1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:Tests in the Honda Manual - a How To

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Here's the page from the factory Honda manual that explains how to test the CDI components.It instructs the reader to use either a Sanwa or Kowa electrical tester, which virtually no one has.

The various tests are described in "truth tables". These can be hard to interpret.

This How-To illustrates making each test using a commonly available electrical multitester.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:The Tester

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

OHMS

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

002

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

The multimeter illustrated is available at Harbor Freight.Radio Shack, Wal Mart and auto parts stores also have inexpensive multimeters.

Here we are setting up the meter according to the tests Hondaexpects us to run. The meter's internal battery sends power throughthe probes and measures the resistance of the probes, wires, andthe circuit being tested.

This basic test verifies the meter is working properly. This simpletest shows the meter probes and wires have 2 Ohms of resistance.Your meter may read Zero Ohms or a few Ohms. These low costmeters may display varying readings during this test.

Meter set tocheck resistance.

The maximum resistance readingpossible at this setting is 2,000 Ohms.

Honda's tests for theCDI and Ignition Coil range fromalmost Zero Ohms to 800 Ohms.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

Shop Note:Zero Ohms is a short circuit.A solid wire measures close to Zero Ohms.Insulation is an open circuit.An open circuit = INFINITY on a meter

ignition coil

AC fromexciter coil

groundpulse coil

kill switch

100-2000

100-2000

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:the Tests

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

The yellow box explains what the CDI unit is connected to on your bike.The dotted red box is the truth table. We will run the tests from left to right, top to bottom.The dotted blue box has the tests for the exciter and pulse coils on the engine.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

cdi unit

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to EXTTest One: - to SW = Infinity

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

1

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no connection

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating infinite,or extremely high resistance.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to PCTest Two: - to SW = Infinity

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

1

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

cdi unit

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to ETest Three: - to SW = Infinity

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

1

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

cdi unit

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to IGNTest Four: - to SW = Infinity

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

1

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

cdi unit

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to SWTest Five: - to EXT = .01 Ohms to 20 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

14

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

Meter should read between 0.1 Ohms and 20 Ohms.This means there is resistance

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 14to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

cdi unit

Shop Note:14 Ohms is almost a short circuit.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to PCTest Six: - to EXT = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to ETest Seven: - to EXT = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to IGNTest Eight: - to EXT = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to SWTest Nine: - to PC = 40 Ohms to 100 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unitMeter should read between 40 Ohms and 100 Ohms.

This means there is resistancebetween the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 76to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

76

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to EXTTest Ten: - to PC = 20 Ohms to 800 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unitMeter should read between 20 Ohms and 800 Ohms.

This means there is resistancebetween the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 122to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

122

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to ETest Eleven: - to PC = 10 Ohms to 600 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unitMeter should read between 10 Ohms and 600 Ohms.

This means there is resistancebetween the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 392to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

392

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to IGNTest Twelve: - to PC = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

1

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to SWTest Thirteen: - to E = 1 Ohm to 50 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

30

Meter should read between 1 Ohm and 50 Ohms.This means there is resistance

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 30to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to EXTTest Fourteen: - to E = .1 Ohm to 20 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

00.8

Meter should read between .1 Ohm and 20 Ohms.This means there is resistance

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 00.8to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

Shop Note:00.8 Ohms is basically a short circuit.See the decimal? That is 8/10 of one Ohm

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to PCTest Fifteen: - to E = 30 Ohm to 500 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

cdi unit

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

441

Meter should read between 30 Ohm and 500 Ohms.This means there is resistance

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 441to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

IGN EXT

PC E

SWBlack/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to IGNTest Sixteen: - to E = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to SWTest Seventeen: - to IGN = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to EXTTest Eighteen: - to IGN = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to PCTest Nineteen: - to IGN = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

IGN EXT

PC E

SW

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to ETest Twenty: - to IGN = INFINITY

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

cdi unit

Meter should read INFINITY.This means no

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1to the far left, indicating

.

connection

infinite,or extremely high resistance

1

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ to /RedExciter Coil Test: Black - to Ground = 150 Ohms to 700 Ohms

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

DCA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

198

Engine Block/Ground

Black/Red from Engine

Meter should read between 150 Ohm and 700 Ohms.This means there is resistance

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 198to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS

1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:+ toPulse Generator Test: Blue/White - to = 50 Ohms to 170 OhmsGreen

by Jon PardueSarasota, Florida USA

DCA

Black/Red(MAGNETO COIL) Black/White

(KILL SWITCH)

Green(GROUND WIRE)

cdimodule

COM

CEN-TECH

DIGITALMULTIMETER

V mAW

2000

OFF ON

Jon Pardue November 6 2007

88

Green

Blue/White from Engine

Meter should read between 50 Ohm and 170 Ohms.This means there is resistance

between the test points.

This Cen-Tech meter displays a 88to the right, indicating a resistance

value within the "good" range.

if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue

OHMS