Danny's Engineportal
  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
  • Linkedin

Ignition System

So, the ignition system has evolved over the years, to create at least 4 different types.

Even though they are, completely different, they actually all have the same goal.

Most importantly, to take a low voltage and turn it, into a high voltage.

Consequently, allowing the spark plug, to ignite the air and fuel mixture, at the correct time.

Some of these ignition system types include:

  • Distributor-Based Breaker-Point Ignition (Mechanical)
  • Distributor-Based Electronic Ignition
  • Distributor-less Ignition
  • Coil-On-Plug Ignition

So, an ignition system, is divided into two electrical circuits:

  • The Primary Circuit.
  • The Secondary Circuit.

Primary Circuit

So, the primary circuit, only carries, the low battery voltage. This circuit, is controlled by, the breaker points and the ignition switch.

When the ignition key is turned on, a low voltage current from the battery flows:

  • First, through the primary windings, of the ignition coil.
  • Next, through the breaker points and back to the battery.

This current flow, causes a magnetic field to form around the coil.

Secondary Circuit, Ignition System

So, the secondary circuit, consists of the secondary windings, in the coil. And, it includes a high tension lead, between the distributor and the coil, on external coil distributors.

Other parts included:

  • Distributor cap.
  • Distributor rotor.
  • Spark plug leads (wires).
  • Spark plugs.

As the engine rotates, the distributor shaft cam, also turns. And, after it reaches the high point on the cam; it causes the breaker points to separate.

So, the current flow stops, when the points open. As a result, this causes the magnetic field to collapse around the coil. In addition, the condenser absorbs the energy and prevents arcing; between the points each time they open. Finally, this condenser also aids in the, rapid collapse of the magnetic field.

Distributorless Ignition System

So, with distributorless ignition, the spark plugs are fired, directly from the coils. Furthermore, spark plug timing is controlled by, an ignition module and the engine computer. The distributorless ignition system, may have; one coil per cylinder or one coil, for each pair of cylinders.

Thank You !

Spark Plug - How Do I Read, The Condition Of My Spark Plugs
Ignition System

Spark Plug – How Do I Read, The Condition Of My Spark Plugs

07/19/2022

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

Distributorless Ignition System - No More Moving Parts To Wear Out
Ignition System

Distributorless Ignition System – No More Moving Parts To Wear Out

06/21/2022

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

Ignition Timing - The Spark Plug, Has To Fire At The Proper Time
Ignition System

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

04/04/2022

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. Consequently, the fuel-and-air mixture, will not be burned […]

Spark Plug Problems - Troubleshooting, Failure Symptoms, Replacement.
Ignition System

Spark Plug Problems – Troubleshooting, Failure Symptoms, Replacement.

02/14/2022

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

Ignition Coil - Function - Coil Types - Failure Symptoms - Testing
Ignition System

Ignition Coil – Function – Coil types – Failure symptoms – And testing.

01/24/2022

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

Spark Plug Health - Is directly linked, to overall engine performance
Ignition System

Spark Plug Health – Is directly linked, to overall engine performance

11/24/2021

Spark plug replacement intervals, on today’s engines is getting longer all the time. Because, spark plug health, is directly linked to overall engine performance; it stands to reason, weak or bad spark plugs, can lead […]

Position Sensors (CKP)-(CMP) - Function And Failure Symptoms
Car Sensors

Position Sensors (CKP)-(CMP) – Function And Failure Symptoms

11/10/2021

The most important sensors, in any engine, are the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Modern computer-controlled vehicles; must have the air and fuel ignited, at the proper time, in order to operate efficiently. Both (CKP)-(CMP) […]

Push Button Start - Keyless Entry System - Engine Does Not Crank
Car Starting System

Push Button Start – Keyless Entry System – Engine Does Not Crank

11/08/2021

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 […]

Posts navigation

« 1 2

Search By Recent Posts

  • Water Pump Noise – Where Can It Come From – How Bad Is It
  • Turbocharger – How Does It Work, Failure Warning Signs, Causes
  • ATV Tech Tips – If An ATV Repair Seems Overwhelming, Get Help
  • (MAP) Controlled Thermostats – Provide Several Engine Benefits
  • Car Thermostat Issues – Is Your Engine Coolant Flowing Properly

