Electronic Ignition System Operation

The electronic ignition system produces and controls the high energy secondary spark. This spark ignites the compressed air/fuel mixture at precisely the correct time, providing optimal performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust emissions. The engine control module (ECM) collects information from the crankshaft position sensor and the camshaft position sensor - intake and camshaft position sensor - exhaust to determine the sequence, dwell, and timing of the spark for each cylinder. The ECM transmits a frequency signal to the ignition coil assembly on the appropriate ignition control circuit to fire the spark plugs.