Apparatus for testing Hall effect device

A method for testing the operativeness of a Hall effect part of a vehicle engine distributor, said Hall effect part including a Hall effect device having inputs and outputs, a permanent magnet physically positioned with respect to said Hall effect device so that a properly functioning Hall effect device produces a Hall effect current within a predetermined range, and field blocking means alternatively positionable between and not between said permanent magnet and said Hall effect device, said method comprising the steps of:

• supplying a testing device electrically connectable to said Hall effect part, said testing device comprising:
• a current supply for providing a current to the inputs of said Hall effect device;
• means for connecting said apparatus to said Hall effect device;
• and
• an indicator associated with said connecting means, which indicator is active when said Hall effect device is producing a current within said predetermined range, and not active when said Hall effect device is not producing a current within said predetermined range;
• connecting said device to said Hall effect inputs, thereby providing a current to said inputs;
• observing said indicator to determine whether said Hall effect device is producing a current of said predetermined level;
• positioning said field blocking means between said permanent magnet and said Hall effect device;
• and
• observing said indicator to determine whether said Hall effect device is producing a current of said predetermined level.