Distributor: Description and Operation

Ignition System Components (Typical):

DESCRIPTION
The distributor is die cast unit that is gear driven. A Hall Effect stator assembly is used to trigger the ignition coil. This system does not use either centrifugal or vacuum advance mechanisms. On the Closed Bowl Distributor the ignition module is remotely mounted.

Typical:

OPERATION
The distributor uses the Hall Effect switch to switch primary voltage and send a signal, Profile Ignition Pickup (PIP), to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM uses the PIP input to produce a Spark Output (SPOUT) signal that is sent to the ignition module to switch "ON" and "OFF" current in the primary voltage.

This interruption of the primary current causes the ignition coil secondary to produce an open circuit high voltage as high as 40,000 volts. The high voltage pulses are sent to the distributor which sends them to fire the spark plugs.

There are two types of Distributor Ignition (DI) systems: Push Start and Computer Controlled Dwell. Push start systems feature a push start mode that will allow manual transmission equipped vehicle to be push started and can be identified by an ICM that is gray in color. The computer controlled dwell system features Powertrain Control Module (PCM) controlled ignition coil charge times and can be identified by an ICM that is Black in color.

CAUTION: Do not attempt to push start an automatic transmission equipped vehicle.