How do i check my switch box

Joined
Mar 18, 2010
Messages
25
How do i use a multi-meter to check the switch in my mercury classic fifty it is a 1987 and it has no spark it will just turn over thats all any help thanks.
 

Faztbullet

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 2, 2008
Messages
15,931
Re: How do i check my switch box

Here is diagram to test circuit in the box, will not test capacitor...
 

Attachments

  • Scan.jpg
    Scan.jpg
    137.3 KB · Views: 0

achris

More fish than mountain goat
Joined
May 19, 2004
Messages
27,468
Re: How do i check my switch box

To properly test a switchbox you'll need a DVA meter, or build one to adapt a standard meter. You'll find the drawing HERE. Once you've done that you can use it to troubleshoot the ignition system.

Start by removing the black/yellow lead from the switchbox and checking for spark. This is the ignition 'kill' wire. If you now have spark you have a problem in that circuit.

If you still don't have spark, start by putting the meter leads on the blue wire and the blu/wht wire (on the switchbox). Crank the engine and you should see 250-400volts. If you don't, you have a stator problem. If you have voltage, check the trigger for about 2-4 volts between the white wire and violet wires, and the brown wire and the black wire (on the switchbox). If you have the voltage there, then move the meter lead to the coil outputs on the switchbox. If you have voltage on all those, you have 4 faulty coils (unlikely), or a bad ground somewhere. Otherwise it's the switchbox.

Chris........
 
Top