Is this this the correct way to test a DIC (Direct Ignition Cassette)

[brupoo]

Hi guys, I know its considered pretty dangerous to test the DIC's in the manner described on the saabsite, but I think i'l going to have to do it. I am about to purchase a car and I am 95% sure it doesn't start because of a bad DIC, so I am going to check out the car and test it if I can, most likely it is dead so It may not actually be that dangerous. Anyhow, understanding that it is dangerous, I want to go about this correctly and minimize problems, so I read the description and this image is what I understood as the way to go about it.



Does that seem right?

['97 Saab SE Turbo]

You need to ground all the plugs at the threads, then plug in the DIC and turn the engine over to check for spark. But, a faulty CPS will keep the DIC from firing.

A bad CPS may be determined by watching the tach; no movement generally points to a bad CPS. You can also take a multimeter with you to check resistance in the CPS. IIRC, 580 +/- ohms for a turbo car is a good test.

If you have spark, a little starting fluid in the throttle body should get it to fire for a second or two.

But, if you get the engine running the owner my not want to sell it... Ron

[brupoo]

THanks for the reply '97

A couple clarifications:

Originally Posted by '97 Saab SE Turbo

You need to ground all the plugs at the threads,

Would I do one wire to each thread, or use one long wire wrapped around each thread in series as I drew in my masterpiece originally?

Originally Posted by '97 Saab SE Turbo

You can also take a multimeter with you to check resistance in the CPS.

I have my multimeter, set to resistance/ohms, what part of the CPS should I be touching with the ends though?


Thanks!

['97 Saab SE Turbo]

The wiring doesn't matter; one long ground cable or four separate cables. The test cable in the WIS has one large alligator clip for each plug, and a fifth clip to ground on the engine/frame.

To check the CPS, remove the cable connector, rotate the connector so that the tab is up, and looking at the pins, they number 1, 2, 3 from left to right. Pins 1 & 2 should measure 540 +/-55 ohms and pins 1 & 3 should measure infinity (or an open)... Ron