When diagnosing ignition problems, one of the most effective ways to test an ignition coil is by measuring its resistance using a multimeter. Every ignition coil has two sets of windings, primary and secondary, each with a specific resistance range. If the reading falls outside the manufacturer’s specified range, the coil may be faulty, leading to weak or no spark, misfires, or hard starting.
Below is a comprehensive ignition coil resistance chart for different types of engines and vehicles.
Ignition Coil Resistance Chart
| Brand / Manufacturer | Model / Series | Primary Resistance (Ω) | Secondary Resistance (Ω) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briggs & Stratton | Classic, Quantum, Vanguard | 0.5 – 1.0 | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Honda | GX120, GX160, GX200 | 0.6 – 0.8 | 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Kawasaki | FR, FS, FX Series | 0.4 – 0.7 | 9,000 – 13,000 |
| Kohler | Command Pro, Courage | 0.5 – 0.9 | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Tecumseh | Snow King, Vector Series | 0.3 – 0.6 | 7,000 – 11,000 |
| Harley-Davidson | Twin Cam | 0.4 – 0.6 | 16,000 – 19,000 |
| Harley-Davidson | Sportster 883 / 1200 | 2.5 – 3.2 | 10,000 – 12,000 |
| Yamaha | FZ, MT, R Series | 2.8 – 3.5 | 10,000 – 13,000 |
| Suzuki | GSX, DR, SV Series | 3.0 – 4.0 | 12,000 – 17,000 |
| Toyota | Corolla, Camry, Hilux | 0.36 – 0.55 | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Honda (Automotive) | Civic, Accord | 0.6 – 0.8 | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Ford | Modular 4.6L / 5.4L, EcoBoost | 0.4 – 0.7 | 5,000 – 6,500 |
| Chevrolet / GM | LS, LT, Ecotec | 0.3 – 0.6 | 5,000 – 7,000 |
| Chrysler / Dodge | HEMI 5.7L, 6.4L | 0.5 – 0.7 | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| Nissan | QR, VQ, HR Series | 0.7 – 1.0 | 8,000 – 11,000 |
| BMW | N52, N55, B58 Engines | 0.8 – 1.2 | 10,000 – 14,000 |
| Volkswagen / Audi | 1.8T, 2.0T, VR6 | 0.5 – 0.9 | 7,500 – 9,500 |
| Subaru | EJ, FB Series | 0.7 – 0.9 | 11,000 – 13,000 |
| Mazda | SkyActiv, MZR Series | 0.6 – 0.8 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Hyundai / Kia | Theta, Gamma, Nu | 0.4 – 0.6 | 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Mitsubishi | 4G63, 4B11 | 0.5 – 0.8 | 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Jeep | 3.6L Pentastar, 4.0L I6 | 0.6 – 0.9 | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| Volvo | S60, XC90 | 0.7 – 0.9 | 10,000 – 13,000 |
| Mercedes-Benz | M112, M113 | 0.4 – 0.7 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Peugeot / Citroën | 1.6 THP, 2.0 HDi | 0.5 – 0.7 | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| Fiat / Alfa Romeo | FIRE, Twin Spark | 0.7 – 1.0 | 9,000 – 11,000 |
| Renault | K4M, F4R | 0.5 – 0.8 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| John Deere | Lawn Tractor (Kawasaki Engine) | 0.5 – 0.8 | 8,000 – 12,000 |
| Cub Cadet | Kohler Engine | 0.4 – 0.7 | 8,000 – 11,000 |
| Toro | Recycler, TimeCutter | 0.4 – 0.7 | 6,000 – 10,000 |
| Stihl | MS Series Chainsaws | 0.5 – 0.8 | 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Husqvarna | Chainsaws, Trimmers | 0.4 – 0.7 | 6,000 – 8,500 |
| Echo | 2-Cycle Trimmers | 0.4 – 0.7 | 6,000 – 8,500 |
| KTM / Husqvarna Motorcycles | 250, 450 SX-F | 2.0 – 3.0 | 9,000 – 13,000 |
| Yamaha Outboard | 115–250 HP | 0.3 – 0.6 | 7,000 – 10,000 |
| Mercury Outboard | 2-Stroke / 4-Stroke | 0.3 – 0.6 | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| Suzuki Outboard | DF Series | 0.4 – 0.7 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Kohler Diesel | KDW Series | 0.6 – 1.0 | 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Onan Generators | MicroQuiet, Marquis | 0.5 – 0.8 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Generac | Portable & Standby Units | 0.6 – 0.9 | 8,000 – 11,000 |
