
- Ignition Key: The key is the first and most familiar part of an ignition system. ...
- Ignition system coil: this is an electromagnet as well as an inductor that transforms high voltages from the vehicles battery. ...
- Spark Plugs: The spark plugs and spark wires force electricity to the engine creating a voltage of between 40,000 and 100,000 volts. ...
What are the primary ignition system parts?
The following are common ignition system components:
- Battery.
- Distributor Cap and Rotor.
- Ignition Coil/ Coil Packs/Coil- On-Plug (COP)
- Spark Plug Wires.
- Spark Plugs.
- Ignition Module.
- Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
- Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensors.
What are the four types of ignition systems?
Types of Ignition Systems
- Mechanical Ignition Systems. Mechanical ignition systems are comprised primarily of the ignition switch, the ignition coil, spark plugs and the distributor.
- Electronic Ignition Systems. ...
- Distributorless Ignition Systems. ...
What is the function of the ignition system?
· The primary function of an ignition system is to create an electric spark in the engine combustion chamber at the proper time so that the petrol and air mixture can ignite. · It produces 30,000 volts across the spark plug. · High spark voltage spark is supplied to each spark plug in the correct sequence.
What is primary ignition system?
Primary-Ignition-System: The ignition coil job is to transform a low voltage to a higher voltage with low current flow. Yes, this similar to a transformer. The reason this can happen is do to the number of turns of wire within the coil from the Primary circuit to the Secondary windings within the ignition coil.

What are the 10 parts of ignition system?
The following are common ignition system components:Battery.Distributor Cap and Rotor.Ignition Coil/ Coil Packs/Coil- On-Plug (COP)Spark Plug Wires.Spark Plugs.Ignition Module.Powertrain Control Module (PCM)Crankshaft and Camshaft Sensors.More items...
What are the five parts of ignition system?
Components of Ignition System1. . Battery: ( Components of Ignition Systems )Ignition Switch: ( Components of Ignition Systems )Ignition Coil: ( Components of Ignition Systems )Distributor: ( Components of Ignition Systems )Spark Plug: ( Components of Ignition Systems )
How many parts are in the ignition?
There are two parts to an ignition system. The first one is called the primary side and the second is the secondary side. The primary side consists of the distributor and the electronic control module and the secondary consists of spark plugs and wires, an ignition coil, rotor and in some systems the distributor.
What are the 3 types of ignition system?
There are three basic types of automotive ignition systems: distributor-based, distributor-less, and coil-on-plug (COP). Early ignition systems used fully mechanical distributors to deliver the spark at the right time.
What are the parts of the ignition distributor?
Ignition Distributor Essentials The ignition system is composed of a distributor, ignition coil, rotor, spark plug wires and spark plugs. The distributor is tasked with receiving high voltage from the ignition coil to spark the individual spark plugs in proper firing sequence.
What are the 2 types of ignition systems?
Depending on the electric energy supplied to the spark plug, the ignition system is divided into two main types. They are namely inductive ignition and capacitor discharge ignition (CDI). Both the ignition types perform the same operation, but the difference is a supply of electrical energy to the spark plug.
What is ignition system and its types?
Currently, we recognize four types of ignition systems used in most cars and trucks: conventional breaker-point ignitions, high energy (electronic) ignitions, distributor-less (waste spark) ignition and coil-on-plug ignitions.
What are the 3 main purposes of an ignition system?
An ignition system for a multicylinder internal combustion engine has three basic functions: (1) to provide a sufficiently energetic spark to initiate the burning of the fuel-air mixture within each cylinder; (2) to control spark timing for optimum efficiency so that cylinder pressure reaches its maximum value shortly ...
How do you check ignition system parts?
0:302:16How To Check Ignition System In Seconds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou take the end of the wine. And you stick it on the coil. When it's firing red like this it meansMoreYou take the end of the wine. And you stick it on the coil. When it's firing red like this it means it's firing correctly. And if it's green it means it's firing long enough to burn all the fuel.
What is the ignition system in a car?
