Electronic ignition faults

[patrickhowell]

Has anybody got experience of possible faults in electronic ignition systems, particularly DG Nition? My newly acquired Lomax has no sparks at the plug, I am assuming that with the spark plugs removed, and the body earthed, it should spark when the engine is cranked over, just like conventional systems? What voltage should one expect at the terminals with the ignition switched on?

[billdavies]

Patrick,
I have run with a DG ignition system and the only problem over some 8years was caused by overheating of the coil, on a very hot day in down town France.
Changed the coil, burnt my wrist on the inlet and the job was done.
Regularly cruised at 60plus. Never altered since installation and never changed the plugs, not needed.
Started first of and even when hot just need a little cranking to prime the carb.
Do you have the info sheets, if not I can email but need details of email from you...I am off to a family wedding tomorrow so be quick please
regards Bill D

[administrator]

You are checking one plug at a time aren't you? The HT circuit doesn't use the body/battery earth, but is a complete loop from one end of the coil to the other. Thus, keep one plug in whilst testing the other against the engine casing.

Rgrds
C

[patrickhowell]

Bill
I'd love the instructions, I am at hotfoothowell@hotmail.com
Thanks, Patrick

[howardjs]

Hi, I also have run my engine on a DG system for over 8 years with no problems at all...
As Callum says you must leave one plug in when checking the other or the HT circuit will be broken.
Here are the instructions for the DG
Howard

[howardjs]

2CV DG-NITION.jpg (34.93 KiB) Viewed 18341 times

[billdavies]

Patrick,
Howard beat me, cases packed and now I'm off
regards Bill D

[patrickhowell]

Thanks, all. I have tried the ignition with one plug in the cylinder, still no sparks. Is it possible to test the coil and circuitry by connecting direct to the battery? The system was designed by an electrician, and has no less than six fuse boxes, so you'd have to be a magician to guess what serves what. I do notice that there is a box of tricks marked Type TE305/2 with a rotating knob marked 0-100%, and "Green (timing)" and "Red-timed", but no lights coming on if you twiddle the knob.

[howardjs]

The DG should be connected as per the diagram, there should be no other components involved in this ignition circuit, other than perhaps an immobiliser switch which may be between the ignition switch and the red wire from the DG.

I would suggest that you find the red, black and white wires coming out of the DG and trace them to where ever they are going. If they do not go directly to the coil primary (black and white) and the red to the ignition switch, then I would reconnect as per the diagram and try again. Then the only check you need to make is that there is 12 volts going to the red DG wire when the ignition is on.
Howard

[patrickhowell]

Howard
There is no current arriving at the DG box, so I'll have to look elsewhere. The car was wired by an electrician, who, while doing a very neat job, fitted no less than 7 fuseboxes, containing 24 fuses, ranging from 3 amps to 20 amps. None of them are marked as to which functions they serve. Your wiring diagram does not show a fuse in the DG system - do you think one should be fitted, and if so, of what rating? Thanks
Patrick