Ignition Control Module: Description and Operation

The ignition system used on this vehicle includes an ignition coil, and igniter to control current flow within the system. The igniter unit is mounted to the side of the ignition coil. A magnetic pulse type triggering unit, pickup coil is located inside the distributor. Conventional distributor rotor, cap, and spark plug wires are used to deliver secondary voltage to the spark plugs.

Battery voltage is applied to the igniter and to the ignition coil primary windings. The primary coil circuit is completed to ground through the power switching transistor located within the igniter. As the reluctor passes the pole piece of the pickup coil it creates a signal voltage, upon receiving signal voltage the switching transistor momentarily opens the primary ground circuit causing the magnetic field within the coil to collapse. High voltage is induced in the coil secondary windings upon collapsing of the magnetic field.