2001 sporty ignition module test/replacement

[section8joe]

I'm trying to help a friend fix his 01 883 with 9,000 miles. He replaced the battery, coil, plugs and wires but he's still getting a very weak spark. The ignition module inside the nose is blinking when the bike turns over but it doesn't have much spark. I'm assuming the module is bad but I want to be sure. How can I test it? The battery is at 12.5 and 12.3 with the key on. He's also getting 12.3 at the coil.

[Sky]

Post a pic of said module
There are more than a few with an LED that can be stuffed in there
Might just be a trigger and the CDI is elsewhere

[section8joe]

Sorry, I don't know why it posted 90 degrees off

[Sky]

32488-98 is the stock all in one "integrated" ignition
Not the two piece setup or an aftermarket module

Your buddy's weak spark could be due to low voltage while cranking,
Wrong ohm or bad coil,
Bad plug wires (new don't always mean good),
Bad or misgapped sparkplugs,
Bad ground(s),
Or, of course, a bad ignition module. (Dwell control, timing, etc) I believe that one has a tip sensor in it as well

There is a way to check a few bench readings with a multi meter. But that still won't guarantee a good module.
Best test isto swap for a known good one.

If the bike is to see future modification (like cams) I'd recommend an aftermarket adjustable/programmable ignition.

If not, stock replacement is fine.
Or a "cheap" Dyna-S with weights if your stuck with a coil incompatibly. As it works with a range of ohm ratings

[section8joe]

Sooo I put the bike on the tender over night and it read 12.5. *The coil is new*so are the wires and plugs. *I'm not sure about the gap. *It's not my bike and I don't have a service manual. Most electronic ignitions have the same gap, right? *I also ran a ground from the coil to the bolt on the motor. *I'm still getting a weak spark. *With that being said, I tried to start the bike up and it fired up and idled great. *It's also charging at 14.5v at around 1200 rpms. Over the past 24 hours I was able to start up the bike over 20 times. *No hesitation and each time it idled great. *I took the bike off the lift and tried to take it for a ride. *I didn't even get it out of the driveway. *When i tried to give it gas it just kind of stopped running. *I got it to start once again and when I turned the throttle really slow the motor was able to catch up but eventually stalled. *Now, I can't get it started at all. *

[farmall]

Try the Carl Salter site for manuals and parts books. You need a schematic.

Was the bike sitting and what's the history? It can have more than one problem.

What EXACTLY did you ground on the coil? They don't have ground terminals.

If you replace the ignition I'd go aftermarket and wire the power to the key switch so no other modules etc or their old wiring are involved. Since I don't need what TSSMs do I delete them. (Solid state flashers work fine unless holding in turn signal buttons triggers the crazy.)

[Sky]

Yup, you need a wiring diagram for sure!
Groundig the coil sounds like a bad idea.
Running issue sounds like maybe fuel.
Get some cheap spark checkers to see if you are loosing spark or not.
Stop guessing and make your friend buy a factory service manual.

We work on predominantly pre twin cam Harleys at my shop.
But we are not afraid to work on anything that comes through the door.
If a quick Google search doesn't help...
I make them provide a manul first.
It's the first "part" I order for an unfamiliar machine.

[Johny2toes]

Sounds like a carb issue

[section8joe]

I agree but the ultra low spark is not a carb issue.