Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Circuit Operation

With the starter switch in ON or START; battery voltage is applied to the Engine (M/T) or Powertrain (A/T) Control Module (ECM) or (PCM), the ION sensing module, various engine sensors, and the ignition coils. When the engine is cranked to start, the crank shaft position (CKP) sensor sends timing information directly to the ECM/PCM, which sends a signal to the ION sensing module, which breaks the ground path in the primary of the ignition coils, thus creating a high voltage secondary impulse which fires the spark plugs, and the engine starts. The ECM/PCM receives information such as firing order and starting timing at each ignition coil from the CKP sensor. The ECM/PCM relies on information from various engine sensors to determine correct ignition timing.