How do you wire a Pertronix Ignitor?

Category: automotive auto parts
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Alternative Installation: The Ignitor II can also be installed in applications retaining the ballast resistor or resistance wire. Attach the Ignitor II black wire to the negative coil terminal. Attach the Ignitor II red wire to the ignition side of resistance, or any 12 volt ignition power source.



Accordingly, how do you wire a Pertronix ignition?

First, if you have an external ballast resistor or resistance wire, connect the red ignitor wire to the ignition wire prior to the ballast resistor or resistance wire. Second, if you do not have a an external resistor you must connect the ignitor red wire to a 12-volt source that is controlled by the ignition switch.

Also, how do I know if my PerTronix ignitor is bad? Check contact surface area of distributor “Hold Down Bracket” for proper ground. Check sticker on the backside of module "Ignitor by PerTronix" If the Sticker is shriveled up, wrinkled, cracked, or if you see any burn marks on that side of module the unit over heated and failed for various reasons.

Consequently, how does a Pertronix ignitor work?

The Pertronix Ignitor does essentially the same thing as the original points and condenser, making and breaking the ground connection for the coil. It requires one additional wire to provide battery power to the electronic module. Pertronix ignition can be static timed in the same manner as points ignition.

How do you wire a flamethrower distributor?

There are two wires on all our distributors, One is RED it goes to the + side of the coil. The other is BLACK it goes to the - side of the coil. You want a full 12v to the coil + side (no ballast resistor). If it is a standard Flame Trower Distributor, you want a 1.5 ohm coil like our Flame Thrower.

33 Related Question Answers Found

What is a Pertronix Ignitor?

The Ignitor replaces breaker points and troublesome factory electronic ignitions with a dependable, self contained and maintenance free electronic ignition system. The Ignitor has been called the "stealth" ignition beacause of its quick installation and nearly undetectable presence under your distributor cap.

How do you test a ignition coil?

Connect your multimeter to the positive terminal or pin of your coil, and to the high output terminal that goes to the spark plug. Most ignition coils should have a secondary resistance falling somewhere between 6,000 to 10,000 ohms;however, refer to manufacturer specifications for the correct range.

What is an electronic ignition module?

An ignition module is the component in electronic ignition systems that functions as the contact breaker for the coil or coils. In most basic terms, an ignition module is an electronic replacement for old, mechanical contact breakers like ignition points.

How does an electronic ignition distributor work?

Electronic ignition system is the type of ignition system that uses electronic circuit,usually by transistors controlled by sensors to generate electric pulses which in turn generate better spark that can even burn the lean mixture and provide better economy and lower emission.

Does electronic ignition have a condenser?


The condenser is used to prevent premature point wear, but even with the best condenser, points require frequent maintenance. Sometime in the 70's, standard ignition systems started being replaced by "electronic" ignition systems. Instead, the primary circuit signal is distributed to a series of ignition coils.

Do you need a coil with electronic ignition?

In an electronic system, you still have a distributor, but the points have been replaced with a pickup coil, and there's an electronic ignition control module. In this system, coils sit directly on top of the spark plugs (there are no spark plug wires), and the system is completely electronic.

Do you need vacuum advance with electronic ignition?

Check to see if vacuum increases dramatically when you rev the motor well past idle. And no, your electronic ignition does not eliminate the crucial need for vacuum distributor advance.

How much does it cost to replace an ignition control module?

The average cost for an ignition control module replacement is between $274 and $386. Labor costs are estimated between $65 and $83 while parts are priced between $209 and $303. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

What does Ignition Control Module do?

It controls th ignition coil's firing time. The ignition control module is the heart of an automobile's ignition system. It regulates spark generation within the engine. The ignition control module relies on the car battery to provide the 'spark' that sets the ignition system in motion.

How do I know if my ignition control module is bad?


How to Tell if You Have a Bad Ignition Control Module
  1. Check engine light is on: The ECM monitors all parts of the vehicle that could affect emissions.
  2. Engine is misfiring or running rough: An engine misfire results from incomplete combustion.
  3. Stalling: A failing ignition module can occasionally prevent the engine from getting spark, causing it to stall.

How do I know if my ignition module is bad?

There are several signs that indicate an ignition module is bad.
  1. Acceleration Issues. The vehicle may shake, vibrate or jerk when the gas pedal is pressed.
  2. Temperature Problems. A faulty ignition module can cause a vehicle to overheat.
  3. No Power. The engine may turn over without starting.

How do you test an ignition condenser?

How to Test a Condenser in a Small Engine
  1. Remove the condenser from the engine.
  2. Switch the volt ohmmeter to the ohms position.
  3. Touch the red lead to the hot connector on the condenser.
  4. Remove the leads and reverse the placement to the condenser.
  5. Movement from the meter's needle indicates the condenser is good.

How do you know when you have a bad distributor?

Usually a faulty distributor rotor and cap will produce a few symptoms that alert the driver that service may be required.
  1. Engine misfires. Engine misfires can occur for a number of reasons.
  2. Car doesn't start.
  3. Check Engine Light comes on.
  4. Excessive or unusual engine noises.

How do you adjust a distributor point?

Contact breaker with points fully open. The gap shown is exaggerated for clarity. Place the feeler gauge blade between the points, and a screwdriver blade in the adjusting slots. Tighten the fixing screw, then check that points gap remains the same.

Are all ignition condensers the same?


Any condenser of the same value will work. They are indifferent to voltage but the capacitance (microfarads) should be the same or at least close. They aren't that accurate from new. If the condenser is perfect your points won't burn.

Will a bad condenser cause no spark?

A failing points and condenser system can cause rough running, misfires, lean and rich conditions. If your vehicle runs rough, the engine will not fire, or the vehicle will not start at all, it may the points and condenser system that is the issue.

What is a Pertronix distributor?

Pertronix Performance Products are a trusted name in performance ignition components. Over thirty years ago, Pertronix brought the world the Ignitor, a simple and hassle-free way to upgrade a breaker points distributor to a reliable, maintenance-free electronic system at an economical price.