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When troubleshooting your electrical system, knowing how to test CDI box with multimeter will help you a lot.
In fact, when testing your CDI box, you might realize that it wasn’t the problem. Perhaps it was related to the spark plugs, which you can easily change.
Either way, we’ll show you the right to test your CDI box with a multimeter. As long as it can test for continuity, you will be OK.
3 Common Problems You Might Experience With a Damaged CDI Box
Understanding how to test a CDI box with a multimeter is the easiest way to spot a problem with your bike. But it wouldn’t hurt to look for some of these symptoms before throwing parts:
Rough Running
If your ATV is challenging to ride, you could have a problem with the CDI BOX. If there’s something wrong with it, it won’t fire the coils, making your bike run rough.
ATV Won’t Idle
Having trouble starting up the engine? Well, it means there’s something wrong with the CDI BOX. But this might not be your only problem. For example, you could have bad spark plugs.
But generally, if you’re having trouble with your engine, there’s a high chance that your CDI BOX is the culprit. There’s no in-between. If this box is no longer working, your bike won’t start at all, despite all your attempts.
Misfire at Low RPMs
A damaged CDI box can cause misfiring and rough idling at low RPMs. So, if you’re having similar problems with your bike, you might want to check the CDI unit.
How to Test CDI Unit With a Multimeter
Here is how to test CDI box with multimeter like a professional:
1. Set Up the Multimeter
To begin your electrical testing or troubleshooting, put the black lead on the “COM” jack and the red one on the “VΩ” jack.
Since we’re going to check for continuity, set the multimeter on continuity, simply turn the wheel to the icon that looks like your Wi-Fi hotspot.
2. Test the Multimeter Leads
Grab your two leads and put them across each other. Your multimeter should now beep, meaning that the unit is working.
If your unit does not beep, your multimeter is no longer working. If that’s the case, get a new one as your current multimeter won’t work for this test.
3. How to Test CDI Box on ATV
Put the black lead on your ground terminal, and then put the red one on any other terminals. Make sure to test each terminal.
If your meter does not beep, it means that the CDI unit is still in great shape. But if your multimeter beeps when testing one of the terminals, you have a problem with your CDI unit.
This means that your SCR stopped working, and that is causing your problem. For further assistance, refer to this YouTube video:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
We get asked several questions about CDI boxes, but we can only do so much. So, here’s how to check if a CDI box is working and rule out every possible culprit:
Can a CDI box be repaired?
Yes! You can repair your own CDI box. But CDI boxes are generally cheap. So, you might be better off getting a brand new one. Repairing one can take a lot of work, and if you don’t know what you’re doing, it can get messy.
Are ATV CDI boxes interchangeable?
No, ATV CDI boxes are not interchangeable. You have to find one that matches your bike. Otherwise, the new replacement won’t work.
Will a bad CDI cause a weak spark?
A faulty CDI box often causes weak ignition. Get a multimeter and make sure that the unit is still in great shape. Otherwise, replace it.
What are the symptoms of a faulty CDI box?
Typically, your engine would shut off as you’re going down the road. You might be able to get it up and running again, but it will stall when accelerating.
Conclusion
CDI boxes rarely quit working, but you still need to learn how to test CDI box with multimeter. You never know when this little box is going to fail on you.
Luckily, you don’t need fancy and expensive tools to test your CDI unit. As you know by now, a regular multimeter is more than enough.
Just member that you should diagnose your ATV thoroughly before getting a new CDI box. Your problem could be caused by another part, and not the CDI box. Take your time, use your multimeter, and you’ll be OK.