Ignition Systems

Welcome to the Ignition Systems hub. Every engine needs a well-timed spark to create power. I help you troubleshoot spark plugs, ignition coils, and distributors. We cover common issues like engine misfires and cold-start problems. Learn how to test your ignition timing and secondary spark. My 40 years of experience will help you find the weak coil or fouled plug. Stop the rough idle and restore your engine’s performance. These guides make complex ignition systems easy to understand.

Spark Plug – How Do I Read, the Condition of My Spark Plugs

03/03/2026

Learning how to read the condition of a spark plug, can be a valuable tuning aid. Because, you can determine a great deal about your engine’s, overall operating condition. Usually, just by examining the plugs […]

Distributorless Ignition System – Get to Know the Components

12/17/2025

The distributorless ignition system is a completely solid state electronic system, with no moving parts. So, with no distributor, there is no distributor cap, rotor or points to replace. And, no troublesome vacuum or mechanical […]

Ignition Timing – The Spark Plug Has To Fire At The Proper Time

08/04/2025

So, your engine needs proper ignition timing, to ignite the fuel at exactly the right time. But, what happens if the ignition system fires, at the wrong time. As a result, the air fuel mixture, […]

Ignition Coil: Function, Coil Types, Failure Symptoms, and Testing

02/14/2025

The function of the ignition coil, is to produce a high voltage, from a low voltage. Because, the high voltage from your ignition coil, is needed to ignite the fuel, and start the engine. So, […]

Spark Plug Health The Key to Optimal Engine Performance

Spark Plug Health Is Directly Linked, To Your Engines Performance

12/30/2024

Spark plug health, on today’s engines is very important, and if ignored, can cause serious problems. So, it stands to reason that, weak or bad spark plugs, are a big cause of concern. Spark plug health […]

Push Button Start Troubleshooting: Why Won’t the Engine Crank?

12/23/2024

Many newer vehicles have replaced, the traditional key-style ignition switch, with a push button start. As technology advances, our lives become more convenient, but are we also putting ourselves at risk? Will the push button […]

Comparing Spark Plug Color For A Quick Diagnosis

Spark Plug Color: Learn The Symptoms And Recommendations

11/23/2024

A visual inspection of the spark plug color will display symptoms, and conditions of what’s happening inside your engine. So, the experienced technician, can analyze the plugs, and track down the root cause of many […]

Coil On Plug Ignition System (COP) on Engine

Coil On Plug Ignition System: A Game Changer in Coil Technology

11/18/2024

The most sophisticated, of all ignition systems. The coil on plug ignition system (COP), places an ignition coil, directly on the top of each spark plug. As a result, (COP) ignition eliminates the need for […]

Ignition Switch: Understanding its Importance in Vehicle Security

10/19/2024

Today, the ignition switch is a complex device, that powers numerous electrical and electronic systems, throughout the vehicle. In fact, the newest version, identifies the drivers key and allows him, to activate the starting system. […]

Spark Plug Problems: Function, Failure And Replacement

10/03/2024

All spark plugs wear out as they age and at some point, will cause spark plug problems. Because, after enduring abuse for thousands of miles, you really can’t expect them to last forever. Good spark […]

Crankshaft Position Sensor Being Unplugged

Crankshaft Position Sensor – (CKP) – Testing And Replacement

08/07/2024

Crankshaft position sensors (CKP) read ignition timing, the (RPM) signal, and determine engine speed. But, when the crankshaft position sensor (CKP) fails, it stops transmitting the readings. Consequently, the crankshaft position sensors (CKP) readings, contain […]