Do I need a ballast resistor with electronic ignition?

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.

How do I know if my ballast resistor is bad?

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Ballast Resistor

1. Vehicle starts, then immediately dies. The most obvious symptoms will be the vehicle starts, but then immediately dies as soon as you release the key.
2. Not starting at all.
3. Don’t jump the resistor.
4. Let the vehicle be.

What is the purpose of the ballast resistor in the breaker point ignition system?

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.

Do I need a ballast resistor with MSD ignition?

Late-model electronic ignitions or an MSD Ignition do not require the ballast. If you are looking to upgrade your stock coil, or want to compliment the performance of your MSD Blaster Ignition, MSD 5, 6, or 7, the Blaster Coil line is the right choice. Our Blaster Coils are designed for improved spark output!

How does a Pertronix ignitor work?

“The points operate mechanically with a rubbing block that rubs on a small cam in the distributor. This rubbing block wears, which changes the timing and the point gap, altering both the performance and the amount of spark available,” Don explains.

How do you test a ballast resistor?

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 is inside PerTronix Ignitor?

So what do I get in the Ignitor® Kit box? A molded epoxy ‘module’ that is either mounted, or can be mounted on a base plate designed for a specific distributor. Two wires from the module connect to the coil. A ‘magnet ring’ or ‘magnet assembly’ which mounts on the shaft of your distributor.