How to Test a Chainsaw Coil with a Multimeter: Step-by-Step Guide

If you are having issues with your chainsaw’s coil, you could test it with an instrument like a multimeter. Here’s how you can do it in just 14 steps. How to test a chainsaw coil with a multimeter?

Test the chainsaw’s rotor with a multimeter

Find the right resistance reading for your chainsaw from the guide. Find the coil in the chainsaw. Connect the positive and negative cords of your multimeter to the positive and negative connectors on the coil inside your chainsaw. Measure the resistance.

An answer in a short paragraph is ideal to those with a short amount of time, but it does provide the essential specifics of the issue. Read the comprehensive 14-step guide.

Check your coil in 14 easy steps

Step 1: Protection

The first thing to do is need to ensure you’ve put on an appropriate set of gloves made from rubber, as well as eye protection. Use pliers that are insulated to avoid electrocution. Be sure your chainsaw is off.

The position of the ignition coil could be different from one model to the next of chainsaws. Most models, it’s situated close to the distributor. In some cases, a cover made of plastic is employed to conceal the coil due to safety concerns Remove the cover and gain into the ignition coil testing it.

Step 2: disconnect and test the spark plug

The electrical wire that connects to the spark plug in the chainsaw. Most models have the wires go between the distributor cap and your spark plug. They are easy to take off because they’re fixed by two bolts.

It is necessary to have a set of hand tools for disconnecting the wires. The engine of your chainsaw is extremely hot, so be sure to wear the protective gloves in all time. The chainsaw should be allowed to rest and cool for at minimum 15 minutes in order to avoid any injury.

If you are able, try ignition coil testing the spark plug with an instrument to test the spark plug to make sure it isn’t damaged, and to help you save time in the future. It is recommended to connect the tester for your spark plug to the wires that connect the chainsaw’s ignition coil rather than reconnecting the spark plug with the wires. To do this, you’ll be required to ground your clips using alligators, and then attempt running the engine in order to detect sparks appearing within the gap of the tester.

Step 3: Remove the spark plug

It is necessary to remove the spark plug wire from your chainsaw with an spark plug socket that is a specific kind of wrench. Do not let dust, dirt or even debris go into the hole where you removed your spark plug. Whatever remains in this hole could cause damage to the chainsaw’s engine therefore you should keep the area covered by a piece of clean cloth in order to stop any debris from getting directly into the engine of the chainsaw.

Step 4: Check the coil’s primary ignition circuit

You must now check the primary and secondary ignition circuit, for ignition. The chainsaw’s ignition coil is composed of two circuits: both primary and second. Then connect the positive as well as negative wires of your multimeter to both the positive and the negative terminals on the chainsaw’s coil’s primary ignition circuit.

The ignition coil on some chainsaws includes a positive and negative terminal marked with (+ and -. Others come with two terminals or pins that are situated on the connectors. The range of primary resistance for the coil on chainsaws is 0.4 up to 2 Ohms however, you should research precise readings from the primary sensors of the chainsaw in the owner’s manual.

If your multimeter reads an error of zero, this means that you should change the ignition coil immediately since it has been an internal short in the primary chainsaver’s windings. If the multimeter shows an amount that is higher than the stated threshold, this is an indication that you’ll need to replace the coil since it’s open.

Step 5: Test the secondary circuit of the coil

You must now check the secondary circuit on the chainsaw’s coil. Connect the positive terminal spark plug wire, or pin of the coil on your chainsaw to a multimeter. Also, connect it with the high output connector which is connected into the spark plug wire on the chainsaw.

The typical secondary resistance range of of chainsaws is between six and ten million Ohms. However, you need to look up the exact secondary readings for your chainsaw as described in your owner guide.

If the multimeter reads an error of 0 it means that you should change the chainsaw husqvarna ignition coil chainsaw immediately due to a short circuit. If the multimeter shows readings that are higher than the indicated threshold, it’s an indication that you’ll also need to replace the chainsaw’s coil. your chainsaw as it’s opened.

Step 6: Disable the fuel pump

The fuel pump’s fuse or relay of your chainsaw prior to you begin cranking the engine in order to test the spark plug in the chainsaw. This allows you to examine the spark plug of your chainsaw because the engine cannot begin. In order to locate the fuel pump’s fuse or relay, you need to go through the manual for the the user manual.

If you fail to take out the fuse for your fuel pump or relay it could be a major risk to the chainsaw since it is filled with fuel. The cylinders of other machine will be examined and will not start due to the absence of a spark plug.

Step 7: Crank the engine

Make sure the spark plug of your chainsaw has been working. Start cranking it and this will supply electricity to the electric system as well as the spark plug in the chainsaw.

