MSD 5520 Installation

Street Fire CDI

PN 5520

ONLINE PRODUCT REGISTRATION: Register your MSD product online and you’ll be entered in our
monthly 8.5mm Super Conductor Spark Plug Wire give-away! Registering your product will help if there
is ever a warranty issue with your product and helps the MSD R&D team create new products that you
ask for! Go to www.msdignition.com/registration.

Parts Inc l u d e d :

1 - Ignition
1 - Harness, PN 8860

WARNING: During installation, disconnect the battery cables. When disconnecting the battery always

remove the Negative cable first and install it last.

Note: Solid Core spark plug wires cannot be used with the Street Fire Ignition.
Note: The Street Fire Ignition cannot be used with distributorless ignition systems (DIS).

1 - 18" Ground Wire
1 - 100V/1A Diode

GENERAL INFORMATION

BATTERY

The Street Fire Ignition Control will operate on any negative ground, 12 volt electrical system with a distributor. It
can be used with 16 volt batteries and can withstand a momentary 24 volts in case of jump starts. The Ignitions will
deliver full voltage with a supply of 9 - 18 volts and will operate with a supply voltage as low as 7 volts.

COILS

The Street Fire Ignition can be used with most stock coils and aftermarket coils designed to replace the stock coils.
If you have any questions concerning coils, contact our Customer Service Department at [phone].

4 - Mounting Screws

TACHOMETERS

The Street Fire Ignition features a Tach Output wire that provides a trigger signal for tachometers, a shift light or other
add-on rpm activated devices. The Tach Output produces a 12 volt square wave signal with a 24% duty cycle.
Some vehicles with factory tachometers may require a Tach Adapter to operate with the ignition. For more information
on Tachometers and MSD Tach Adapters, see the Tachometer Section on page 9.
If your GM vehicle has an inline filter it may cause the tach to drop to zero on acceleration. If this occurs, bypass
the filter.

FOREIGN VEHICLES

Due to the fuel injection systems, some foreign vehicles may require a special Tach/Fuel Injection Adapter with a
Street Fire ignition. See page 9 for wiring and Tach Adapter information.
Note: Vehicles originally equipped with a CD ignition control cannot use the Street Fire Ignition.

SPARK PLUGS AND WIRES

Spark plug wires are very important to the operation of your ignition system. A good quality, helically wound wire and
proper routing are required to get the best performance from your ignition, such as the Street Fire Wire.

Note: Solid Core spark plug wires cannot be used with the Street Fire Ignition.

Spark Plugs: Choosing the correct spark plug design and heat range is important when trying to get the best

performance possible. It is recommended to follow the engine builder or manufacturer's specification for spark plugs.
With that, you can then experiment with the plug gap to obtain the best performance. The gap of the plugs can be
opened in 0.005" increments, then tested until the best performance is obtained.

MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

Sealing: Do not attempt to seal the ignition. All of the circuits of the Street Fire ignition receive a thick conformal
coating of Humi-Seal. Rubber plugs are supplied to protect the rpm dials.

Welding: If you are welding on your vehicle, to avoid the chance of damage, always disconnect both Heavy Power
cables of the ignition (You should also disconnect the tach ground wire).

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

2 INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S

MOUNTING

The Street Fire Ignition can be mounted in most positions, except directly upside down (if upside down, moisture or
water cannot escape). It can be mounted in the engine compartment as long as it is away from direct engine heat
sources. It is not recommended to mount the unit in an enclosed area such as the glove box.

When you find a suitable location to mount the unit, make sure the wires of the ignition reach their connections.
Hold the Ignition in place and mark the location of the mounting holes. Use an 1/8" drill bit to drill the holes. Use the
supplied self tapping screws to mount the box.

CYLINDER SELECT

The Rev Limiter that is built into the ignition is programmed for operation on a
8-cylinder engine. If you are installing one of these units on a 4 or 6-cylinder
even-fire engine, the cylinder count must be selected. This is easily achieved
through the cylinder select wire loops on the side of the ignition. To program the
unit cut the loops as shown in Figure 1.

