slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Trying to sort the wiring on a Willys... what is this unit called? Tried various searches with no luck. Any other info as to purpose etc appreciated.
What is this automotive electrical component?
- Thread starter slowtwitch73
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It drops the voltage to the ignition system.... It been a long time.... I'm sure others will chime in. But if I remember correctly it drops the voltage going to the coil from 12 volts down to like 9 volts. (roughly)
Just google "Ballast resistor" and you'll get all the info you ever needed. lol
Just google "Ballast resistor" and you'll get all the info you ever needed. lol
OP
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
Thats right.. rings a bell now.. some coils had the resistor on them. Thanks.
HalfTonTom
Well-known member
A replacement ballast resistor was an almost required item to carry in the glovebox of early 70's Chrysler vehicles. They went bad a lot.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
It is called a ballast resistor. It purpose is to limit the amount of CURRENT going to the coil during normal operations. It is typically bypassed during cranking.
nadogail
Well-known member
landlord30
Well-known member
That is not original. What year Willys? I'm guessing that is wired into the gauge cluster?
OP
slowtwitch73
Well-known member
No not original.. '53.
I'll have to look tomorrow... cant remember for sure where the wires go...
The green wire comes from the starter solenoid. I think the yellow goes to coil, can't recall on the red.
No gauge cluster.. all individual gauges.
I'll have to look tomorrow... cant remember for sure where the wires go...
The green wire comes from the starter solenoid. I think the yellow goes to coil, can't recall on the red.
No gauge cluster.. all individual gauges.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Anyone with a Chrysler product from that era had AT LEAST ONE spare in the glove box !
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Perfect sense. The resistor is bypassed when the starter is energized (HOT IN START). The red wire goes to a source that is HOT IN RUN.
RPH
Well-known member
Purpose is to save the points from burning up from excessive arcing at 12 vdc. Small voltage drop in coil primary didn’t hurt the run mode in the engine. At start you needed a hotter spark so 12 vdc was fed direct to the coil primary.