1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Tests in the Honda Manual - a How To
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, 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 Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
The multimeter illustrated is available at Harbor Freight.
Radio Shack, Wal Mart and auto parts stores also have inexpensive multimeters.
002
OHMS
Here we are setting up the meter according to the tests Honda
expects us to run. The meter's internal battery sends power through
the probes and measures the resistance of the probes, wires, and
the circuit being tested.
This basic test verifies the meter is working properly. This simple
test shows the meter probes and wires have 2 Ohms of resistance.
Your meter may read Zero Ohms or a few Ohms. These low cost
meters may display varying readings during this test.
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
COM
cdi
module
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
Meter set to
check resistance.
The maximum resistance reading
possible at this setting is 2,000 Ohms.
Honda's tests for the
CDI and Ignition Coil range from
almost Zero Ohms to 800 Ohms.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
the Tests
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, 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.
AC from
exciter coil
ignition coil
pulse coil
kill switch
ground
100-2000
100-2000
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test One: + to EXT
- to SW = Infinity
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Two: + to PC
- to SW = Infinity
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Three: + to E
- to SW = Infinity
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Four: + to IGN
- to SW = Infinity
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Five: + to SW
- to EXT = .01 Ohms to 20 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
14
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read between 0.1 Ohms and 20 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
Shop Note:
14 Ohms is almost a short circuit.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 14
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Six: + to PC
- to EXT = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Seven: + to E
- to EXT = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Eight: + to IGN
- to EXT = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Nine: + to SW
- to PC = 40 Ohms to 100 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
76
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read between 40 Ohms and 100 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 76
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Ten: + to EXT
- to PC = 20 Ohms to 800 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
122
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read between 20 Ohms and 800 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 122
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Eleven: + to E
- to PC = 10 Ohms to 600 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
392
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read between 10 Ohms and 600 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 392
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Twelve: + to IGN
- to PC = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Thirteen: + to SW
- to E = 1 Ohm to 50 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
30
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read between 1 Ohm and 50 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 30
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Fourteen: + to EXT
- to E = .1 Ohm to 20 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
00.8
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
EXT
SW
COM
cdi
module
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read between .1 Ohm and 20 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
Shop Note:
00.8 Ohms is basically a short circuit.
See the decimal? That is 8/10 of one Ohm
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 00.8
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Fifteen: + to PC
- to E = 30 Ohm to 500 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
441
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read between 30 Ohm and 500 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 441
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Sixteen: + to IGN
- to E = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Seventeen: + to SW
- to IGN = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Eighteen: + to EXT
- to IGN = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Nineteen: + to PC
- to IGN = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Test Twenty: + to E
- to IGN = INFINITY
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
1
OHMS
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
IGN
SW
COM
cdi
module
EXT
PC
E
cdi unit
Meter should read INFINITY.
This means no connection
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 1
to the far left, indicating infinite,
or extremely high resistance.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Exciter Coil Test: + to Black/Red
- to Ground = 150 Ohms to 700 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
198
OHMS
DCA
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
Black/Red from Engine
COM
cdi
module
Engine Block/Ground
Meter should read between 150 Ohm and 700 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 198
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue
1982-on Honda Cub/Passport with CDI Ignition:
Pulse Generator Test: + to Blue/White
- to Green = 50 Ohms to 170 Ohms
by Jon Pardue
Sarasota, Florida USA
88
OHMS
DCA
Jon Pardue November 6 2007
2000
OFF
ON
VW mA
CEN-TECH
DIGITAL
MULTIMETER
Black/Red
(MAGNETO COIL)
Black/White
(KILL SWITCH)
Green
(GROUND WIRE)
Blue/White from Engine
COM
cdi
module
Green
Meter should read between 50 Ohm and 170 Ohms.
This means there is resistance
between the test points.
This Cen-Tech meter displays a 88
to the right, indicating a resistance
value within the "good" range.
if its this good its from the labs and workshop of jon pardue