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Home >> BMW >> 1997 >> 540i Standard >> Repair and Diagnosis >> Accessories & Equipment >> Gauges & Instrument Panels >> Engine Electrical System - Repair Instructions >> Ignition Coil >> 12 13 009 Checking ignition coils (secondary coil)

12 13 009 Checking ignition coils (secondary coil)

Special tools required: 

Carry out secondary voltage check using test adapter12 7 040.

IMPORTANT: Observe safety precautions.
Switch off ignition.
NOTE: The following checks can be carried out with the adapter kit:
  • Secondary voltage check
  • Comparison between ignition coils from different manufacturers
  • Ignition coil faults
  • Spark plug faults
  • Injection system faults
Fig 1: Identifying Adapter Kit
G03152823Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect special tool12 7 043 (connecting cable) to special tool12 7 041 (single adapter).

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool 12 7 043 (Connecting Cable)
G03152824Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: Checks on engines with single-spark ignition coils:
Special tool 12 7 041 (single adapter) in conjunction with special tool 12 7 045 for fitting onto ignition coil.
Fig 3: Connecting Special Tool 12 7 041 (Single Adapter) To Special Tool 12 7 045
G03152825Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove cover for ignition coils.

Version with single-spark ignition coils: 

Mount special tool12 7 041 on ignition coils and connect to special tool12 7 043.

Fig 4: Mounting Special Tool 12 7 041 On Ignition Coils
G03152826Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Connect DIS Tester with RZV connecting lead to last test adapter (RZV = static ignition distribution).

Connect trigger pliers of DIS tester to feed line on ignition coil of 1st cylinder.

Subsequent procedure in accordance with DIS instructions.

Fig 5: Identifying Feed Line On Ignition Coil Of 1st Cylinder
G03152827Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with rod-type ignition coils: 

Unlock plug on rod-type ignition coil and disconnect.

Remove rod-type ignition coil, connect special tool12 7 050 (adapter cable) to spark plug and ignition coil, connect ignition coil to engine wiring harness.

Carry out measurements following DIS instructions.

Fig 6: Connecting Special Tool 12 7 050 (Adapter Cable) To Spark Plug And Ignition
G03152828Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Version with ignition coil block: 

Raise cover on ignition coil block slightly and fit special tool12 7 046.

Connect special tool12 7 046 to adapter cable12 7 042 and then to Tester.

Fig 7: Identifying Special Tool 12 7 046
G03152829Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: The adapter cable 12 7 042 is located in the case of the adapter kit 12 7 040.