MSD 62153 DIS-4 Plus High Output Installation User Manual
Page 15

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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CHECKING FOR SPARK
The following procedure will determine if the ignition is producing a spark.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the “Off” position.
2. Remove the spark plug wires and spark plugs from the engine. With the spark plugs inserted in
the end of the plug wires, lay the spark plugs against ground.
3. Disconnect the MSD trigger wire (Green, White, Yellow or Violet) from the ignition amplifier
harness.
4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank the engine.
5. Tap one of the trigger wires to ground several times. Each time you pull the wire from ground,
a spark should jump across the spark plugs. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
Repeat the test for each coil. If there is no spark proceed to step 6.
6.
If there is no spark:
A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and repeat the test. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 12 volts on the small Red wire from the MSD
when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts is not present, find another switched 12 volt source
and repeat the test.
NOTE: Some vehicles will require cranking the engine to provide +12V to the MSD Ignition Red
wire.
D. After following the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring there is still no spark, the MSD
Ignition is in need of repair. See the Warranty and Service section for information.
RETURNING TO STOCK IGNITION
To return the ignition system back to standard operation simply unplug the MSD Digital DIS control
cable and insert the supplied jumper plug into the cable connector. If using aftermarket low resistance
coils, they must be replaced with the original factory coils.
NOTE: If an Ignition Adapter was added to the
vehicle harness the adapters
must be disconnected before reverting back to the stock ignition.
LED MONITOR
The MSD Digital DIS Ignition is equipped with an LED monitor. The LED will light every time there is
a spark. At above idle speeds, it may appear to be on continuously.
If the LED begins to flash erratically, it is indicating that there is a problem. The battery supply voltage
may be getting to low for full power operation, or a coil positive wire may be grounded.
Fault Codes: The LED will flash a series to alert you of a problem.
Two Blinks: Low battery, indicated below 3,000 rpm.
Three Blinks: Intermittent input signal.
Four Blinks: This is only used at MSD in test mode.
• Make sure that the battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and tight. If you are not
running an alternator this is an essential check.
• Is the engine running lean? Inspect the spark plugs and complete fuel system.
• Inspect all wiring connections for corrosion or damage. Remember to always use proper connections
followed by soldering and seal the connections completely.
If everything checks out, use the following procedure to test the ignition for spark. MSD also offers
an Ignition Tester, PN 8996, which can be used to check the entire ignition system, tachometers, rpm
activated switches and shift lights without removing them from the vehicle.