Distributor Operation

DISTRIBUTORS

Distributor:

This ignition system includes the distributor, hall effect switch, ignition coil, secondary wires, spark plugs, knock sensor and crankshaft position sensor. The ignition system is controlled by the vehicle control module (VCM). The VCM monitors information from various engine sensors, computes the desired spark timing and controls the dwell and firing of the ignition coil via an ignition control line to the coil driver.

The distributor connects the ignition coil and spark plugs through secondary wires. The rotor directs the spark to the appropriate cylinder. The distributor has a hall effect switch that connects to the VCM through the primary engine harness and provides cylinder identification information.

Identification

The part number is pin stamped into the plastic base (directly below the high tension terminals and next to the three pin camshaft sensor connection.)

Ignition Coil

The coil driver controls the current flow in the primary winding of the ignition coil when signaled by the VCM. The interconnects are made by the primary engine harness. The ignition coil can generate up to 35,000 volts and connects to the distributor through a secondary wire.

Secondary Wires

The secondary wires carry voltage between the ignition coil, distributor, and spark plugs. The secondary wire connections form a tight seal that prevents voltage arching.

Hall Effect Switch

The hall effect switch connects to the VCM through the primary engine harness and provides cylinder identification information. The hall effect switch is located under the distributor cap.

Crankshaft Position Sensor

The crankshaft position sensor connects to the VCM through the primary engine harness and provides crank- shaft reference information to the VCM for spark and fuel delivery. The crankshaft position sensor is located in the front cover behind the crankshaft balancer.