| Yanmar Diesel | 3TNV, 4TNV | 0.5 – 0.8 | 9,000 – 11,000 |
| Perkins Diesel | 400 / 1100 Series | 0.6 – 0.9 | 10,000 – 12,000 |
| Cummins | ISB, 6BT | 0.3 – 0.6 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Caterpillar | C7, C9 Series | 0.5 – 0.8 | 9,000 – 11,000 |
| Detroit Diesel | Series 60 | 0.4 – 0.7 | 9,000 – 12,000 |
| Isuzu Diesel | 4JJ1, 4HK1 | 0.4 – 0.7 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
| Kubota | D Series, V Series | 0.5 – 0.8 | 8,000 – 11,000 |
| PerTronix | Flame Thrower 40kV (4-6 cyl) | 3.0 | Not Specified |
| PerTronix | Flame Thrower 40kV (8 cyl) | 1.5 | Not Specified |
| PerTronix | Flame Thrower II | 0.6 | Not Specified |
| PerTronix | Flame Thrower III | 0.32 | Not Specified |
| Norton | Electronic Ignition | 2.9 – 3.5 | Not Specified |
| Rotax | 532 (Bosch) | 1.65 – 2.05 | 4,850 – 5,850 |
| Fiat (Classic) | 500 | 3.0 – 5.0 | 10,000 – 15,000 |
| Mopar | 318 (Points) | Not Specified | 11,000 |
| Ducati | Monster, Panigale | 2.5 – 3.5 | 10,000 – 14,000 |
| Polaris | Ranger, Sportsman | 0.5 – 0.8 | 7,000 – 9,000 |
| Can-Am | Outlander, Renegade | 0.4 – 0.7 | 8,000 – 10,000 |
Related Briggs and Stratton Ignition Coil Resistance Chart
What Is Ignition Coil Resistance?
Ignition coil resistance refers to the amount of electrical opposition (in ohms, Ω) present in the coil’s windings.
- Primary resistance measures the low-voltage winding (usually between the battery and the ignition module).
- Secondary resistance measures the high-voltage winding (which steps up voltage to the spark plug).
Normal ranges depend on coil type and application, but generally:
- Primary coil: 0.3–3.0 Ω
- Secondary coil: 5,000–15,000 Ω (5–15 kΩ)
How to Test Ignition Coil Resistance
Step 1: Disconnect the coil from the engine or ignition harness.
Step 2: Set your multimeter to the ohm (Ω) setting.
Step 3:
- Primary test: Touch the probes to the coil’s positive (+) and negative (–) terminals.
- Secondary test: Touch one probe to the coil’s output (to spark plug) and the other to the negative terminal.
- Step 4: Compare the readings to the resistance chart above.
If your reading is too low, the coil may have an internal short; if too high or infinite, the winding may be open or broken.
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Interpreting Ignition Coil Resistance Readings
| Result Type | Possible Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Lower than normal resistance | Internal short or carbon tracking | Replace coil immediately |
| Higher than normal resistance | Weak insulation or corrosion | Clean terminals; replace if still high |
| Infinite or “OL” (open circuit) | Broken winding | Coil is dead; replace |
| Fluctuating readings | Poor contact or internal damage | Re-test with cleaned probes; replace if persistent |
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Common Ignition Coil Testing Mistakes
- Testing on hot coils, always measure resistance when the coil is cool for accurate readings.
- Not isolating the coil, disconnect the coil before testing to avoid false resistance readings from other circuit components.
- Using analog meters, Digital multimeters provide more precise low-ohm readings.
- Ignoring manufacturer specs, always check your specific model’s service manual.
Signs of a Bad Ignition Coil
- Hard starting or no start
- Rough idle or engine misfire
- Weak or no spark
- Backfiring or loss of power
- The engine stalling when hot.
- Check engine light (for modern vehicles)
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