LED

There is a diagnostic LED next to the rpm dials. The LED will blink with each
trigger signal. It will appear On when the engine is running. If the input voltage
drops below 9 volts it will flash at idle speed. For more codes, see page 10.

WIRING

Wire Length: All of the wires of the ignition may be shortened as long as quality
connectors are used or soldered in place. To lengthen the wires, use one size
bigger gauge wire (10 gauge for the power leads and 16 gauge for the other
wires) with the proper connections.

Grounds: A poor ground connection can cause many frustrating problems.
When a wire is specified to go to ground, it should be connected to the battery negative terminal, engine block or
chassis. There should always be a ground strap between the engine and the chassis. Always securely connect the
ground wire to a clean, paint free metal surface.

    Figure 1 Selecting the number 

CYLINDER SELECT
LOOPS

of Cylinders.

WIRE FUNCTIONS

POWER LEADS

HEAVY RED

HEAVY BLACK

RED

ORANGE

BLACK

GRAY

These are the two heavy gauge wires (14 gauge) and are responsible for getting direct battery
voltage to the Ignition.

This wire connects directly to the battery positive (+) terminal or to a positive battery junction or
the positive side of the starter solenoid.
Note: Never connect to the alternator.

This wire connects to a good ground, either at the battery negative (-) terminal or to the
engine.

Connects to a switched 12 volt source. Such as the ignition key or switch.

Connects to the positive (+) terminal of the coil.

This is the only wire that makes electrical contact with the coil positive terminal.

Connects to the negative (-) terminal of the coil.

This is the only wire that makes electrical contact with the coil negative terminal.

Tach output wire. Connect to the tachometer or other rpm device.

TRIGGER
WIRES

WHITE

VIOLET AND
GREEN (Magnetic

Pickup Connector)

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

There are two circuits that can be used to trigger the Street Fire Ignition; a Points circuit (White
wire) and a Magnetic Pickup circuit (Violet and Green wires). The two circuits will never be used
together.

This wire is used to connect to the points or electronic ignition amplifier output .

These wires are routed together in one harness to form the Magnetic Pickup connector. The
connector plugs directly into an MSD Distributor. It will also connect to factory magnetic pickups
or other aftermarket pickups. The Violet wire is positive (+) and the Green is negative (-). When

these wires are used, the White wire is not.

INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S 3

The chart in Figure 2 shows the polarity of other common
magnetic pickups.

Common Mag Pickup Wires

Colors

Mag+ Mag-

Ballast Resistor: If your vehicle has a ballast resistor in line with

the coil wiring, it is recommended to bypass it.

ROUTING WIRES

The Street Fire wires should be routed away from direct heat
sources such as exhaust manifolds and headers and any sharp
edges. The trigger wires should be routed separate from the
other wires and spark plug wires. It is best if they are routed along
a ground plane such as the block or firewall which creates an
electrical shield. The magnetic pickup wires should always be
routed separately and should be twisted together to help reduce
extraneous interference.

WARNING: The Street Fire CDI is a capacitive discharge ignition. High voltage is present at the coil primary

terminals. Do not touch the coil or connect test equipment to the terminals.

MSD Distributor Org/Blk Vio/Blk
MSD Crank Trigger Violet Green
Ford Orange Violet

46/48000

Accel
Accel

Series Org/Blk Vio/Blk

51/61000

Series Red Black
Chrysler Org/Wht Black
Mallory Org/Blk Vio/Blk
Street Fire CDI Violet Green

Figure 2 Common Mag Pickup Wires.

REV LIMITER

The Street Fire Ignition features an adjustable rev limiter. This feature will protect
your engine from overrev damge in the event of driveline failure or a missed gear.
The rev limit is adjustable from 2,000 - 9,900 rpm in 100 rpm increments (Figure 3).

PRESTART CHECK LIST

• The only wires connected to the coil terminals are the Street Fire Orange to
coil positive and Black to coil negative.

