Ignition System: Description and Operation

GENERAL SYSTEM DESCRIPTION
A high voltage pulse created in the ignition coil flows through the coil wire to the distributor. The distributor and its rotor will lead the voltage pulse (through rotary motion) to the correct spark plug wire. Through this wire the pulse is led to the spark plug, where it must jump a gap to reach engine ground. When the voltage pulse jumps the gap to ground, it creates a spark (ignition spark) strong enough to ignite the air/fuel mixture in the combustion chamber.

KNOCK CONTROL
When detonation is detected by the knock sensor, a signal is sent to the Engine Control Module (ECM) to retard ignition timing and to prevent possible engine damage.

SPARK CONTROL SYSTEM
The ECM contains memory maps for basic ignition timing at various operating parameters.