12 13 009 Checking ignition coils (secondary coil)

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 7 other vehicles, including the 2003 BMW 540i, 2002 BMW 540i, 2001 BMW 540i, 2000 BMW 540i, and 1999 BMW 540i. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Special tools required:

12 7 040
12 7 041
12 7 042
12 7 043
12 7 045
12 7 046
12 7 050

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

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

Fig 2: Identifying Special Tool 12 7 043 (Connecting Cable)

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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

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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

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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.

Select "Measurement".
Select "Preset measurements".

Subsequent procedure in accordance with DIS instructions.

Fig 5: Identifying Feed Line On Ignition Coil Of 1st Cylinder

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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

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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

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NOTE: The adapter cable 12 7 042 is located in the case of the adapter kit 12 7 040.