Testing A 3 Wire COP Ignition Coil

Continuing our series on Ignition Systems, we now head into what some technicians struggle with - 3 wire Coil-On-Plug ignition coils. We have already got our head around testing a 2 wire coil, but what is this extra wire for & is the testing technique different?
The answers are in this short, informative video.
Disclaimer:
MiracleMAX wants you to be safe, however, no guarantee can be given against improper use or unauthorised modifications on the information provided. The repair shown in this video is carried out at your own risk and any property damage or injury is your own responsibility. Please ensure you carry out this repair safely using approved safe work practices, correct use of recommended tools and equipment. This video is educational only and is no guarantee of a result if done incorrectly. Any injury, damage or loss due to incorrect use of tools, information or equipment is the sole responsibility of the person carrying out the repair and not MiracleMAX.
#IgnitionSystems#AutomotiveElectronics#AutomotiveTechnician

[@abdul-kabiralegbe5660]

Great concise video, delivered in a refreshing Aussie accent.

[@MiracleMAX]

Cheers Mate, thanks!

[@mikethomas9544]

Great tip, Thanks Max 👍

[@MiracleMAX]

Cheers Mate. 😁

[@GerardBurkeBurkesGarage]

Well done buddy, great options for testing 👍💪

[@MiracleMAX]

Thanks mate!

[@nicholaspham9466]

Thank you. Good info

[@MiracleMAX]

Thanks 😉
You might find some other interesting videos in my ignition playlist.
th-cam.com/video/LTnDQXAnSog/w-d-xo.html

[@GA1.6T]

Very good video. Great info.

[@MiracleMAX]

Thanks ok boomer. 😊

[@mpv5352]

thank you

[@MiracleMAX]

You're welcome

[@nigelwebber1472]

Good info with multiple testing options. Thanks MM.

[@MiracleMAX]

Cheers Nigel, thanks for your comment

[@lloyd-qt1mg]

This set-up ain't working on my Peugeot 308, following your method exactly - test light touching trigger wire , plug grounded, ignition on. Dead as a door nail on all 4 coils! All coils working in the car. What's up here??

[@MiracleMAX]

What year & engine is in this vehicle? Do you have a wiring diagram to ensure you are testing this correctly? Have you been able to figure out which wires are positive, ground and trigger? Is this style using a feedback circuit or a double ground circuit?
th-cam.com/video/CiJgEIPLcIE/w-d-xo.html

[@lloyd-qt1mg]

2009 Peugeot 308, petrol. No wiring diag; Yes have figured out which wires are positive, ground and trigger; cannot find an answer to: "Is this style using a feedback circuit or a double ground circuit"? i'll keep exploring... thanks!

[@MiracleMAX]

@@lloyd-qt1mg So are you using a multimeter for your testing? Without a wiring diagram it can be hard to be definite. Sorry, I may have mislead you on the last comment. I was referring to a 4-wire coil.
Now back to your 3-wire coils.
Do you have 12 volts at your power wire. A good ground wire. Both of these should be voltage drop tested.
Does the 3rd wire (trigger wire) have a pulsing signal?
Are there any fault codes? Is the crank angle sensor working correctly?

[@greggregorich8048]

can you fix them

[@MiracleMAX]

Hey Greg,
If you mean can you pull apart and repair the individual coil, then no. They are encased in resin and made up of thousands of turns of copper wire.

[@Kevvoo5.0]

Let’s say I connect the ground the spark and my test light turns on but no spark

[@MiracleMAX]

I'm not sure what you are asking. Are you having no spark issues? What sort of vehicle? Which wires are you testing? Are your voltages and grounds in good condition?

[@Kevvoo5.0]

@@MiracleMAX yes no spark! I tried the same method your doing on a 3 wire ignition coil and nothing sparks and my light tester turns on on but no spark

[@MiracleMAX]

@@Kevvoo5.0 If you are testing the control wire, then you are not getting switching from the ECU or ignition module. Are you testing this on the vehicle or on the bench?

[@konstantin-big]

Did you find a solution???

[@Kevvoo5.0]

@@konstantin-big the key needed reprogram 🤣

[@JCGible]

What would you say if things are good until the car is fully warmed up and driven around a bit. Then it starts to fumble and misfire on multiple. 🤬 cylinders

[@MiracleMAX]

What testing have you done so far? Do you have any fault codes?

[@JCGible]

@MiracleMAX I just noticed my fuel tank preasure is neg 1 psi. That can't be good. The scanner also reads low fuel velocity. Maybe there's a venting issue.

[@MiracleMAX]

@@JCGible Is the fuel cap valving working correctly? Is the evap system working correctly?

[@JCGible]

@@MiracleMAX I will check today. I have no codes. Thanks