Ballast Resistor...Same as ignition box ???

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rod locker

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I have heard ya'll talk of the ignition box going out while driving. Is this the same thing as a ballast resitor? Thought I would get a spare for my tool box but could not find the thread. It was no more than a couple of months ago.
Thanks...............
 
A spare Ballast resistor is not a bad idea on a Mopar (keep it in the glove box). But the ignition module is a different beast.
 
I remember in the thread I can't find they were saying the car would just cut off while driving. They called it an ignition box. I was under the impression the ballast resistor was the culprit. Am I wrong????
 
The ballast resistor is a "big" fuse (lack of better term), it generally causes issues at engine start up, not typically after running.

The ignition, original modules did get somewhat hot during prolonged driving, and would likely fault out.

Both of them are reasonably cheap investment to keep as spares (just in case), no tools required to swap.
 
Ballast resistor is a ceramic piece that is about 3" long and either 1/2" wide with one termainal on each end or 1" wide with two terminals on each end.

The ignition box is about 4" long by 3" wide with an oval connector with either for or five pins and a transitor on top with a heat sink.

Either one failing will cause the engine to stop but if its the ballast resistor the engine will start and immediately stop when the key is released (the ballast is by passed during starting).
 
Where is the ignition box located? I know whree the ballast is....also where is the ignition module on a 74? You guys are a great help. Thank you...
 
Igntion box, Ignition Module, ECU are all terms used interchangebly to describe the electronics that controls the ignition. It is either mounted on the firewall or the inner fender near the firewall.

Here is a picture of one. This is a perfromance unit. Stock ones are either Blue or Black and aftermarket can be any color.

ECU.jpg
 
Ignition box,ballast resistor..ect if its in a mopar ignition system sooner or later it'll leave you stranded on the side of the road..thats why guys carry spares of these parts in their trunk...and the main reason my ignition systems are all msd....
 
Thank you...........that is what I was needing to see. Haven't had any trouble.....yet......just want to be prepared. Thanks again you guys.
 
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