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PH3300i SM, Rev. 2017-01-20
4.4 Ignition System
This section deals with troubleshooting a faulty ignition system. This generator is equipped with
Li-ion batteries that control the step motor during startup and provide auxiliary ignition power. The
main battery requires a minimum of 10.5VDC and the lithium ion batteries require 3.2-4.0V to power
the step motor properly. Before diagnosing an ignition problem, make sure the batteries are fully
charged and the terminal connections are clean and tight (section 3.2). The generator uses a
Capacitive Discharge Ignition. In a (CDI) system, a charging circuit charges a high voltage capacitor
and at the instant of ignition the system stops charging the capacitor, allowing the capacitor to
discharge its output to the ignition coil which sends the voltage to the spark plug.
No spark
Good
spark
No spark
Blown fuse
Fuse good, no spark
Abnormal
No spark
No spark
Good
spark
Abnormal
No spark
Abnormal
Normal,
Still no spark
Abnormal
Check for spark (section 4.4.1). Clean,
inspect and gap the plug (section 4.6).
Plug gap: 0.6-
0.7mm (0.024”-0.028”).
Perform the spark test again using a new
spark plug.
Replace the faulty spark plug.
Test the ignition switch (section 4.4.3).
Replace switch or repair as required.
Test the oil level sensor (section 4.5.1).
Replace or repair as required.
Disconnect the oil level sensor and
perform spark test.
Replace ignition coil or repair as required
(section 5.8).
Check the ignition coil/trigger assembly
and spark plug wire and cap resistance
(section 4.4.2).
Check the trigger air gap (section 5.8).
Re-adjust the trigger air gap (section 5.8).
Re-test spark. If spark not restored,
replace trigger, reset gap, and re-test
spark.
Check the harness wires to the ignition
coil, trigger and ignition switch for breaks,
shorts or bad connections.
Repair or replace wire harness as
necessary.
Check the 20A in-line fuse located on the
battery power wire.
Replace fuse. Check spark.
Abnormal
Test the ignition power from the inverter
(section 5.10.3).
Replace inverter (section 5.10.1).
Normal,
Still no spark