Outboard Ignition Troubleshooting – Page 3 – Chrysler ADI Systems
This section covers Chrysler alternator driven ignition (ADI) systems. These procedures help diagnose no spark, intermittent ignition, stator failures, trigger faults, and CD module problems.
Chrysler Capacitive Discharge Module with Alternator (ADI — Alternator Driven Ignition)
General
- Disconnect the kill wires from the CD and connect a DC voltmeter between the kill wires and engine ground. Turn the ignition switch on and off several times. If voltage appears at any time, there is a problem in the harness or ignition switch. At NO TIME should battery voltage be present on a kill circuit.
- Check the flywheel for a broken or loose magnet.
- Check for broken wires and terminals, especially inside plastic plug connectors. Remove pins and visually inspect if necessary.
- Inspect stator for burned or discolored areas. If found, replace stator. Burned charge windings may indicate rectifier failure.
No Fire on Any Cylinder
- Disconnect all kill wires at the pack.
- Check for broken or bare wires on unit, stator, and trigger.
- Measure stator DVA voltage between output wire sets (approx. 180V or more).
- Check stator resistance (680–800 ohms).
- Disconnect rectifier. If engine fires, replace rectifier.
No Fire or Intermittent on One Cylinder
- Check stator resistance (680–800 ohms factory / 400–500 CDI).
- Verify stator DVA (180V or more from blue to yellow).
- Check trigger resistance (~50 ohms, DVA 5V+).
- Ensure stator and trigger wires are open to ground.
- Disconnect kill wire from one pack. If cylinder fires, blocking diode in other pack is likely faulty.
No Fire on Two Cylinders
- If both cylinders from same CD unit are dead, stator is usually the cause.
Engine Will Not Kill
- Jump kill wire from pack to ground. If engine stops, problem is in harness or ignition switch.
Coils Fire Only with Plugs Out
- Check for low battery or dragging starter causing slow cranking speed. Perform DVA tests.
High Speed Miss
- Check stator DVA voltage. If over 400V, replace pack.
- Disconnect rectifier. If miss disappears, replace rectifier.
Two Cylinder Engines with Combination CD Module and Built-in Coils
- Check stator resistance (680–800 ohms, DVA 180V+).
- Check trigger resistance (~50 ohms, DVA 5V+).
- Ensure wires are open to ground.
- Disconnect kill wire from one pack. If cylinder fires, blocking diode in other pack is faulty.