is mounted close to the flywheel, which spins when the starting rope is pulled. Flywheel has permanent magnets mounted on it that pass close to the coil when the flywheel spins, generating a magnetic induction voltage. A current passes through the wire, which connects the coil to the plug terminals, and the current generates a spark responsible for igniting the fuel and starting the mower.
What is the purpose of a multimeter on a lawn mower?
In the multimeter method, a multimeter is used to measure coil resistance , which is the criterion for testing in this case.
What happens if a coil comes out faulty?
If your coil comes out to be faulty after performing one of these tests, it needs to be replaced. There are proper steps to be followed while replacing the coil, as mentioned below:
Why does my lawnmower stop turning?
The heat melts the ignition coil’s insulation, which causes the wires to break and requires a new ignition coil. The connection between the ignition coil and flywheel can also be one reason for the coil’s breakage. If that connection wears out, the coil may stop turning and hence causing the lawnmower to stop.
What You Will Need
You may already have all of the needed hardware to reach the coil, which would probably include screwdrivers and wrenches. This is if the coil is located somewhere beneath all the engine covers. In most models, this will be the case, but some manufacturers might place the coil a good distance away.
How to Test a Lawn Mower Coil
A few precautions should be taken before the test can begin. Always practice safety and keep clear of any moving parts. This will include the flywheel, which in many models will be located so that it is in touch with the coil’s armature.
Conclusion
If neither the spark plug or coil is defective, the problem could be with the battery. A defective coil does not necessarily need replacing. In some cases, it can be repaired. Have it inspected by an electrician with the correct expertise, specifically an auto electrician or even at a local hardware store that offers such services.
How to check ignition coil on lawn mower?
Here are the steps to follow to check the ignition coil: Remove the spark plug cover which is usually a rubber cord that pulls right off the spark plug easily with a little tug. Remove the engine cover which is on the top of your lawn mower. Depending on the type of lawnmower you are using, there may not be a cover ...
How to check ignition coil?
Testing your ignition coil by using a multimeter. After you have ensured the spark plug is not an issue, it’s time to check on the ignition coil. Make sure you continue to wear your leather gloves through this part.
How to remove spark plug from carburetor?
Removing the spark plug is easy by using a socket wrench and twisting it out. If your spark plug has some light-brown deposits on it, it means it’s normal. If you see black carbon deposits then it’s a sign that the fuel-to-air mixture is too rich and that your carburetor has an issue.
How long to wait to start spark plug after removing oil?
After eliminating things like oil and gas being present and that the cord is connected to the spark plug, wait 10 minutes after you’ve tried starting it and then try starting it again as an initial troubleshooting.
Do lawn mowers have a cover?
Depending on the type of lawnmower you are using, there may not be a cover (in the case of a riding lawnmower, the hood may already be the cover). Locate the engine’s flywheel which looks like a circular piece with multiple blades going around in a circle. Each engine is different so if you are unsure you should check your lawn mower’s user manual ...
Bad Ignition Coil Symptoms Lawn Mower
Let’s have a sneak peek on the most common symptoms and their solutions for first.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If the lawn mower has an overheating issue, engine misfires, is hard to start, or sudden backfires, then we can tell, the ignition coil is bad. In this case, the ignition coil needs to be replaced. If you can follow our procedure above then you can fix the problem, otherwise, go to your local repairing shop for quick solutions.
Conclusion
The bad coil symptoms may be more noticeable or less apparent depending on the type of mower.
Use of A Coil and Continuity Testing
- The coil of a lawn mower is located close to the flywheel. The flywheel spins as you pull the starting rope, while the magnet attached to the flywheel near the coil generates a voltage by induction. Before the engine starts, there has to be a spark that ignites the combustion chamber. The coil goes round a hold over a thousand times which makes rem...
Why Use A Multimeter?
- A multimeter is a device used to measure multiple quantities, including ohms, as in this case. The multimeter can test for continuity and let us know if the coil is bad and needs replacing. Typically, using a multimeter to check the coil is like a fault detector. Before you can be sure of the fault, you have to test, and this is where the multimeter shines. If you’ve replaced the spark plug and successfully checked the fuel and air circulation, it may be time to b…
Things to Check Before Testing Ignition Coil
- The ignition coil is hardly the first troubleshooting your lawn mower gets if it is having problems starting. There are some other, often specific things you can check first before proceeding to the coil if the issue persists.
Conclusion
- Trying to use your lawn mower only to discover it won’t start can be so frustrating. Most times, it can even cause you to use extreme force to pull the starting rope and break it in the process. Luckily, this article shows you an easy and effective method to test your ignition coil with a multimeter.