How do you test pickup coil on a ATV?

A pickup coil for an ATV may be tested by measuring the resistance across the coil's electrical leads and comparing this value against the expected range specified in the ATV's shop manual.

# Disconnect the pickup coil assembly from the ignition system (e.g. the CDI unit or engine control module) # Identify the coil's electrical contacts on the connector # Measure the electrical resistance between the coil's contacts with an Ohmmeter or digital volt meter.

Take care not to grab both leads of your ohmmeter with your fingers while measuring this value or you'll measure your body's resistance in parallel with the coil. It's not dangerous but it might corrupt your reading.

The value for working part will vary by manufacturer and model, but will typically be between 100 ohms and 350 ohms.

If the coil reads as an "open circuit", or the resistance in the high 10's of k-ohms or higher, your coil is damaged and likely non-functional.