The symptoms of a bad MSD ignition box below will let you know whether it is the cause of your faulty cars.
An MSD ignition box is a unit that is in charge of sending the spark to the starting system.
It’s critical to watch out for any signs of a malfunctioning MSD box since they can seriously affect your car’s efficiency.
There are certain major indicators to look at once the MSD component is not operating properly or is failing. We will discuss each of its obvious symptoms in this post.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Bad MSD Ignition Box?
Short answer: MSD ignition boxes are an electrical system that manages the spark strength, duration, and ignition timing of the car’s spark plugs.
They are often utilized in strong engines and overall engine performance enhancement by raising spark intensity. Common symptoms of a defective or failed MSD ignition box are below.
MSD 6al No Spark
If a problem occurs in the MSD box, such as a bad electrical connection, a short circuit, or incorrect wiring, the car engine will lack the needed spark, stumble or backfire.
To ignite the car, the starting system spark needs to activate precisely before closing the intake valve. Besides, it should also be after the opening of the exhaust valve.
As a result, in case the spark timing becomes earlier or later, it is considered as no spark, resulting in stumbling or backfiring.
Engine May Stall, Runs Bad & Smells Bad
One of the common bad symptoms of a malfunctioning or broken MSD ignition unit is a dramatically deteriorated performance.
It also creates an unpleasant smell. When the engine begins to stall regularly, it is time for you to think of the MSD ignition box.
Other significant part failures can also cause stalling, decreased performance, and a smoke smell from the engine compartment.
Remember that an older or malfunctioning circuit box might shut out the signal. It will cause the engine to stop and perform poorly.
MSD 6al No Power To Coil To Start Engine
A typical sign that an MSD ignition or circuit requires servicing is the ignition difficulty. It can be because of the coil’s fault. The car engine will take a long time to ignite and operate.
Particularly, the car does not operate at all. It is a clear indication of a broken ignition. Because the ignition is unable to give the appropriate operational signal, the engine cannot start normally.
You will notice msd no spark while cranking. Sometimes, drivers may hear the normal sounds of starting. Their car’s engine cranks normally but is not running or starts too slowly.
The ignition Key Does Not Turn
When the ignition key does not move on, there’s a problem with the starting system or the box stopping the key from turning on.
Inspect to determine whether or not the lock is set. Suppose the lock is disengaged, move the steering wheel forth and back to activate it.
Dashboard Lights Are Flickering & No Starter Sound
Besides, no starter sound is another sign. Beginning humming or a tiny noise is normal for any car.
However, if you can hear the unconventional starter sounds, it might indicate an ignition problem.
People usually presume that the switch or battery is defective. Some think the battery lacks sufficient voltage power.
But, should you find no battery problem, this definitely shows that it is the fault of MSD ignition.
Poor Acceleration
A faulty MSD ignition box might result in poor car acceleration. It happens when the spark timing does not work correctly, affecting power production.
As a result, you will find it hard to accelerate your car.
Reduced Fuel Economy
You should consider the MSD ignition box when there is increased fuel usage.
Owing to poor ignition timing, a faulty MSD ignition unit might reduce fuel economy, and the engine is not operating effectively.
Check Engine Light
The check light will illuminate when the MSD box sends faulty signals to the ECU (engine control unit).
Once your car is moving with the flashing dashboard lights, it is evident that something is wrong with the ignition system. It can be because of many problems, including a faulty ignition box.
Causes Of A Bad MSD Ignition Box
Some factors can cause a malfunctioning MSD starting box. The below are the most common ones.
Age and wear
MSD ignition boxes, like any other electrical component, have limited longevity. It will become less effective with time. Internal parts can tear out over time, resulting in breakdowns.
Overheating
Because of the enormous currents MSD ignition boxes manage, they might become overheated. If the box becomes too heated, internal parts might fail, resulting in irregular ignition timing.
Moisture
Moisture will lead inside ignition box elements to corrode and water damage, resulting in a short circuit. It’s particularly true in wet conditions or unsecured locations.
Wiring Issues
Internal issues with the MSD unit might also be caused by inadequate connections or defective wiring.
Intermittent issues with the MSD unit might also be caused by inadequate connections or faulty wiring.
Unless the wire is correctly connected, it might be loose or detached, causing inconsistent ignition timing.
Voltage irregularities
MSD ignition needs a steady power source to function properly. Any abnormalities, voltage spikes, or decreases might lead the ignition box to misbehave and even fail.
Improper installation
Poor installation might potentially result in a defective MSD ignition unit. If it is not properly placed, it might cause overheating, wiring difficulties, and other concerns.
How To Test MSD 6al Box
If you notice any above issues, you should physically check to identify the true cause. Thankfully, there are some simple techniques to test and diagnose the issue with the MSD ignition.
The below will show you how to test a MSD 6al box.
Inspect The White Wire Trigger
Before beginning the examination, ensure the starting switch is turned off. The ignition coil wire must then be uninstalled out of the distributor cap while you should set the coil terminal.
Ensure the terminal is about 1/2 inch away from the ground surface. Now, detach the white wire from the ignition distributor points or amplifier. Then you turn on the ignition.
After that, connect the white wire to the ground for some times to see whether there is an ignition system spark on the wire each time you touch it.
If you notice any sparks, the ignition is operating properly.
Inspect All The Wirings
In case the solution above shows no spark, you must inspect all of the wirings for faulty or loose connections and repair them. It might be the coil, so change it with a new one and try again.
If it does not correct the issue, inspect the MSD wiring. Pay attention to the red wire there. While the starting key is switched on, examine to see once the wire gets 12 volts.
Suppose it indicates below 12; you must change it with a 12-volt supply and check again.
Inspect To See If There Is MSD Magnetic Pickup Failure
To begin, turn the switch off. Next, as previously, disconnect the coil wire and set the terminal. Now, switch on the ignition after unplugging the MSD Pickup connector.
However, you should not start the vehicle engine.
Use a tiny jumper wire to connect the violet and green magnetic pickup wires. Take the jumper off once you’ve completed shorting the two wires.
Note that when a short is eliminated, a spark should appear. Should you not observe any spark, examine the wiring, red pickup wires, and coil output voltage, then replace the faulty part.
Replace The MSD Ignition Box
If you can’t discover the spark by following all the tests and inspections, it signifies the ignition box is broken or damaged. We now have no option but to replace it.
Is The Service For An MSD Ignition Expensive?
Certainly not. MSD provides replacement and repair services for all of its devices at very affordable prices.
However, the cost of fixing an MSD ignition will differ based on the degree of damage.
MSD costs are from $23.00 to about $87.50 for the fixing work. This price does not include tax and delivery expenses.
How Often Should You Inspect Or Service An MSD Ignition?
Normally, what you are required to do is to have the car’s engine and other essential parts serviced as regularly scheduled.
MSD ignition cables and wires may endure for roughly 60,000 miles of working. Thus, update them after every 60000 miles.
It is best to refer to the ignition handbook to maintain appropriate replacement and repair schedules.
How To Do MSD Ignition Troubleshooting With Handheld Tester
MSD 6al troubleshooting is simple as the steps above. If you’re seeking a better solution to check the functionality of the ignition, coil, or others, MSD provides a simpler handheld Tester.
The Tester features digital reading, allowing you to ‘manage’ the rpm. You may also verify the correctness of activating rpm switches, a rev limiter, and other accessories.
Conclusion
The above-discussed symptoms of a bad MSD ignition box will help you know when your component is faulty. You can follow the steps above to find the problem location and fix them.
Should you see no way to discover the location, you ought to take your car to a service that will not cost you a lot.