Search By Categories

  • Automotive Belts And Hoses
  • Automotive Leaks
  • Car Fluids
  • Cooling Heating
  • Electrical System
    • Automotive Relays
    • Car Charging System
    • Car Sensors
    • Car Starting System
      • No Start
    • Ignition System
  • Emission Control System
    • Crankcase Emission
    • Evaporative Emission
    • Exhaust Emission
  • Engine Bottom End
  • Engine Codes Lights Symbols
  • Engine Damage
  • Engine Noises And Vibrations
  • Engine Problems
  • Engine Testing
  • Engine Top End
  • Exhaust Smoke
  • Fuel System
    • Automotive Fuel Injector
    • Automotive Fuel Pump
    • Fuel Pressure Regulators
  • Lubrication
  • Machining Rebuilding Repair
  • Maintenance
  • Motorcycle ATV
  • Poor Performance
  • Repair Tips
  • Timing
  • Turbocharger Supercharger

Search By Tags

Automotive Emission System Automotive Engine Damage Automotive Engine Problems Automotive Sensors Blown Head Gasket Blue Smoke Carbon Deposits Sludge Check Engine Light (CEL) Compression Loss Coolant Leak Cooling System Crankshaft Cylinder Head Cylinder Leakage Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) Engine Engine Antifreeze Coolant Engine Compression Engine Misfires Engine No Start Engine Oil Engine Timing Failure Symptoms Fluid Mixing Fuel Injectors Gaskets Seals Head Gasket Leak Knocking Noise Mechanical Motor Oil Oil Consumption Oil Leak On Board Diagnostics (OBD) Overheating Performance Issues Piston Rings Rattling Pinging Noise Spark Plug Starter Motor Temperature Ticking Noise Timing Belt Troubleshooting Vacuum Leak Valve Train

Engine Testing Help

  • Vacuum Leak Detection - The Safe Way to Find Vacuum Leaks
  • Idle Air Control Valve (IAC) - Function - Failure Symptoms - Testing
  • Bubble Test - Used In Conjunction With A Cylinder Leak Down Test
  • Automotive Engine Valves - Function - Failure - And, how to test them.
  • Cylinder Power Balance Testing - Can Help Uncover Hidden Engine Issues
  • Running ( Dynamic ) Compression Test - Evaluating individual cylinders.
  • Vacuum Leaks - How To Quickly Find Vacuum Leaks ( Not The Safest )
  • Using A Vacuum Gauge, To Test The Condition Of Your Engine
  • Engine Power Balance Testing - Total Power Output Of The Engine
  • Throttle Position Sensor (TPS) - Function - Failure - Testing
  • Fuel Pump Relay - Function, Failure and testing procedures.
  • Cylinder Leak Down Test - What Are The Results Telling You
  • Compression Test - How to do it, wet or dry - What do the results tell you.
  • Catalytic Converter - Knowing The Basics - Failure Signs And Testing
  • Cooling Fan Relay - What Does It Do - Failure Symptoms - Testing
  • Engine Cooling Fan - Is your cooling fan working - How to test it.
  • Engine Compression - What Can Cause, Low Or No Engine Compression
  • Automatic Shutdown (ASD) Relay - Function - Failure - Testing
  • Compression Leak Between Cylinders - No Coolant Or Oil Leaks
  • How To Do A Cylinder Leak Down Test - With Or Without A Tester
  • Valves And Piston Rings Function - Failure Warning Signs - Testing
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor - Common Failure Symptoms - Testing
  • Wet Compression Test - Next Level, Mechanical Engine Testing
  • Alternator Or Battery Failure - Failure Symptoms With Testing
  • (O2) Oxygen Sensor - Basic function - Failure symptoms - With testing.
  • Fuel Pressure Regulators - Function, Failure Symptoms And Testing
  • Using A Vacuum Gauge, To Test The Condition Of Your Engine
  • Crankshaft - Camshaft Position Sensor - Testing The Easy Way
  • Crankshaft Position Sensor - (CKP) - Testing And Replacement
  • Engine Fuel System - Proper Testing Procedures With Solutions
  • (O2) Oxygen Sensors - Function, Failure Symptoms, How To Test
  • Noid Light - Learn how to test fuel injectors, using a noid light.
  • Crankshaft Position Sensors - Function, Failure, Diagnosis, Testing
  • Privacy Policy

COPYRIGHT © 2023 Danny's Engineportal by Danny Bender - DISCLAIMER: All wallpapers and backgrounds found here are believed to be in the "public domain". Most of the images displayed are of unknown origin. We do not intend to infringe on any legitimate intellectual right, artistic rights or copyright. If you are the rightful owner of any of the pictures/wallpapers posted here, and you do not want them to be displayed or if you require a suitable credit, then please contact us and we will immediately do whatever is needed either for the image to be removed or provide credit where it is due. Thank You !