MSD 89981 User manual

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FEATURES
• Large and easy to read display
• 9 different crank types
• Points and Magnetic signal
• Cam Sync output
• Test mode RPM scan
• Battery readout
• Dwell/Duty-Cycle control
DIAL RPM SELECTION
The RPM dial can be pressed to
select between ‘Fine’, ‘Coarse’ & ‘Auto’ to
help nd your target RPM
KNOB FUNCTIONALITY
Parts Included:
1 - Digital Ignition Tester, PN 89981 1 - Test Plug 1-Power Grid Adapter Harness
Universal Ignition Tester
PN 89981
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2
2
IGNITION TESTER 89981
V1.0.0 SN 5
Figure 1 PN 89981 Universal Ignition Tester
WIRING
RED
BLACK
WHITE
GREEN
VIOLET
BLUE
GREEN
POWER
GROUND
POINTS
MAG -
MAG +
CAM +
CAM -
CONNECT TO 12V OR BATTERY (+)
CONNECT TO GROUND OR BATTERY (-)
FOR TESTING POINTS (WHITE WIRE) INPUT OF AN MSD
IGNITION, SHIFT LIGHTS, TACHOMETERS & RPM SWITCHES
FOR TESTING THE MAGNETIC INPUT CIRCUIT OF MSD IGNI-
TIONS. PLUGS DIRECTLY INTO THE MSD MAGNETIC PICKUP
CONNECTOR,
FOR TESTING THE CAM SYNC PICKUP CIRCUIT OF AN MSD
PROGRAMMABLE IGNITION OR CPC IGNITION SYSTEM PICK-
UP CONNECTOR.
BATTERY
POINTS
MAGNETIC
CAM SYNC
PROGRAM
SELECTION DIAL
BATTERY
USB PORT
IS USED FOR
UPGRADES
USING MSD
VIEW
Turn the knob clockwise to move upward through menu items or increment values; turn the knob
counter-clockwise to move downward through menu items or decrement values.
Quickly press and release the knob to conrm a selection, or press down for 2 seconds to access
menus.
POWER GRID ADAPTER
GREEN
VIOLET
MAG -
MAG +
ADAPTS TO THE POWER GRID 3 PIN MAGNETIC PICKUP PIG-
TAIL. SEE FIGURE 2.

2 INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS
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2
2
12
IGNITION TESTER 89981
V1.0.0 SN 5
12
22
Figure 2 Ignition Testing Via the Mag Pickup
Figure 3 Ignition Testing Via Points (White Wire)
TEST
PLUG
CONNECT
CLIP TO
GROUND
DISTRIBUTOR
WHITE (POINTS)
NOT USED
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
BLACK
RED
OPTIONAL
CAM SYNC
UNIVERSAL
IGNITION
TESTER
POINTS
(NOT USED)
MSD CRANK
WHEEL
BATTERY
TYPICAL
IGNITION, EFI OR
POWER GRID
2
12
IGNITION TESTER 89981
V1.0.0 SN 5
2
WHITE (POINTS)
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
(NOT USED)
TEST
PLUG
CONNECT
CLIP TO
GROUND
BATTERY
BLACK
RED
WHITE (POINTS)
OPTIONAL
CAM SYNC
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
(NOT USED)
UNIVERSAL
IGNITION
TESTER
COIL
COIL
DISCONNECT THE
MAGNETIC PICKUP
CONNECTOR FROM
THE DISTRIBUTOR/
MSD CRANK WHEEL.
CONNECT THE IGNI-
TION TESTER TO THE
IGNITION/EFI/POWER
GRID TO TEST.
USE POWER GRID
MAG ADAPTER HARNESS
TO CONNECT POWER
GRID TO THE IGNITION
TESTER
DISCONNECT THE POINTS
OR AMPLIFIER DISTRIBUTOR
CONNECTOR FROM THE
IGNITION/EFI/POWER GRID.
CONNECT THE IGNITION
TESTER TO THE IGNITION/
EFI/POWER GRID TO TEST.
TYPICAL
IGNITION, EFI OR
POWER GRID
EFI
DISTRIBUTOR