• The small Red wire of the CDI is connected to a switched 12 volt source.

• If running a 4 or 6-cylinder engine the cylinder select must be modified.

• The power leads are connected directly to the battery positive and negative
terminals.

• The battery is connected and fully charged if not using an alternator.

• The engine is equipped with at least one ground strap to the chassis.

Figure 3 Adjusting the Rev Limiter.

CYLINDER SELECT
LOOPS

  STREET FIRE SYSTEMS  Installing to Points/Amplifier Style Ignition.

NOTE: On dual point setups, it is recommended
to remove the trailing set of points.

NOTE: Ballast Resistor is not necessary.

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

TO
TACH

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

PN 5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

NOT USED

GRAY

®

SMALL
RED

WHITE

ORANGE

BLACK

COIL

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

NOT E: Remove the coil
terminal wires. The negative
wire connects to the Street
Fire White. The positive wire
connects to the Street Fire
Red. The Street Fire Orange
connects to the coil positive
terminal, Black connects to
the coil negative terminal.

4 INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S

GRAY

TO
TACH

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

PN5520

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

®

SMALL RED

WHITE

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

NOT USED

GRAY

TO
TACH

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

PN5520

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

®

SMALL
RED

ORANGE

BLACK

WHITE

BOTH PINKS

RED

RED

  MSD SYSTEMS  Installing to an MSD Distributor.

NOTE: SEE FIGURE 2 FOR COMMON MAGNETIC PICKUPS.

SMALL
RED

WHITE (NOT USED)

ORANGE

TO
TACH

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

PN5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

GRAY

®

  GM IGNITIONS   Wiring a Dual Connector Coil.

BLACK

DISTRIBUTOR

WITH

MAGNETIC PICKUP

NOTE: For a direct plug-in, use MSD

Harness PN 8876.

NOTE: Cut and splice the two Pink wires

(coil positive) together and connect
to Orange wire of the ignition. Cut
and splice the two White wires (coil
negative) together and connect
to the White of the ignition. If the
vehicle is not equipped with a
factory tach, there will only be one
White wire.

  GM IGNITIONS  Wiring with an MSD Wiring Harness.

Harness PN 8876 - Dual Connector Coil.
Harness PN 8877 - 1996-on GM Vehicles.

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S 5

  GM IGNITIONS  GM Large Cap HEI Distributors

There are three different large cap HEI distributors. To identify which of the following diagrams fit your specific application, remove the distributor
cap and rotor and locate the ignition module at the base of the distributor. Count the number of terminals on both ends of the module and follow
the corresponding diagram. GM used 4, 5 and 7-pin modules in these distributors.

NOTE: Some 5-pin models may experience a hesitation or stall on deceleration. If this occurs, contact MSD Tech Line for the required bolt-in

diode to correct the problem. MSD Tech Line [phone].

  GM IGNITIONS   Wiring an HEI 4-pin Module (Magnetic Pickup Trigger).

TO
TACH

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

PN5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

GRAY

®

SMALL RED

NOTE: The GM Ignition Module is removed

and replaced with the supplied PN
8861 Wire Harness.

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

6 INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S

COIL

GRAY

TO
TACH

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

PN 5520

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

®

SMALL RED

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

NOT USED

GRAY

TO
TACH

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

PN5520

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

®

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

NOT USED

  GM IGNITIONS  Wiring an HEI 5 or 7-pin Module (Amplifier Trigger).

NOT E: Som e 5 -p in mod el s m ay experi en ce a

hesitation or stall on deceleration. If this
occurs, contact MSD Tech Line for the required
bolt-in diode to correct the problem. MSD Tech
Line [phone].

  FORD IGNITIONS  Wiring a Ford DuraSpark using White Wire Trigger.

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S 7

GRAY

TO
TACH

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

PN5520

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

®

SMALL RED

ORANGE

WHITE

BLACK

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

NOT USED

  FORD IGNITIONS   Wiring a Ford DuraSpark using Magnetic Pickup Trigger.

