MOTOR VEHICLE IGNITION SYSTEMS

The function of the ignition system in a motor vehicle engine is to generate

a high voltage spark that ignites the fuel mixture in the combustion
chamber. The ignition system is responsible for starting the engine and
ensuring that it runs smoothly and efficiently.

TYPES OF IGNITION SYSTEMS

There are two main types of ignition systems used in motor vehicles:

1. Conventional Ignition System: This is also known as the contact

breaker point ignition system. It uses a set of contact breaker points
to open and close the circuit that sends voltage to the ignition coil.
When the points are closed, current flows through the coil and builds
up a magnetic field. When the points open, the magnetic field
collapses, generating a high voltage pulse that is sent to the spark
plugs to ignite the fuel mixture in the engine.

2. Electronic Ignition System: This type of ignition system uses

electronic components to control the timing and voltage of the spark.
There are several types of electronic ignition systems, including:

• HALL EFFECT: This system uses a magnetic sensor to detect the

position of the crankshaft, and an electronic control module to control
the timing and voltage of the spark.

• OPTICAL PULSE: This system uses a light sensor to detect the

position of the crankshaft, and an electronic control module to control
the timing and voltage of the spark.

Chiwaya@lbtc Page 1
 • MAGNETIC INDUCTANCE: This system uses a magnetic sensor to
detect the position of the crankshaft, and an electronic control
module to control the timing and voltage of the spark.

• DISTRIBUTOR-LESS: This system does not use a distributor to

distribute the spark to the correct cylinder. Instead, it uses individual
coils for each cylinder, controlled by an electronic control module.

LAYOUT DIAGRAM OF A BASIC CONVENTIONAL INGNITION

FUNCTIONS OF COMPONENTS (CONVENTIONAL)

1. Battery - provides power to the system and is responsible for storing

and delivering electrical energy to the ignition coil.

2. Ignition distributor - distributes the high voltage from the ignition

coil to the correct spark plug at the correct time in the engine cycle.

3. Ignition coil - transforms the low voltage from the battery into the
high voltage necessary to create a spark at the spark plug.

Chiwaya@lbtc Page 2
 4. Spark plugs - ignite the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

5. Condenser (capacitor) - stores electrical energy and helps to

stabilize the voltage in the system.

6. Ignition key - provides a switch to turn the ignition system on and

off.

7. Contact breaker points - interrupt the current flow in the ignition

coil to create a high voltage pulse that is sent to the spark plugs.

8. High tension cables - transmit the high voltage from the ignition
coil to the distributor and from the distributor to the spark plugs.

9. Low tension cables - transmit the low voltage from the battery to
the contact breaker points in the ignition distributor.

10. Rotor - rotates inside the distributor and directs the high
voltage from the ignition coil to the correct spark plug at the correct
time.

Ignition coil

Chiwaya@lbtc Page 3
An ignition coil is an important component in the ignition system of an
internal combustion engine. Its main function of an ignition coil is to
transform the low voltage of the battery into the high voltage required to
create a spark at the spark plug, which ignites the fuel mixture in the
engine cylinder.

The operation of an ignition coil is based on the principle of

electromagnetic induction. The coil consists of two windings, a primary
winding and a secondary winding, wound around a common iron
core. When the battery voltage is applied to the primary winding, it
creates a magnetic field around the iron core. When the current is
suddenly interrupted by the ignition system's control module, the magnetic
field collapses, inducing a high voltage in the secondary winding.

MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINE IGNITION SYSTEM

SERVICING

1. Testing ignition coil resistance - Using a multimeter, measure the

resistance of the ignition coil. The resistance should be within the
manufacturer's specifications. If not, the ignition coil may need to be
replaced.

2. Testing spark plugs - Remove the spark plugs and inspect them for
wear and damage. Using a spark plug tester, check for a spark. If
there is no spark, the spark plugs may need to be replaced.

3. Testing resistance of high tension cables - Using a multimeter,

measure the resistance of the high tension cables. The resistance

Chiwaya@lbtc Page 4
 should be within the manufacturer's specifications. If not, the high
tension cables may need to be replaced.

4. Cleaning contact breaker points - Remove the distributor cap and

rotor. Clean the contact breaker points with a small file or sandpaper.
Check for wear and replace if necessary.

5. Motor vehicle engine ignition timing - Adjusting the ignition

timing can improve engine performance and fuel efficiency. There are
two types of ignition timing:

• STATIC IGNITION TIMING - This is the initial timing setting and is

usually set by aligning timing marks on the engine with the timing
pointer. To adjust the timing, loosen the distributor hold-down bolt
and rotate the distributor until the correct timing is achieved.

• DYNAMIC IGNITION TIMING - This is the timing that the engine runs
at during operation. It is adjusted by using a timing light to measure
the timing while the engine is running. To adjust the timing, loosen
the distributor hold-down bolt and rotate the distributor until the
correct timing is achieved.

Chiwaya@lbtc Page 5
CARRYING OUT MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINE FAULT
DIAGNOSIS.
Here are the steps to diagnose motor vehicle engine faults related to spark
generation:

1. No spark generation - If there is no spark at the spark plugs, this

may indicate a problem with the ignition system. Here are some
possible causes:

• Faulty ignition coil

• Faulty distributor cap or rotor

• Faulty spark plugs

• Faulty high tension cables

• Faulty ignition switch

• Faulty crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor

To diagnose the problem, use a multimeter to test the resistance of the

ignition coil and high tension cables. Check the distributor cap and rotor for
wear and damage. Inspect the spark plugs for wear and replace if
necessary. If these components check out, test the ignition switch,
crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor using a diagnostic
tool.

2. Weak spark generation - If the spark at the spark plugs is weak,

this may indicate a problem with the ignition system. Here are some
possible causes:

Chiwaya@lbtc Page 6
 • Faulty ignition coil

• Faulty spark plugs

• Faulty high tension cables

• Faulty distributor cap or rotor

To diagnose the problem, use a spark plug tester to check the strength of
the spark. If it is weak, test the resistance of the ignition coil and high
tension cables. Inspect the distributor cap and rotor for wear and damage.
If these components check out, replace the spark plugs.

3. Intermittent spark generation - If the spark at the spark plugs is

intermittent, this may indicate a problem with the ignition system.
Here are some possible causes:

• Faulty ignition coil

• Faulty spark plugs

• Faulty high tension cables

• Faulty distributor cap or rotor

• Loose connections

To diagnose the problem, inspect all the components of the ignition system
for wear and damage. Test the resistance of the ignition coil and high
tension cables. Check the distributor cap and rotor for wear and damage.
Tighten any loose connections. If the problem persists, use a diagnostic
tool to check the crankshaft position sensor or camshaft position sensor.

Chiwaya@lbtc Page 7