The ignition system's job is to ignite the air-fuel mixture in a gasoline engine. In addition to the spark plugs that spark in the combustion chambers, the ignition system consists of an ignition coil, which converts battery voltage to higher voltage, and the spark plug wires that join these components.
How does ignition system work?
As the engine rotates, the distributor shaft cam turns until the high point on the cam causes the breaker points to separate suddenly. Instantaneously, when the points open (separate) current flow stops through the primary windings of the ignition coil. This causes the magnetic field to collapse around the coil.
What are the different parts of a spark ignition engine?
Main Parts of spark Ignition Engine:Cylinder.Piston.Piston Rod.Connecting Rod.Spark Plug.Valves.
What is ignition system and its types?
Currently, we recognize four types of ignition systems used in most cars and trucks: conventional breaker-point ignitions, high energy (electronic) ignitions, distributor-less (waste spark) ignition and coil-on-plug ignitions.
What are the different parts of a spark ignition engine?
Main Parts of spark Ignition Engine:Cylinder.Piston.Piston Rod.Connecting Rod.Spark Plug.Valves.
What is the function of all ignition system?
Function of ignition system The primary function of an ignition system is to create an electric spark in the engine combustion chamber at the proper time so that the petrol and air mixture can ignite.
How do you check ignition system parts?
0:302:16How To Check Ignition System In Seconds - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou take the end of the wine. And you stick it on the coil. When it's firing red like this it meansMoreYou take the end of the wine. And you stick it on the coil. When it's firing red like this it means it's firing correctly. And if it's green it means it's firing long enough to burn all the fuel.
What is the last component of the ignition system of a gasoline engine?
The last component in the ignition system of the gasoline engine is the spark plug. The spark plug consists of a core or electrode rod as the receiver of the electric current from the output coil and the ground located in the body of the spark plug.
What is the function of the ignition key?
Some of us recognize the ignition key as a engine-saving device, or a component to turn on the engine starter. That's right, but it's not just the function. If you see the ignition hole there are 4 positions namely;
What is distributor in ignition?
In conventional ignition systems, the distributor becomes a component used in determines of timming and Firing order. The distributor consists of a shaft connected to the cam, the cam is used to disconnect the flow of the primary coil.
What happens when the primary coil voltage is disconnected?
When the primary coil voltage disconnected, the is a movement of magnetic field inside the secondary coil. That’s why the secondary coil have much bigger voltage. The ignition system, used to carry out the converting circuit from a 12 volt electric battery voltage up to 20 KV on the spark plug.
Why does a battery include the ignition component?
Battery has a function for provide a current source, why does battery include the ignition component? instead of the battery it's the vehicle's electrical components? indeed and the ignition system of one of the car's electricity, so all that needs an electric current must include the battery as its component.
What happens when you put the ignition key on the acc position?
At the Acc position, the ignition system is still not active in the sense that no current has entered the primary coil. The electricity will go into the primary coil when we put the ignition key ON position. In this position, not only the primary coil gets current but the entire vehicle's main system is also ready to be activated.
Why do spark plugs emit sparks?
In the process of combustion, spark plugs can emit sparks because there are super high voltage electrical curent resulting from ignition coil. This voltage amount is change, using the principle of electromagnetic induction such as step-up transformer.
What is the heart of an ignition coil?
The ignition coil is the heart of the ignition system. As current flows through the coil a strong magnetic field is built up. When the current is shut off, the collapse of this magnetic field induces a high voltage which is released through the large center terminal through the distributor to the spark plugs. ...
How long has the ignition system changed?
The basic principle of the electrical spark ignition system has not changed for over 75 years. What has changed is the method by which the spark is created. The automobile has evolved from a mechanical system ( distributor) to a solid state electronic system. Both systems control a low voltage primary circuit through an ignition coil which will ...
What is the primary circuit?
Primary Circuit. The primary circuit consists of an ignition switch, ballast resistor, some type of off/on switch , ( in the older cars a set of breaker points) , which is usually inside a distributor, an ignition coil and the connecting wires. The purpose of the primary circuit is to allow low voltage from the battery, ...
How many turns of copper wire are in an ignition coil?
