Ignition Coil Resistance Chart(For All Brands/Engine Types)

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 / ManufacturerModel / SeriesPrimary Resistance (Ω)Secondary Resistance (Ω)
Briggs & StrattonClassic, Quantum, Vanguard0.5 – 1.05,000 – 7,000
HondaGX120, GX160, GX2000.6 – 0.87,000 – 10,000
KawasakiFR, FS, FX Series0.4 – 0.79,000 – 13,000
KohlerCommand Pro, Courage0.5 – 0.98,000 – 12,000
TecumsehSnow King, Vector Series0.3 – 0.67,000 – 11,000
Harley-DavidsonTwin Cam0.4 – 0.616,000 – 19,000
Harley-DavidsonSportster 883 / 12002.5 – 3.210,000 – 12,000
YamahaFZ, MT, R Series2.8 – 3.510,000 – 13,000
SuzukiGSX, DR, SV Series3.0 – 4.012,000 – 17,000
ToyotaCorolla, Camry, Hilux0.36 – 0.558,000 – 12,000
Honda (Automotive)Civic, Accord0.6 – 0.810,000 – 15,000
FordModular 4.6L / 5.4L, EcoBoost0.4 – 0.75,000 – 6,500
Chevrolet / GMLS, LT, Ecotec0.3 – 0.65,000 – 7,000
Chrysler / DodgeHEMI 5.7L, 6.4L0.5 – 0.77,000 – 9,000
NissanQR, VQ, HR Series0.7 – 1.08,000 – 11,000
BMWN52, N55, B58 Engines0.8 – 1.210,000 – 14,000
Volkswagen / Audi1.8T, 2.0T, VR60.5 – 0.97,500 – 9,500
SubaruEJ, FB Series0.7 – 0.911,000 – 13,000
MazdaSkyActiv, MZR Series0.6 – 0.88,000 – 10,000
Hyundai / KiaTheta, Gamma, Nu0.4 – 0.67,000 – 10,000
Mitsubishi4G63, 4B110.5 – 0.89,000 – 12,000
Jeep3.6L Pentastar, 4.0L I60.6 – 0.97,000 – 9,000
VolvoS60, XC900.7 – 0.910,000 – 13,000
Mercedes-BenzM112, M1130.4 – 0.78,000 – 10,000
Peugeot / Citroën1.6 THP, 2.0 HDi0.5 – 0.77,000 – 9,000
Fiat / Alfa RomeoFIRE, Twin Spark0.7 – 1.09,000 – 11,000
RenaultK4M, F4R0.5 – 0.88,000 – 10,000
John DeereLawn Tractor (Kawasaki Engine)0.5 – 0.88,000 – 12,000
Cub CadetKohler Engine0.4 – 0.78,000 – 11,000
ToroRecycler, TimeCutter0.4 – 0.76,000 – 10,000
StihlMS Series Chainsaws0.5 – 0.87,000 – 10,000
HusqvarnaChainsaws, Trimmers0.4 – 0.76,000 – 8,500
Echo2-Cycle Trimmers0.4 – 0.76,000 – 8,500
KTM / Husqvarna Motorcycles250, 450 SX-F2.0 – 3.09,000 – 13,000
Yamaha Outboard115–250 HP0.3 – 0.67,000 – 10,000
Mercury Outboard2-Stroke / 4-Stroke0.3 – 0.67,000 – 9,000
Suzuki OutboardDF Series0.4 – 0.78,000 – 10,000
Kohler DieselKDW Series0.6 – 1.09,000 – 12,000
Onan GeneratorsMicroQuiet, Marquis0.5 – 0.88,000 – 10,000
GeneracPortable & Standby Units0.6 – 0.98,000 – 11,000
Yanmar Diesel3TNV, 4TNV0.5 – 0.89,000 – 11,000
Perkins Diesel400 / 1100 Series0.6 – 0.910,000 – 12,000
CumminsISB, 6BT0.3 – 0.68,000 – 10,000
CaterpillarC7, C9 Series0.5 – 0.89,000 – 11,000
Detroit DieselSeries 600.4 – 0.79,000 – 12,000
Isuzu Diesel4JJ1, 4HK10.4 – 0.78,000 – 10,000
KubotaD Series, V Series0.5 – 0.88,000 – 11,000
PerTronixFlame Thrower 40kV (4-6 cyl)3.0Not Specified
PerTronixFlame Thrower 40kV (8 cyl)1.5Not Specified
PerTronixFlame Thrower II0.6Not Specified
PerTronixFlame Thrower III0.32Not Specified
NortonElectronic Ignition2.9 – 3.5Not Specified
Rotax532 (Bosch)1.65 – 2.054,850 – 5,850
Fiat (Classic)5003.0 – 5.010,000 – 15,000
Mopar318 (Points)Not Specified11,000
DucatiMonster, Panigale2.5 – 3.510,000 – 14,000
PolarisRanger, Sportsman0.5 – 0.87,000 – 9,000
Can-AmOutlander, Renegade0.4 – 0.78,000 – 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 TypePossible MeaningAction
Lower than normal resistanceInternal short or carbon trackingReplace coil immediately
Higher than normal resistanceWeak insulation or corrosionClean terminals; replace if still high
Infinite or “OL” (open circuit)Broken windingCoil is dead; replace
Fluctuating readingsPoor contact or internal damageRe-test with cleaned probes; replace if persistent

Related Symptoms of Bad Ignition Coil on Lawn Mower(6 Commons)

Common Ignition Coil Testing Mistakes

  1. Testing on hot coils, always measure resistance when the coil is cool for accurate readings.
  2. Not isolating the coil, disconnect the coil before testing to avoid false resistance readings from other circuit components.
  3. Using analog meters, Digital multimeters provide more precise low-ohm readings.
  4. 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)

Related How to Test Lawn Mower Ignition Switch(In 5 Quick Steps)

George Bill
George Bill

George Bill is a Mechanical Engineer by Profession and an avid gardener and has been mowing his lawn for over 20 years. He has used a variety of different mowers during this time.
George is an expert at maintaining his mowers and over the years, he has learned many tricks and techniques for getting the best results from his mowers and is always happy to share his knowledge on this site.