How to Troubleshoot the Ignition System in a Kia Spectra

All Kia Spectra model years are made with a distributorless ignition system. There is very little that anyone but an expert should work on. If you're searching for a problem on your Spectra's ignition system, limit it to inspecting the ignition coil resistance and the spark plugs.

Things You'll Need

• 3-volt power supply
• Ohmmeter
• Spark plug gap gauge

Instructions

1. Take a 3-volt power supply and connect its negative terminal to Terminal 2 of the power transistor.

2. Connect and disconnect the supply's positive terminal to Terminal 1. Use an ohmmeter to check for continuity between Terminals 3 and 2. There should be continuity of 0.78 ohms when Terminal 1 is connected and no continuity when disconnected.

3. Replace the power transistor if the above readings don't agree with the above specifications.

4. Measure the resistance between the high-voltage terminals on the ignition coil. Connect the left probe to the terminal in back and the right one to the terminal on the long front end. The reading should be approximately 20 ohms.

5. Inspect the spark plugs. Check them for broken insulators, worn electrodes, carbon deposits, damaged or broken gaskets and the porcelain insulator's condition (located at the spark plug's tip).

6. Check the spark plug gap with a wire gap gauge--it should be 0.039 to 0.043 inches. Adjust if necessary; there should be a tool for this on the other end of the gap gauge.

Tips & Warnings

• The terminals on the power transistor (1, 2 and 3) go in order from right to left.

• You shouldn't adjust a used spark plug gap if the plug is made of platinum. Replace the plug in this case.

• Avoid trying to adjust the ignition timing. The Powertrain Control Module completely controls the ignition timing on a distributorless ignition system. Adjustment is impossible and unnecessary.