Ignition Control Module: Description and Operation

DI Control Module:

DESCRIPTION
The Ignition Control (IC) system consists of the distributor module, a control module, and connecting wires. The four terminals for IC are lettered in the module. The distributor four terminal connector is lettered A-B-C-D. These circuits perform the following functions:

^ Terminal "A" - Reference Ground LO - This wire may be grounded in the distributor. It makes sure the ground circuit, between the module and control module has no voltage drop which could affect performance. If it is open, it may cause poor performance.

^ Terminal "B" - Bypass - At about 400 RPM, the control module applies 5 volts to this circuit to switch spark timing control from the module to the control module. An open or grounded bypass circuit will set a DTC 42 and the engine will remain at base timing, plus a small amount of advance built into the module.

^ Terminal "C" - Distributor Reference HI - This provides the control module with RPM and crankshaft position information.

^ Terminal "D" - IC - This circuit triggers the module. The control module does not know what the actual timing is, but it does know when it gets the reference signal. It then advances or retards the spark from that point. Therefore, if the base timing is set incorrectly, the engine spark curve will be incorrect.