The ballast resistor allows the ignition system to operate at a lower voltage until the engine starts . After ignition, the alternator begins to recharge the battery, restoring the regular voltage.
What is the purpose of a ballast resistor in an ignition system?
In simple terms, the ballast resistor in a Mopar limits the amperage, or current flow, through the coil while the engine is running , thereby extending the life of the coil and breaker points of the distributor.
What is a ballast resistor for an ignition coil?
A Ballast Resistor is an electrical device that reduces voltage to the coil so that more energy is available for the spark plugs during starting.
What happens when a ballast resistor goes bad?
If your ballast resistor is bad, your vehicle will not run and you will have to have it towed to the mechanic’s shop . ... The biggest sign your ballast resistor is bad is your vehicle will start, but immediately stop as soon as you let go of the key.
Where do you put a ballast resistor?
Note: Ballast resistors are usually located bolted to the firewall if your distributor and/or coil is at the rear of the engine. If your distributor is located near the front or side of the engine in the case of an inline-4 cylinder, then it’s probably right near the ignition coil or distributor.
Does a ballast reduce voltage?
Once the arc is established, the ballast quickly reduces the voltage and regulates the electric current to produce a steady light output. ... Thus, some ballasts have a separate circuit that provides a low voltage to heat the lamp electrodes during lamp starting and typically during lamp operation (Hammer, 1995).
What’s the difference between a ballast and non ballast coil?
What is the difference between the two types of coils? Basically, a non-ballast coil is designed to produce full spark output with 12 volts on the input (+ terminal) . A ballast coil is designed to produce the same spark output, but with only 6 to 9 volts on the input.
What causes a ballast resistor to fail?
The resistance through the ballast resistor varies with current flow which varies with engine rpm. This naturally causes the resistor to expand and contract from heat . That’s why they eventually fail.
Do you need a resistor with a 12 volt coil?
If a 6 volt ignition system is converted to 12 volts and a Delco style 12 volt coil with an internal resistor is installed as part of the conversion, no external resistors are required . The 12 volt battery must be connected so the negative (-) battery terminal is connected to ground.
What are the signs of a bad ballast?
- Buzzing. If you hear a strange sound coming from your bulbs or light fixture, like a buzzing or humming noise, that’s often a sign your ballast is going. ...
- Dimming or flickering. ...
- No lights at all. ...
- Changing colors. ...
- Swollen casing. ...
- Burn marks. ...
- Water damage. ...
- Leaking oil.
Can I bypass ballast resistor?
The duty of the ballast resistor is to limit voltage to the ignition coil. ... A quick and easy way to diagnose ballast resistor failure is to bypass it by running a temporary jumper wire from the battery to the coil .
How does a ballast resistor ignition system work?
The ballast resistor allows the ignition system to operate at a lower voltage until the engine starts . After ignition, the alternator begins to recharge the battery, restoring the regular voltage.
Can you bypass a resistor?
you don’t have to remove the existing resistor wire to bypass it. You leave it in place and : a) attach a 14 or 16 gauge jumper wire with scotch-locks at either end of the pink ni-chrome wire under the dash.
How many ohms should a ballast resistor have?
This will cause premature wear of the points and potentially lead to reduced coil life. To test your ballast resistor you need an ohm meter or multimeter set to ohms. Remove the connectors from both sides of the resistor. The ohms should read between 1.8 and 5 ohms .
How do you wire a ballast resistor?
- Step 1: Determine if Ballast Resistor Is Needed. ...
- Step 2: Locate Ballast Resistor along Firewall. ...
- Step 3: Drill Holes for Securing Resistor. ...
- Step 4: Install Ballast Resistor. ...
- Step 5: Connect Wires to Positive.