BLACK

(NOT USED)

+

VIOLET

DISTRIBUTOR

CONNECTOR­DISCONNECT FROM
ORIGINAL HARNESS

+

ORANGE

VIOLET

TACH

NOT USED

WHITE

(NOT USED)

COVER W/TAPE

INDICATES CONNECTION

MAGNETIC PICKUP

CONNECTOR

TO

GRAY

TACH

®

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

PN5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

FORD

DISTRIBUTOR

GREEN

PN 8860

HARNESS

  FORD IGNITIONS   Wiring a Ford TFI with Harness, PN 8874.

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

NOT USED

TO

GRAY

TACH

C+

+

COIL

BLACK

SMALL RED

+

ORANGE

WHITE

SMALL RED

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

PN 5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

®

NOTE: Use MSD Harness, PN 8874.

  FORD IGNITIONS  Wiring a Ford TFI (without Harness).

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

8 INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S

COIL

GRAY

TO
TACH

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

PN5520

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

®

RED

ORANGE

BLACK

MAGNETIC
PICKUP
CONNECTOR

WHITE
(NOT USED)

DISTRIBUTOR

WITH

PERTRONIX

BLACK

COIL

GRAY

TO
TACH

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

PN5520

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

®

SMALL RED

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

NOT USED

  CHRYSLER IGNITIONS  Wiring a Chrysler Electronic Ignition using Magnetic Pickup Trigger.

  MSD SYSTEMS  Installing to an MSD Distributor PN 8360.

TO
TACH

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

PN5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

NOT USED

GRAY

®

SMALL RED

NOTE: The ignition module of the PN 8360
still triggers the Street Fire Ignition.

  AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS   Wiring to a Pertronix Ignitor Kit.

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S 9

  AFTERMARKET COMPONENTS   Wiring a Mallory Unilite or 9000 Series using Points Trigger.

MAGNETIC

PICKUP

TO
TACH

GRAY

NOT USED

COIL

MULTI-SPARK

CDI

IGNITION

PN5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

®

TROUBLESHOOTING

Every Street Fire Ignition undergoes numerous quality control checks including a four hour burn-in test. If you
experience a problem with your ignition, our research has shown that the majority of problems are due to improper
installation or poor connections.
The Troubleshooting section has several checks and tests you can perform to ensure proper installation and operation
of the Street Fire Ignition. If you have any questions, call our Customer Support Department at [phone], 7

- 6 mountain time.

TACH/FUEL ADAPTERS

If your tachometer does not operate correctly or if you experience a no-run situation with your foreign vehicle you probably
need a Tach Adapter from MSD Ignition. The chart below lists common tachometers and if an Adapter is necessary.

Tachometer Compatibility List

AFTERMARKET TACHOMETER WHITE WIRE TRIGGER MAGNETIC TRIGGER CONNECTOR

AUTOGAGE 8910 8920
AUTOMETER NONE NONE
FORD MOTORSPORTS NONE NONE
MALLORY NONE NONE
MOROSO NONE NONE
STEWART (voltage triggered) 8910 8920
S.W. & BI TORX NONE NONE
SUN 8910 8920
VDO 8910 8920
AMC (JEEP) 8910 8920
CHRYSLER 8910 8920
FORD (voltage triggered) 8910 8920
GENERAL MOTORS Bypass In-Line Filter Bypass In-line filter
IMPORTS 8910 8920
TOYOTA 8910EIS

Note: On the list above, the trigger wire on tachometers that are marked NONE may be connected to the

Tach Output wire on the Street Fire Ignition.

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

10 INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S

FROM POINTS
OR AMPLIFIER

STREET FIRE
WHITE

STREET FIRE

RED

SWITCHED 12V

(original coil+ wire from tach)

CHRYSLER DUAL

BALLAST RESISTOR

NO-RUN ON FOREIGN VEHICLES

Some foreign vehicles with fuel injection systems may require an MSD Tach/Fuel Injection Adapter to run with the
Street Fire Ignition. This is because many of these systems use the same trigger source to operate the CDI, the
tachometer and the fuel injection. This results in a voltage signal that is too low to accurately trigger the fuel injection.
To fix this, an MSD Tach Adapter, PN 8910, will remedy the problem on the majority of vehicles. If the PN 8910 does
not fix the problem, the PN 8910-EIS will be required.