Step 8: Check for sparks

If you notice sparkling blue light bouncing around the gap of the spark plug while you attempt to crank the chainsaw’s engine, it is a sign that the part of the chainsaw’s coil is operating in a proper manner. The spark that is bright blue can be easily visible in daylight, but when you do not see a sparks, you must replace the chainsaw’s coil since it’s not working properly. If you spot the spark in orange, this means that the chainsaw ignition coil is not supplying enough electrical power to the spark plug.

Three possible causes that could cause an orange spark.

1. A faulty connection
2. insufficient current
3. cracked coil casing.

If you do not see any spark whatsoever, this could be an indication that you’ve done the test incorrectly or that the motor of your chainsaw has gone out of commission, or some of the electrical connections are defective.

Step 9: Reinstall the coil

Replace the coil in your chainsaw, after replacing it as required. Place it in the cavity that you removed it, and then connect all its wires. Cover it with the plastic after you’ve taken them off.

Step 10: Test the resistance of the coil

For testing the resistance to the coil inside your chainsaw, also known as an “in-house test,” grab your multimeter, then remove the chainsaw’s coil in order to gain access to the electrical connections. Check that the chainsaw’s engine is off and that it has got a chance to cool down prior to performing the bench test. It is then time to remove the chainsaw’s coil and the wire that connects it to your distributor.

Make use of a wrench for taking it from the mounting. Then, connect the other lead together to your multimeter by connecting them to the sockets. It is essential to set your multimeter in the “ohms” position.

Then, you are able to join the test leads. The multimeter should show zero ohms. Then you are able to remove one probe the test leads.

Note the infinity measurement that the multimeter is display. Then, you need to take the ignition wire off the spark plug in the chainsaw. Use one lead on the multimeter with the spark plug lead to end on the spark plug on your chainsaw, and the second leads to ground for the engine.

Press firmly on into the leads of your multimeter to confirm that they’re connected correctly. If the multimeter displays an unrelated reading, it indicates your spark plug on the chainsaw isn’t functioning properly and requires an upgrade. Don’t touch the leads’ points with your fingers. the lead with naked fingertips or the multimeter could display inaccurate readings that show your body’s resistance as well as incorrectly signify a defective spark plug.

Step 11: Find the resistance specifications of the coil

It is important to know the specifications for resistance for the coil that is on your chainsaw. Each chainsaw’s motor has distinct electrical resistance requirements. When the resistance reading for your chainsaw ignition coil goes beyond the specified limits, it is a sign that your part is in danger of being damaged.

Check the value displayed on the multimeter. Ideally, you will have a reading between 2.5k to 5k ohms which means that the coil’s wiring is functional and operating effectively. In the multimeter, a value that reads “zero” indicates no resistance even if you have perfect connectivity. While the read”one” indicates complete connectivity “one” indicates complete resistance or even no connectivity.

If you try to test the coil but the multimeter is still on “one” it indicates that there’s no connection to old coil or the coil is defective and needs to be repaired immediately.

Step 12: Connect the multimeter to the primary coil and measure

The leads of your multimeter onto the main coil’s poles. The chainsaw’s distributor is equipped with three electrical contacts, one on the middle, and two on each side. These contacts could be internal, sunken inside, or external protruding out.

Now, turn on your multimeter, and then touch one lead on every one of the electrical connectors. The multimeter should now show the resistance of your coil’s principal winding. You must then record this number. Modern models of chainsaw coils have a contact arrangement that differs from their usual configuration.

To determine which of the contacts corresponds with the primary winding, go through the manuals for users of the chainsaw you are using.

Step 13: Connect the multimeter to the secondary coil and measure

You must now place the multimeter’s leads onto the poles of the secondary coil. One lead must be kept in one of the outside electrical contacts faulty ignition coil. You must then connect one lead with the point at which the distributor’s main wire connects to the contact on the inside of the coil on the chainsaw.

The multimeter now displays the resistance of your coil’s second winding. You must then record the reading with care.

Step 14: Check the measurements

Then, it is time to determine whether the readings you took are within the specific range of the chainsaw you are using. If the primary winding or secondary winding is slightly above or below the stated range, then this indicates that you need to change the coil to the new one as soon as possible as the existing one or faulty coil is not working properly, and the chainsaw could be destroyed beyond repair.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully passed the examination of your chainsaw’s coil with an instrument called a multimeter. If you don’t have any expertise in the field, have a short time or aren’t willing to have professional mechanic put in the effort, you can contact a qualified mechanic conduct this test on your behalf.

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