INSTALLATION INSTRUCTIONS 3
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Select from 10 to 60 Degrees.
(Default: 20)
Settings:
Display: Adjust Contrast or
Brightness
Factory Defaults: Displays
factory defaults with the
option to reset current
settings.
Save Current Settings: Select
to Save current settings in
device.
Run Mode:
Settings:
Speed A: 0 - 20000 RPM (1 RPM increments)
Speed B: 0 - 20000 RPM (1 RPM increments)
Speed Hold A: 0.0 -10.0 in seconds (0.1 second increments)
Speed Hold B: 0.0 -10.0 in seconds (0.1 second increments)
Ramp A to B: 0.0 -10.0 in seconds (0.1 second increments)
Ramp B to A: 0.0 -10.0 in seconds (0.1 second increments)
SETTINGS MENU
Adjustable settings, such as the crank type, duty cycle and Run Mode, can be calibrated for the
desired application. The display features can also be ne tuned for individual preferences.
To access the menu screen, press the knob for 2 seconds.
Crank Type:
Select desired crank type – 8CYL, 6CYL, 6-ODD, 4CYL, 12CYL, 1X, 24X, 58X,
12-1, or 35X. (Default 8CYL)
Duty Cycle (Points Output Only):
2
RPM
0
1
2
3
456
7
8
9
10
RPM
X 1000
6500
RPM
AUTO8CYL
RPM
ACTIVATED
SWITCH
MSDPERFORMANCE.COM
PN 8950
2
Figure 4 Ignition Testing Via Points (White Wire)
UNIVERSAL
IGNITION
TESTER
MAGNETIC
PICKUP
(NOT USED)
CAM SYNC
(NOT USED)
WHITE
(POINTS)
GREEN (TACH)
TACH
SHIFT LIGHT
(PN8963/8952)
WHITE (TACH)
TACHOMETER
PN 8950
RED
BLACK
Speed A: 2000 RPM
Speed B: 5000 RPM
Speed Hold A: 5.0sec
Speed Hold B: 7.0 sec
RampAto B: 3.0 sec
Ramp B to A: 6.0 sec
Figure 6 Run Mode Settings Example
B
A
SPEED
HOLD
‘A’
SPEED
HOLD
‘B’
RAMP
A TO B
RAMP
B TO A
SPEED
SPEED
Figure 5 Test Run Mode
BATTERY

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© 2017 MSD LLC
FRM 34643 Revised 09/17
TECH NOTES
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Limited Warranty
MSD warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship under its intended normal use*,
when properly installed and purchased from an authorized MSD dealer, for a period of one year from the date of the
original purchase.This warranty is void for any products purchased through auction websites. If found to be defective
as mentioned above, it will be repaired or replaced at the option of MSD.Any item that is covered under this warranty
will be returned free of charge using Ground shipping methods.
This shall constitute the sole remedy of the purchaser and the sole liability of MSD. To the extent permitted by law,
the foregoing is exclusive and in lieu of all other warranties or representation whether expressed or implied, including
any implied warranty of merchantability or fitness. In no event shall MSD or its suppliers be liable for special or
consequential damages.
*Intended normal use means that this item is being used as was originally intended and for the original application
as sold by MSD. Any modifications to this item or if it is used in an application other than what MSD markets the
product, the warranty will be void. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to determine that this item will work for
the application they are intending. MSD will accept no liability for custom applications.
Service
In case of malfunction, this MSD component will be repaired free of charge according to the terms of the warranty.
When returning MSD components for warranty service, Proof of Purchase must be supplied for verification. After
the warranty period has expired, repair service is based on a minimum and maximum fee.
All returns must have a Return Material Authorization (RMA) number issued to them before
being returned. To obtain an RMA number, please contact MSD Customer Service at 1 (888) MSD-7859 or
visit our website at www.msdperformance.com/rma to automatically obtain a number and shipping information.
When returning the unit for repair, leave all wires at the length in which you have them installed. Be sure to include
a detailed account of any problems experienced, and what components and accessories are installed on the vehicle.
The repaired unit will be returned as soon as possible using Ground shipping methods (ground shipping is covered
by warranty). For more information, call MSD at [phone]. MSD technicians are available from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m. Monday - Friday (mountain time).
For the example shown in Figure 6, the starting point of 2000 RPM (Speed A) will hold for 5
seconds (Speed Hold A), and then ramp up to 5000 RPM (Speed B) over 3 seconds (Ramp A to
B) - where it will then hold for 7 seconds (Speed Hold B). After the 7 second hold, the 5000 RPM
will ramp down to 2000 RPM in 6 seconds (Ramp B to A) and will repeat the run. The test run will
repeat until the selection dial is pressed to end the run.
Run - Current: Starts generating the output that corresponds to the current Run Mode
settings.
Run - Always: This option sets the run to restart after a power down.
Diagnostic:
Battery: Displays battery voltage.
USB Port:
The USB port is used for intstalling software upgrades via the MSD View Software.