Ignition Coil. The ignition coil contains both the primary and secondary winding circuits. The coil primary winding contains 100 to 150 turns of heavy copper wire. The turns of this wire must be insulated from each other or they would short out and not create the primary magnetic field that is required. The primary circuit wire goes ...
How many turns of wire is in a coil?
The coil secondary winding circuit contains 15,000 to 30,000 turns of fine copper wire, which also must be insulated from each other.
How do breaker points work?
Because of the simplicity of breaker points, it is a good starting point in understanding the switching mechanism that controls the current flow through the coil. The points are made up of a fixed contact point and a movable contact point. The movable point is spring loaded and rides on a 4,6, or 8 lobe cam (depending on the number of cylinders). The points are located inside a distributor. As the engine rotates, the camshaft turns the distributor, which then opens and closes the breaker points as many as 15,000 to 25,000 times a minute. When the points are closed, current is allowed to flow through the ignition coil, thereby building a magnetic field around the windings. When the points are opened, they interrupt that current flow, thereby collapsing the magnetic field and releasing a high voltage surge. This high voltage enters the top of the distributor, where an ignition rotor distributes that voltage through a cap to the right spark plug at the right time. The distributor also contains a condenser that prevents arcing by absorbing excess current when the points open. The difficulty with the breaker point system is that the part that rubs against the cam wears. This wear causes a constant need for adjustment and eventual replacement. In the mid 70’s this problem was corrected through the use of solid state electronics and transistors as switching devices.
What is the purpose of ignition?
The purpose of the ignition system is to generate a very high volt age from the car's 12 volt battery , and to send this to each sparkplug in turn , igniting the fuel-air mixture in the engine 's combustion chambers .
What is micro electronic ignition?
In some modern ignition systems, micro-electronics ensure the optimum ignition timing for all engine speeds and engine load conditions (see How engine timing works ).
How does a rotor arm work?
The rotor arm is fitted on top of the central shaft, and connects to the central electrode by means of a metal spring or spring-loaded brush in the top of the distributor cap. The current enters the cap through the central electrode, passes to the centre of the rotor arm through the brush, and is distributed to each plug as the rotor arm revolves.
What is a distributor unit?
The distributor unit consists of a metal bowl containing a central shaft, which is usually driven directly by the camshaft or, sometimes, by the crankshaft . The bowl houses the contact-breaker points, rotor arm, and a device for altering the ignition timing . It also carries the distributor cap .
What is the coil in a circuit?
The coil is the component that produces this high voltage. It is an electromagnetic device that converts the low-tension (LT) current from the battery to high-tension (HT) current each time the distributor contact-breaker points open.
How are the points on a spherical cylinder opened?
The points are opened by cams on the central shaft, and are closed again by a spring arm on the moving contact.
Where are spark plugs screwed?
The sparkplugs are screwed into the combustion chambers in the cylinder head . HT current passes from each segment on the distributor cap down the plug leads to the plug caps. It then passes down the central electrode, which is insulated along its length, to the nose of the plug.
What is an ignition system?
The ignition system consists of an ignition coil, distributor, distributor cap, rotor, plug wires and spark plugs. Older systems used a points-and-condenser system in the distributor, newer (as in most we'll ever see anymore) use an ECU, a little brain in a box, to control the spark and make slight changes in ignition timing.
What is the computer that controls the ignition system called?
These days this is all handled by computers. The computer that directly regulates your ignition system is called the ignition module, or ignition control module . There is no maintenance or repair procedure for the module aside from replacement.
How does a distributor work?
As it spins, it distributes the sparks to the individual spark plugs at exactly the right time. It distributes the sparks by taking the powerful spark that came in via the coil wire and sending it through a spinning electrical contact known as the rotor.
What is the coil in a car called?
The ignition coil is the unit that takes your relatively weak battery power and turns it into a spark powerful enough to ignite fuel vapor. Inside a traditional ignition coil are two coils of wire on top of each other. These coils are called windings. One winding is called the primary winding, the other is the secondary. The primary winding gets the juice together to make a spark and the secondary sends it out the door to the distributor.
What does a spark plug do?
