To test a Pertronix Ignitor, first disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Next, locate the two wires coming from the Ignitor. One wire will be red and the other black.
The red wire goes to the positive side of the coil, and the black wire goes to ground. To test if the Ignitor is working properly, use a voltmeter to check for continuity between these two wires. If there is continuity, then the Ignitor is working correctly.
- The first step is to remove the distributor cap and rotor
- Next, you’ll need to disconnect the negative (-) terminal of the coil
- Once the coil is disconnected, remove the two screws that hold the Ignitor in place
- Take out the old Ignitor and insert the new one, making sure it’s seated properly
- Reconnect the coil and screw it back in place
- Finally, put the distributor cap and rotor back on

Credit: knowhow.napaonline.com
How Do You Test an Ignition Igniter?
An ignition igniter is a device that helps to start a car’s engine by providing the spark that is needed to ignite the fuel-air mixture in the cylinders. To test an ignition igniter, you will need to first connect a test light or voltmeter to the Ignition Control Module (ICM) connector. Once you have done this, turn the key on and check for power at the ICM connector.
If there is no power present, then the problem may be with the ignition switch or wiring. If power is present, then proceed to testing the output of the igniter itself.
To do this, disconnect the wire from the negative terminal of the coil and connect it to ground.
Then, using an insulated tool, touch each of the three terminals on the igniter in turn and check for a spark at each one. If there is no spark at any of them, then replace the igniter.
What is the Air Gap for Pertronix Ignitor?
The air gap for a PerTronix Ignitor is the space between the two electrodes on the unit. This is typically set at .004-.008 inches. The air gap allows for a small amount of electrical current to flow between the electrodes, which in turn creates a spark that ignites the fuel/air mixture in the engine.
How Do You Test an Electronic Ignition Distributor?
If your car has an electronic ignition distributor, you’ll need to test it from time to time to make sure it’s working properly. Here’s how:
First, make sure that the distributor is getting power.
Check the fuse and relay for the ignition system, and if they’re both good, check the wiring harness for any loose or damaged wires.
Next, test the continuity of the coil wire. Unplug the wire from the coil and use a multimeter to test for continuity between the end of the wire and ground.
If there is no continuity, replace the coil wire.
Now it’s time to test the igniter. Remove the Igniter (this is also called an Ignition Control Module or ICM) and use a multimeter to test for continuity between each terminal on the Igniter and ground.
If there is no continuity on one or more terminals, replace the Igniter.
Finally, test the pickup coil inside the distributor. This can be done by removingthe distributor cap and using a multimeter to test for continuity between each terminal onthe pickup coil and ground.
How Does the Pertronix Ignitor Work?
An ignition system is responsible for providing the spark that ignites the air/fuel mixture in the engine’s cylinders. ThePerTronix Ignitor is an electronic ignition conversion kit that replaces points and condenser in many older vehicles. It is designed to produce a stronger spark at lower voltages than traditional points-style ignitions, thus improving engine start-up and overall performance while extending spark plug life.
How does it work? The Ignitor consists of a sensing module that mounts inside the distributor and a control module that mounts under the hood, usually on the firewall. The control module contains a microprocessor that constantly monitors engine rpm and adjusts the firing point of the ignition system accordingly.
This allows for optimal timing at all engine speeds, which results in increased power, improved fuel economy, and reduced emissions.
Installing a PerTronix Ignitor is relatively simple and can be completed in about an hour with basic hand tools. No special wiring or modifications are required – just connect the Ignitor’s two wires to your vehicle’s coil (positive) and tachometer (negative) terminals following the included instructions.
That’s it!
Pertronix Test
How Do I Know If My Pertronix Ignitor is Bad
If your Pertronix Ignitor is not working properly, there are a few things you can check to see if it is bad. First, check the ground wire to make sure it is securely connected to the engine block. Next, check the coil wire to make sure it is not damaged or frayed.
Finally, check the points to see if they are clean and free of any debris. If all of these things check out, then your Ignitor may be bad and you will need to replace it.
Conclusion
If your car has an old points ignition system, you can upgrade it to a modern electronic ignition system with a Pertronix Ignitor. But how do you know if the Ignitor is working properly? In this blog post, we’ll show you how to test the Ignitor to make sure it’s firing correctly.