Ignition System: Description and Operation

Ignition System:

System Components

The Principal components are spark plugs, ignition coil, and distributor. The distributor consists of dust bushing, rotor, and pinion gear. The crank angle sensor is built into the distributor housing.

System Operation 2.6L

With the ignition switch in ON or START, battery voltage is applied to the ignition coil and the electronic control module (ECM) relay energizes. This applies battery voltage to the crank angle sensor. The crank angle sensor uses a photoelectric pick-up and a rotor plate to measure engine speed and the position of the piston in each cylinder. This information is sent to the electronic control module (ECM) which then sends a signal to the power switch. The power switch regulates the current flow in the primary winding of the ignition coil. When current flow through the primary winding is stopped, a high-voltage current is induced in the secondary winding of the ignition coil. The high-voltage current then flows through the distributor cap and rotor to the proper spark plug. The radio noise suppressor helps reduce electrical interference.