6524 690 06 Rev. P KohlerEngines.com
Electrical System
Test Ignition Systems
NOTE: If engine starts or runs during testing, you may need to ground kill lead to shut it down. Because you have
interrupted kill circuit, it may not stop using switch.
Isolate and verify trouble is within engine.
1. Locate connectors where wiring harnesses from engine and equipment are joined. Separate connectors and
remove white kill lead from engine connector. Rejoin connectors and position or insulate kill lead terminal so it
cannot touch ground. Try to start engine to verify whether reported problem is still present.
Condition Possible Cause Conclusion
Problem goes away. Electrical System Check key switch, wires, connections,
safety interlocks, etc.
Problem persists. Ignition or Electrical System Leave kill lead isolated until all testing
is completed.
Identify white kill lead of engine
wiring harness connector. Establish
a connection to a known good
ground location. Engine should kill
completely. If not or only one cylinder
is aff ected, test ignition modules and
white kill lead connection.
Check CDI/MDI Ignition Modules and Connections
1. Remove blower housing from engine. Inspect kill wire for any damage, cuts, or shorts to engine or ignition module
body.
2. On MDI adjustable timing engines, ensure that both modules are correctly installed with fl at side of module out/
towards you.
3. If testing identifi es one ignition module does not function, disconnect white kill wire from both ignition modules and
retest them with a spark tester as described in Test for Spark on previous page. If both ignition modules are found
to spark with white kill wire removed, test white kill wire for short to ground. If not shorted to ground, connect white
kill wire to one ignition module only and retest for spark. Repeat single wire connection test on second ignition
module. If test results fi nd that both ignition modules spark with white wire connected to single module only (both
modules tested individually) but only one will spark when white wire is connected between both ignition modules,
processor in one module is bad. Both ignition modules should be replaced if this condition is found.
Condition Possible Cause Conclusion
All checks are OK but module has no
spark or fails to advance.
Ignition Module Replace aff ected module.