2001 Honda Prelude Base, AutomaticFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Ignition Coil Test (Insight)

  1. Turn ignition off. Disconnect ignition coil 3-pin electrical connectors. Turn ignition on. Using DVOM, measure voltage at terminal No. 3 (Black/Yellow wire) of each ignition coil 3-pin electrical connector. See Fig 1. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, repair open in circuit between ignition coil and No. 7 fuse (15-amp) in underdash fuse/relay box.
  2. Turn ignition off. Measure continuity between body ground and terminal No. 2 (Black wire) of each ignition coil 3-pin electrical connector. If continuity exists, go to next step, if continuity does not exist, repair open in circuit between ignition coil and body ground point. Ground point is located at top, mid-point on engine, above MAP sensor.
  3. Disconnect PCM connector "C" (31-pin connector). Using DVOM, individually measure continuity between body ground and PCM connector "C" (31-pin connector) terminals No. 4 (White wire), No. 13 (White/Green wire) and No. 14 (White/Black wire). If continuity is not present at any test point, go to next step. If continuity is present at any test point, repair short in circuit between ignition coil and PCM.
  4. Reconnect PCM connector "C" (31-pin connector). Using a DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at terminal No. 1 of each ignition coil with ignition in START position. If about 0.5 volt is present at any test point, replace that ignition coil. If about 0.5 volt is not present at any test point, repair open circuit between ignition coil and PCM.
Fig 1: Identifying Ignition Coil Terminals (Insight)
G00033763Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
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Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
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