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DWELL
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Measuring Dwell
Dwell measuring was extremely important on
breaker point ignition systems of the past. It
referred to the length of time, in degrees, that
the breaker points remained closed, while the
camshaft was rotating. Todays vehicles use
electronic ignition and dwell is no longer
adjustable. Another application for dwell
is in testing the mixture control solenoid on
GM feedback carburetors.
To Measure Dwell (see Fig. 12):
11
1. Insert BLACK test lead into the COM
test lead jack.
2. Insert RED test lead into the test lead
jack.
3. Connect RED test lead to DWELL signal
wire.
If measuring DWELL on breaker point
ignition systems, connect RED test lead
to negative side of primary ignition coil.
(refer to vehicle service manual for
location of ignition coil)
If measuring DWELL on GM mixture
control solenoids, connect RED test lead
to ground side or computer driven side
of solenoid. (refer to vehicle service
manual for solenoid location)
If measuring DWELL on any arbitrary
ON/OFF device, connect RED test lead
to side of device that is being switched
ON/OFF.
4. Connect BLACK test lead to a good
vehicle ground.
5. Turn multimeter rotary switch to correct
DWELL CYLINDER position.
6. View reading on display.
Fig. 12
Black
Red
Typical
Ignition
Coil
Ground