INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS

13

IGNITION ADAPTERS

If your vehicle does not operate correctly or if you experience a no-run situation you probably need an

MSD Ignition Adapter.

Some vehicles with electronic fuel injection systems may require an MSD Ignition Adapter to run properly.

This is because many of these systems use the same trigger source to operate the MSD, the tachometer

and the fuel injection. This results in a voltage signal that is too low to accurately trigger the fuel injection.

If your vehicle’s engine starts and then shuts off after a short period of time or the check engine light turns

on then your vehicle will require an Ignition Adapter. An MSD Ignition Adapter, PN 8912, PN 89121 or PN

8917 will usually remedy the problem.

The chart below lists most of the vehicles that require an Ignition Adapter. It is very important that the

Adapter(s) be installed at the same time that the DIS Ignition is installed to prevent activation of the check

engine light. On OBD II equipped vehicles resetting of the check engine light requires special computer

diagnostic equipment. On vehicles not listed install the DIS Ignition before purchasing the Adapter, to see

if the ignition will operate properly without the Adapter(s).

INSTALLING THE PN 8912 IGNITION ADAPTER

The number of adapters required is determined by the number of cylinders on the engine. Four cylinder

engines will require one Adapter, 6 and 8 - cylinders require two. Attach the PN 8912 Adapter as shown

in Figure 14.

If you still experience problems after installing the adapters, call the MSD Customer Service Department

for further instruction.

VEHICLE

ADAPTER

QTY REQUIRED

Mitsubishi Eclipse, Galant, Mirage, Montero, Precis, Expo

8912

1

Eagle Talon, Summit

8912

1

Dodge Avenger, Neon, Stratus, Caravan

8912

1

2003-On

8917

Chrysler Sebring, Cirrus

8912

1

Plymouth Breeze, Voyager, Acclaim, Colt, Sundance, Laser

8912

1

Ford V8 Coil-Per-Cylinder Ignitions, '99-On

89121

4

(Two DIS-4 Ignitions are required)

Ford V8 Coil Pack Ignitions, '96-'98

8912

2

NOTE: Saturn will require one Cam Sync Adapter, PN 8914.

WARNING: The MSD Digital DIS Series Ignitions are capacitive discharge ignitions. High voltage is

present at the coil primary terminals. Do not touch the coil or connect test equipment

to the terminals.

PRESTART CHECK LIST

• Theonlywiresconnectedtothecoilnegative(-)terminals/wiresaretheMSDBrown/White,Brown/

Green, Brown/Yellow, Brown/Violet.

• Theonlywireconnectedtothecoilpositive(+)terminals/wiresistheMSDBrown/Orange.

• Theonlywiresconnectedtothefactoryharnesswires(triggerinput)aretheMSDWhite,Green,

Yellow, Violet.

• ThesmallRedwireoftheMSDisconnectedtoaswitched12voltsource(factoryharness).

• IfusingaMSDDigitalDISIgnitionona4-cylinderengineequippedwithsinglecoilspercylinder,

the firing cycle select must be programmed for no wastespark (720° firing S4 - Off).

• TheMSDpowerleadsareconnecteddirectlytothebatterypositiveandnegativeterminals.

• Thebatteryisconnectedandfullychargedifnotusinganalternator.

• Theengineisequippedwithatleastonegroundstraptothechassis.