AUTOTRONIC CONTROLS CORPORATION • 1490 HENRY BRENNAN DR., EL PASO, TEXAS 79936 • (915) 857-5200 • FAX (915) 857-3344
FRM21750 Revised 05/00 Printed In U.S.A.
Limited Warranty
A
utotronic Controls Corporation warrants MSD Ignition products to be free from defects in material and workmanship
under normal use and if properly installed for a period of one year from date of purchase. If found to be defective as
mentioned above, it will be replaced or repaired if returned prepaid along with proof of date of purchase. This shall constitute
the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of Autotronic Controls Corporation. To the extent permitted by law,
the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representations whether expressed or implied, including any
implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall Autotronic Controls Corporation be liable for special or
consequential damages.
CHECKING FOR SPARK
The following procedure will determine if the ignition is producing a spark.
1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the “Off” position.
2. Remove the spark plug wires and spark plugs from the engine. With the spark plugs inserted in
the end of the plug wires, lay the spark plugs against ground.
3. Disconnect the MSD trigger wire (Green, White, Yellow or Violet) from the ignition amplifier harness.
4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank the engine.
5. Tap one of the trigger wires to ground several times. Each time you pull the wire from ground, a
spark should jump across the spark plugs. If spark is present, the ignition is working properly.
Repeat the test for each coil. If there is no spark procede to step 6.
6. If there is no spark:
A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and repeat the test. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
C.If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 12 volts on the small Red wire from the MSD
when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts is not present, find another switched 12 volt source
and repeat the test.
NOTE: Some vehicles will require cranking the engine to provide +12V to the MSD Ignition Red
wire.
D. After following the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring there is still no spark, the
MSD Ignition is in need of repair. See the Warranty and Service section for information.
RETURNING TO STOCK IGNITION
To return the ignition system back to standard operation simply unplug the MSD Digital DIS control
cable and insert the supplied jumper plug into the cable connector. If using aftermarket low resistance
coils, they must be replaced with the original factory coils. Note: If any tach/fuel injector adapters
were added to the vehicle harness the adapters must be disconnected before reverting back to the
stock ignition.
LED MONITOR
The MSD Digital DIS Ignition is equipped with an LED monitor. The LED will light every time there is
a spark. At above idle speeds, it may appear to be on continuously.
If the LED begins to flash erratically, it is indicating that there is a problem. The battery supply voltage
may be getting to low for full power operation, or a coil positive wire may be grounded.
Service
In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty.
When returning MSD components for service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for warranty verification. After the
warranty period has expired, repair service is charged based on a minimum and maximum charge.
Send the unit prepaid with proof of purchase to the attention of: Customer Service Department, Autotronic Controls
Corporation, 12120 Esther Lama, Suite 114, El Paso, Texas 79936.
When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include a
detailed account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle.
The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible after receipt, COD for any charges. (Ground shipping is covered
by warranty). All units are returned regular UPS unless otherwise noted. For more information, call the MSD Customer
Service Line (915) 855-7123. MSD technicians are available from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (mountain
time).
