Spark Control System

DESCRIPTION
The ignition system used for this vehicle has an ESA (Electronic Spark Advance) system and consists of the following parts:

Engine Control Module (ECM)
It analyzes engine ignition requirements from sensor inputs and it's own internal programming, factoring in the saturation time of the ignition coil windings. The ECM then determines optimal ignition timing and signals the Ignition Control Module (Igniter).

Ignition Control Module (Igniter)
It turns "ON" and "OFF" the primary current of the ignition coil according to the signal from the ECM.

Ignition coil
It is located in the distributor. When the ignition coil primary current is turned "OFF," a high voltage is induced in the secondary winding.

Distributor
It distributes a high voltage current induced by the ignition coil to each spark plug.

High Tension Secondary Ignition Wires

Spark Plugs

Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor
Located in the distributor, it converts the crank angle into a digital voltage signal and sends it to the ECM.

OPERATION
In the ESA system, the ECM is programmed for the best ignition timing under every engine condition. Receiving information from the sensors (MAF sensor, TP sensor, ECT sensor, MAP sensor, IAT sensor, VSS etc.) which indicate the engine condition, e.g., engine revolution, intake air volume, engine coolant temperature, etc., it selects the most suitable ignition timing from its memory and operates the Ignition Control Module (Igniter) to yield the best engine performance.