![[Datsun 1200 encyclopedia]](/wiki/upload/wiki.png)
Revision as of 20:06, 19 October 2012
The early 1200 coil -- as with nearly all pre-electronic ignition systems -- uses a Ballast resistor to drop the voltage supplied to the coil. All 1200s used a ballast resistor until the 1990 models.
Ballast resistor is located on the right-side Strut tower (#1 in this photo)
The resistor is just above the coil, and is a white ceramic thing about 2-1/2 inches long.
NOTE: The 1973 Wiring Diagram doesn't show a resistor, but it definitely has one.
| Ballast Resistor | Color | Connects To |
| ballast resistor (non-coil side) | BW | IG terminal of ignition switch |
| ballast resistor (coil side, dual-terminal side | BW BR | BR wire to R (START) terminal of ignition switch\* (and) BW to coil '+' terminal |
| Coil | Color | Connects To |
| Coil '+' | BW | to ballast resistor dual-connector side |
| Coil '-' | B | to distributor points |
NOTE: all the wires indicate are colored BW (black w/white stripe).
Does your engine start when cranking but immediately die when you release the key to the ON (running) position? Then your resistor is bad or wired incorrectly. As you can see from the diagram, START of the ignition switch supplies full voltage bypassing resistor.
1990 Sunny Truck
From October 1989, Sunny Truck uses electronic ignition and computerized carburetor.
Coil BW: unknown. Not needed for old carburetor (non ECU) BR: Coil + terminal
Distributor BW: Coil + terminal L: Coil - terminal