Here's why a faulty ballast resistor might cause problems and why it might not be the only culprit if your engine is dying:
How a bad ballast resistor can cause problems:
* Insufficient voltage to the coil: If the resistor is open (infinite resistance), the coil won't receive enough voltage to fire the spark plugs consistently, leading to misfires, rough running, and potentially stalling. A shorted resistor (zero resistance) will supply full voltage continuously, potentially overheating and damaging the coil.
* Intermittent operation: A resistor that's failing intermittently will cause inconsistent spark, leading to erratic engine behavior, including stalling.
Why it might not be the only reason the engine dies:
* Other ignition system components: A failing distributor cap, rotor, spark plugs, wires, coil, or ignition module are far more likely to cause an engine to die completely. These are wear items and are much more prone to failure than the ballast resistor.
* Fuel system problems: A clogged fuel filter, fuel pump failure, or carburetor issues can also cause the engine to die.
* Other electrical issues: Problems with the alternator, battery, or wiring could also lead to engine stalling.
In short: A bad ballast resistor is a *possible* contributor to an engine dying, especially if the symptoms include intermittent running issues or a weak spark. However, it's crucial to diagnose other ignition system components and the fuel system before focusing solely on the ballast resistor. A mechanic could easily test the resistor with a multimeter and further diagnose the issue.