At just the right time (thanks to the distributor), when the intake valves have let the right amount of fuel vapor and air into the cylinder, the spark plug makes a nice, blue, hot spark that ignites the mixture and creates combustion.
How many points does a rotor have?
As the rotor spins, it makes contact with a number of points (4, 6, 8 or 12 depending on how many cylinders your engine has) and sends the spark through that point to the plug wire on the other end. Modern distributors have electronic assistance that can do things like alter the ignition timing.
How many contacts are on an ignition coil?
The primary winding gets the juice together to make a spark and the secondary sends it out the door to the distributor. You'll see three contacts on an ignition coil unless it has an external plug, in which case the contacts are hidden inside the case.
How many types of ignition systems are there?
The 4 Types Of Ignition System And How They Work. By Tsukasa Azuma On Oct 31, 2020. While the automotive industry has achieved drastic mechanical and technological advancement throughout history, there’s one component that all cars with combustible engines have in common: the ignition system.
What is the role of ignition system in a car?
This combustion generates the energy needed to run your car. The ignition system plays a vital role in creating the combustion to run your car. That said, the method by which the spark is created and distributed has greatly improved thanks to technological advancements.
Why are spark plugs removed?
Because each spark plug now has its own dedicated coil that sits right on top for direct firing , high-voltage spark plug wires are completely removed. This increases the system’s efficiency, since spark plug wires introduce greater loss of amperage and voltage, as well as the possibility of contamination and cross-firing between cables if they become greasy or worn.
What is the role of spark plugs in combustion?
To generate such combustion, the ignition system plays a major role: your spark plugs supply the electrical spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture that is fed into the combustion chamber. The ignition system’s spark plug ignites the air-fuel mixture, hence the name “ignition”.
How does ignition work in a car?
In essence, it takes the electrical voltage from the battery, converts it to a much higher voltage, then transfers this electric current to the engine’s combustion chamber and ignites the compressed mixture of fuel and air to create a combustion. This combustion generates the energy needed to run your car.
How many volts does a battery need to ignite?
In other words, the ignition system needs to increase the voltage from the battery’s 12 volts to at least 20,000 volts, which is required to ignite the compressed air and fuel mixture in the combustion chamber to create an energy-generating explosion.
Why is ignition important in compression?
At the same time, the ignition system’s other important role is to ensure that the spark must fire at just just the right moment during the compression stroke in order to maximize the power generated from the ignited air and fuel mixture. In other words, the sufficient voltage must be delivered to the correct cylinder at the precise time and this must be done frequently.
How many types of ignition systems are there?
There are actually more than two types of ignition systems — there are four . These ignition systems include conventional breaker-point ignitions, high energy (electronic) ignitions, distributor-less (waste spark) ignition and coil-on-plug ignitions.
What is a coil in an ignition system?
Ignition System Coil. The coil is a simple device -- essentially a high-voltage transformer made up of two coils of wire. One coil of wire is called the primary coil. Wrapped around it is the secondary coil. The secondary coil normally has hundreds of times more turns of wire than the primary coil.
What is the purpose of ignition in a car?
A vehicle's ignition system creates an electric spark in the engine combustion chamber that ignites the mixture of fuel and air sitting in that chamber.
Where is the coil on a distributorless ignition?
Instead of one main coil, distributorless ignitions have a coil for each spark plug, located directly on the spark plug itself.
Why is timing important in a piston?
And because the length of the stroke and the area of the piston are fixed, the only way to maximize work is by increasing pressure. The timing of the spark is important, and the timing can either be advanced or retarded depending on conditions. The time that the fuel takes to burn is roughly constant.
What happens when a fuel cylinder burns?
When the fuel/air mixture in the cylinder burns, the temperature rises and the fuel is converted to exhaust gas. This transformation causes the pressure in the cylinder to increase dramatically and forces the piston down.
How does a secondary coil work?
The secondary coil normally has hundreds of times more turns of wire than the primary coil. Current flows from the battery through the primary winding of the coil. The primary coil's current can be suddenly disrupted by the breaker points, or by a solid-state device in an electronic ignition.
