Except Mazda6, MPV & Tribute 3.0L

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 9 other vehicles, including the 2003 Mazda Tribute, 2003 Mazda Protege5, 2003 Mazda Protege, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata, and 2003 Mazda MPV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The ignition system consists of a Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor, Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor and PCM. On B2300 pickup, Mazda6 2.3L and Tribute 2.0L, one 4-tower coil pack containing two coils is used. On B3000 and B4000 pickups, one 6-tower coil pack is used. On Miata, Protege and Protege5, ignition coils are mounted on spark plugs No. 2 and 4, and have high tension leads connected to spark plugs No. 1 and 3.

During system operation, the PCM receives information from the CKP and CMP sensors. The PCM responds with a signal containing advance or retard timing information, which is sent to fire the ignition coils.

The CKP sensor is an electromagnetic device that senses movement of a 35 tooth wheel, located behind the crankshaft pulley. Each tooth is positioned in 10 degree increments with an empty slot (missing tooth) located BTDC. Detection of the missing tooth is what enables the PCM to identify crankshaft position and initiate correct firing order.

The PCM controls spark timing and coil firing, based on information from the CKP sensor. The ignition coils , are triggered by the PCM in pairs (On 4-cylinder models, cylinders No. 1 and 4 and No. 2 and 3. On 6-cylinder models, cylinders No. 1 and 4, No. 2 and 5 and No. 3 and 6.). One plug is fired on the compression stroke; the other plug fires on the exhaust stroke. On the next cycle, firing strategy is reversed.