Connecting a ballast resistor is a fairly straightforward project, but you will want to pay attention to the wiring.
- 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.
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Contents
- 1 Where does the ballast resistor go?
- 2 Do I need a ballast resistor with electronic ignition?
- 3 Do all ignition coils need a ballast resistor?
- 4 How does an ignition ballast resistor work?
- 5 What happens when a ballast resistor goes bad?
- 6 Do you need a resistor with a 12 volt coil?
- 7 How do you wire a ballast resistor?
- 8 What is the purpose of a ballast resistor in an ignition system?
- 9 How many volts should a ballast resistor have?
- 10 What causes a ballast resistor to fail?
- 11 Does a ballast resistor reduce voltage?
- 12 Which circuit the ballast resistor is used?
- 13 Why is my ballast resistor smoking?
Where does the ballast resistor go?
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.
Do I need a ballast resistor with electronic ignition?
Electronic ignition systems, whether factory Mopar or aftermarket, don’t utilize breaker points, thereby not actually needing a ballast resistor to control amperage through the pickup coil.
Do all ignition coils need a ballast resistor?
All cars produced with breaker-points type ignition generally had a resistor of some sort in their ignition system. And while ignition coil life may be compromised without a resistor, the additional secondary voltage (at the spark plug) is increased which generally improves power.
How does an ignition ballast resistor 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.
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.
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.
How do you wire a ballast resistor?
Connecting a ballast resistor is a fairly straightforward project, but you will want to pay attention to the wiring.
- 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.
What is the purpose of a ballast resistor in an ignition system?
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.
How many volts should a ballast resistor have?
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. You should be getting 9 volts to the positive side of the coil.
What causes a ballast resistor to fail?
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.
Does a ballast resistor reduce voltage?
The ballast resistor, supplies the needed voltage during the start up, and then immediately after the arc is established, it reduces the voltage in addition to regulating the current flow.
Which circuit the ballast resistor is used?
Resistors in Light Emitting Diode (LED) Circuits Such a resistor is often called a ballast resistor. The ballast resistor is used to limit the current through the LED and to prevent excess current that can burn out the LED. If the voltage source is equal to the voltage drop of the LED, no resistor is required.
Why is my ballast resistor smoking?
the ballast WILL heat up. Any grease, oil, etc WILL cause it to smoke. IF you have points it is VERY HARD on them to leave the key on for a length of time.
