pertronix ignitor wiring diagram
This is a free printable pertronix ignitor wiring diagram: download the diagram as SVG or open it and print to paper or PDF.
A pertronix ignitor wiring diagram configuration establishes reliable control over complex electrical systems through strategic use of contactors and distributed protection. The circuit topology separates control signals from power paths, allowing low-voltage logic to manage high-power loads safely. Protective devices are rated and coordinated to ensure selective tripping during fault conditions, preventing cascade failures across unaffected branches. Component tolerance analysis ensures predictable operation across manufacturing variations and environmental temperature ranges. The ground distribution uses star topology to minimize return-path impedance and reduce voltage distortion.
How to wire pertronix ignitor wiring diagram
- Remove the distributor cap and rotor Unclip and remove the distributor cap. Pull the rotor off the distributor shaft. Clean the inside of the distributor with electrical contact cleaner and remove any carbon tracking before fitting the Ignitor.
- Remove the old points and condenser Unbolt the contact breaker points plate and condenser. Remove the condenser wiring from the coil negative terminal. Keep the vacuum advance mechanism — this remains in place. The Pertronix Ignitor replaces only the points and condenser.
- Install the Pertronix magnetic collar Slide the Pertronix magnetic collar over the distributor cam. The collar must be centred on the cam and sit without contacting the distributor body when rotated. The number of magnets corresponds to the number of cylinders in the engine.
- Mount the Ignitor module Position the Ignitor module on the distributor points plate baseplate, securing it with the supplied screw. Orient the module so the sensor tip faces the magnetic collar. Check the gap between the sensor and the collar with the supplied feeler gauge — typically 0.4–1.0 mm.
- Route the wiring out of the distributor Route the red and black Ignitor wires out through the distributor body grommet hole previously used by the points condenser wire. Keep the wires away from the distributor shaft and rotating components.
- Connect the wires to the coil Connect the red Ignitor wire to the coil positive (+) terminal and the black wire to the coil negative (–) terminal. If a condenser was wired to the coil negative, remove it — the condenser is not needed and can cause misfires if left connected to an electronic ignition system.
- Replace rotor and cap, check timing Refit the rotor and distributor cap. Start the engine. Set ignition timing with a timing light to the manufacturer's specification. The Pertronix Ignitor has no dwell angle to set — timing is the only adjustment required after installation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pertronix Ignitor and what does it replace?
The Pertronix Ignitor is an electronic ignition module that replaces the mechanical contact breaker points inside a distributor. It uses a Hall effect sensor triggered by a magnetic collar on the distributor cam. The result is accurate, maintenance-free ignition timing without the need to set or replace points.
How many wires does the Pertronix Ignitor have?
The Pertronix Ignitor has two wires: a red wire that connects to the positive terminal of the ignition coil (switched 12 V), and a black wire that connects to the negative terminal of the ignition coil. There are no additional trigger wires — the module fires the coil directly through its internal transistor.
Does the Pertronix Ignitor need a ballast resistor?
The standard Pertronix Ignitor requires 12 V at the coil positive terminal. If your vehicle has a ballast resistor that drops the voltage below 12 V, you must bypass it and run full 12 V to the Ignitor, or use the Pertronix Ignitor II or III which are designed to handle the lower ballasted voltage.
Why does my engine cut out after the Pertronix Ignitor gets hot?
Heat is the most common Pertronix failure mode. The module is mounted inside the distributor cap where temperatures can exceed 80°C in a hot engine bay. A failing Ignitor module shows intermittent cut-out when hot. The solution is to check that the air gap between the magnet sleeve and the module is correct and replace the module if it fails the heat test.
What coil should I use with the Pertronix Ignitor?
Pertronix recommends their Flamethrower coil, but any standard 12 V coil with a primary resistance between 1.5 and 3.0 Ω works correctly. Do not use a coil with a primary resistance below 1.5 Ω with the standard Ignitor — it will overheat the module's internal transistor and cause premature failure.