Note: Toyotas and Ford Probes will require the PN 8910-EIS Adapter.

INOPERATIVE TACHOMETERS

If your tachometer fails to operate with the CDI installed you may need a Tach Adapter from MSD Ignition. Before
getting an Adapter, try connecting your tachometer trigger wire to the Gray Wire. This output produces a 12 volt, square
wave (see page 1). If the tach still does not operate, you will need a Tach Adapter. There are two Tach Adapters:

PN 8920: If you are using the Magnetic Pickup connector (Green

and Violet wires) to trigger the CDI, you will need the
PN 8920.

PN 8910: If your tachometer was triggered from the coil negative

terminal (voltage trigger) and you are using the White
wire to trigger the cdi you will need the PN 8910.

BALLAST RESISTOR

If you have a current trigger tach (originally coil positive) and
use the White wire of the CDI, you can purchase a Chrysler Dual
Ballast Resistor (used from 1973 - 1976) and wire it as shown in
Figure 4.

Figure 4 Wiring the Dual Ballast Resistor.

ENGINE RUN-ON

If your engine continues to run even when the ignition is turned Off you are experiencing engine Run-On. This
usually only occurs on older vehicles with an external voltage regulator. Because the CDI receives power directly
from the battery, it does not require much current to keep the unit energized. If you are experiencing Run-On, it is
due to a small amount of voltage going through the charging lamp indicator and feeding the small Red wire even
if the key is turned off.

Early Ford and GM: To solve the Run-On problem, a Diode is supplied in the parts bag. By installing this Diode
in-line of the wire that goes to the Charging indicator, the voltage is kept from entering the CDI. Figure 5 shows the
proper installation for early Ford and GM vehicles.

Note: Diodes are used to allow voltage to flow only one way. Make sure the Diode is installed facing the proper

direction (as shown in Figure 5).

Ford: Install the Diode in-line to the wire going to the #1 terminal.
GM: Install the Diode in-line to the wire going to terminal #4.
GM 1973 - 1983 with Delcotron Alternators

GM Delcotron Alternators use an internal voltage regulator. Install the Diode in-line on the smallest wire exiting the
alternator (Figure 5). It is usually a Brown wire.

LED

The LED on the side of the Street Fire monitors several operating conditions of the ignition. If the LED indicates
that there is a problem with the ignition system, follow the steps through the Troubleshooting section. The LED will
appear to be on steady at above idle speeds when everything is functioning properly.

• When 12 volts are applied to the small Red wire, the LED will turn on to indicate power.

• When cranking or running, the LED will blink for each trigger signal.

• If the input voltage drops below 9 volts it will flash at idle speed.

• Code 2 will flash for low battery voltage.

• Code 3 will flash for converter off (ignition problem)

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

INST A L L ATION I N S TRUC T I O N S 11

1A-400V DIODE

TO CHARGING

LIGHT

SPLICE HERE

OR

DELCOTRON
ALTERNATOR

FORD VEHICLES

ATTACH DIODE TO

TERMINAL "1"

EARLY GM VEHICLES ATTACH DIODE TO TERMINAL "4"

1 2 3 4

SMALLER OF THE 2-WIRES

DIODE

WIRE LOOM

GM 2-WIRE ALTERNATORS

STREET FIRE

Figure 5 Installing the Diode to fix Run-On.

Most other applications: On other applications
where engine Run-On is experienced, a Resistor
can be put in-line to the Street Fire's small Red
wire (Figure 6). This resistor will keep voltage from
leaking through to the Street Fire unit.

