System

PURPOSE

To produce a spark that will ignite the air/fuel mixture within an engine's cylinders, ignition systems generate high voltage and direct it to spark plugs at each cylinder.

Voltage must be high enough to jump the spark plug gap under compression and it must be supplied at the correct time under a wide range of operating conditions.

DESCRIPTION

This vehicle uses a distributorless, ECM controlled, electronic ignition system. Components include:

- Ignition coil pack.
- Crank angle and camshaft sensors.
- Power Transistor.
- High tension wiring for delivering high voltage to the spark plugs.

CRANK/CAM ANGLE SENSORS

The crank/cam angle sensors are magnetic types that provide the ECM with signals regarding engine rpm and #1 cylinder TDC (camshaft position). Together with other inputs, the ECM calculates ignition timing over the range of vehicle operating conditions.

POWER TRANSISTOR

An ECM controlled power transistor regulates current flow through the coil primary windings.
Each time current flow is interrupted, high voltage is induced to fire the spark plugs. Except for the initial setting, timing is determined by the ECM.

SECONDARY IGNITION COMPONENTS

High tension wires direct high voltage from the coil pack to each spark plug at the appropriate time, as calculated by the ECM.