Craftsman 161.210400 Owner's Manual

Page 1_3_4.Turn the vehicle's Ignition Switch (key) to the "ON" or "RUN" positiononly. Do not start the engine.Read the analyzer's voltmeter. Normal readings should be as follows:Breaker Point Systems: At or slightly below battery voltage (12 volts)if the points are open. Approximately 6 to 8 volts if the points areclosed, "Jog" the engine quickly to close the points if they are open.The meter reading will be significantly lower with the points closedas shown above.If the Voltmeter stays at or very close to battery volts (12 volts)with the points closed, a problem exists in one or more of thefollowing areas:Ignition coll primary open, Pigtail from negative (-) or Distributor(Dist) side of co11 to distributor open, points defective, or openground within the Distributor.If the Voltmeter stays at.zero (no reading), a problem exists in thesupply circuit to the ignltion Coil i.e. ballast resistor open (whenequipped), ignition switch or related wiring open.Electronic Ignitions: At or slightly below Battery Voltage (12 volts)If the voltage is not as specified, see the proper diagnostic proceduresrelating to your vehicle ignition type as shown later in this manual.Your vehicle service manual is also a valuable toot in diagnosingElectronic Ignition problems.