MISSES AND INTERMITTENT PROBLEMS

Experience at the races has shown that if your engine is experiencing a miss or hesitation at higher rpm, it is usually
not directly ignition. Most probable causes include a coil or plug wire failure, arcing from the cap or boot plug to
ground or spark ionization inside the cap. Several items to inspect are:

• Always inspect the plug wires at the cap and at the plug for a tight connection and visually inspect for cuts,
abrasions or burns.

• Inspect the Primary Coil Wire connections. Because the Street Fire is a Capacitive Discharge
ignition and it receives a direct 12 volt source from the battery, there will not be any voltage

at the Coil Positive (+) terminal even with the key turned On. During cranking or while the engine is running, very

high voltage will be present and no test equipment should be connected.

WARNING: Do not touch the coil terminals during cranking or while the engine is running.

• Make sure that the battery is fully charged and the connections are clean and tight. If you are not running an alternator

this is an imperative check. If the battery voltage falls below 10 volts during a race, the CDI output voltage will drop.

• Is the engine running lean? Inspect the spark plugs and complete fuel system.

• Inspect all wiring connections for corrosion or damage. Remember to always use proper connections followed

by soldering and seal the connections completely.

If everything checks positive, use the following procedure to test the ignition for spark. MSD also offers an Ignition
Tester, PN 8998. This tool allows you to check your complete ignition system while it is in the car as well as the
operation of rpm limits, activated switches and shift lights.

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W . S T R E E T - F I R E . C O M • ( 91 5) 8 5 7 - 5 2 0 0 • F A X ( 9 1 5 ) 8 5 7 - 3 3 4 4

Figure 6 Wiring the Dual Ballast Resistor for Run-On.

CHECKING FOR SPARK

If triggering the ignition with the White wire:

1 Make sure the ignition switch is in the "Off" position.

2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and set the terminal
approximately 1/2" from ground.

3. Disconnect the White wire from the distributor's points or ignition
amplifier.

CDI MULTI-SPARK

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

WHITE WIRE TRIGGER

®

IGNITION

PN 5520

4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank the engine.

5. Tap the White wire to ground several times. Each time you pull
the wire from ground, a spark should jump from the coil wire to
ground (the LED should also blink). If spark is present, the ignition

Figure 7 Checking for Spark with the White Wire.

is working properly. If there is no spark skip to step 6.

If triggering with the Magnetic Pickup:

1. Make sure the ignition switch is in the "Off" position.

2. Remove the coil wire from the distributor cap and set the terminal

MAGNETIC PICKUP TRIGGER

JUMPER
WIRE

approximately 1/2" from ground.

3. Disconnect the magnetic pickup wires from the distributor.

GREEN

4. Turn the ignition to the On position. Do not crank the engine.

5. With a small jumper wire, short the magnetic pickup Green and Violet

wires together several times. Each time you break this short, a spark
should jump from the coil wire to ground (the LED should also blink). If
spark is present, the ignition is working properly. If there is no spark skip
to step 6.

CDI MULTI-SPARK

IGNITION

PN 5520

WWW.STREET-FIRE.COM

®

VIOLET

Figure 8 Checking for Spark with 

Magnetic Pickup.

6. If there is no spark:

A. Inspect all of the wiring.
B. Substitute another coil and repeat the test. If there is now spark, the coil is at fault.
C. If there is still no spark, check to make sure there is 12 volts on the small Red wire from the Street Fire Ignition

when the key is in the On position. If 12 volts is not present, find another switched 12 volt source and repeat
the test.

D. If, after following the test procedures and inspecting all of the wiring, there is still no spark, the Street Fire

Ignition is in need of repair. See the Warranty and Service section for information.

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).

Limited Warranty

Service

M

SD 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 on 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.

S T R E E T F I R E • W W W.MS DI G N I T I O N.C OM • ( 91 5 ) 8 5 7-5 20 0 • F A X ( 9 15) 8 5 7 -33 44

© 2012 Autotr onic Con trols Cor poration

FRM29635          Revised 12/11        Printed in U.S.A.