Ignition Systems

Question 1

What are the 3 common types of Ignition System?

Answer 1

Distributor ignition (up to 1990’s)
Distributor-less ignition (early to late 1990’s)
Direct ignition (2000’s onwards)

Question 2

How many coils in a DISTRIBUTOR ignition system?

Answer 2

1 coil for ALL spark plugs

Uses a mechanically driven distributor

Question 3

How many coils a Distributor-LESS ignition system?

Answer 3

1 coil for each PAIR of spark plugs

-no moving parts

Question 4

How many coils in a DIRECT ignition system?

Answer 4

1 coil for EACH spark plugs

-no moving parts

Question 5

What is the heart of all ignition system variations?

Answer 5

Ignition Coil

Question 6

What is the job of the ignition coil in the circuit?

Answer 6

It is the part responsible for the
huge increase in voltage on the
secondary side of the circuit

(spark plug)

Question 7

True or False: Distributor ignition systems use coil packs

Answer 7

False

Question 8

Why is Distributor-less ignition also called “waste spark ignition”?

Answer 8

Each coil powers two spark plugs, one effective spark on the power stroke (when the fuel-air mixture is ignited) and one wasted spark on the exhaust stroke (when there is no mixture to ignite)

Question 9

Where are the coils usually located on a direct ignition system?

Answer 9

Usually mounts directly onto the plug

Question 10

What is the procedure to test spark plugs with a DMM? (digital multimeter)

Answer 10

-engine off
-remove wire from spark plug and coil/distributor
-DMM to ohms Ω
-probe each end

-excessive or infinite ohms indicate a defective (open) wire (can be caused by broken connection)

Question 11

How can you check for weak insulation of spark plug wires?

Answer 11

Use a spray bottle to locate cracks or holes

Question 12

What can occur from weak spark plug wire insulation?

Answer 12

Engine will misfire

-You may also see arcing