Ignition System: Description and Operation
IGNITION SYSTEMNOTE: All engines use a fixed ignition timing system. Basic ignition timing is not adjustable. All spark advance is determined by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM).
The distributorless ignition system used on these engines is referred to as the Direct Ignition System (DIS). The system's three main components are the coils, crankshaft position sensor, and camshaft position sensor. The coil on plug ignition system utilizes an ignition coil for every cylinder, it is mounted directly over the each spark plug.
The crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor are hall effect devices. The camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor generate pulses that are inputs to the PCM. The PCM determines engine position from these sensors. The PCM calculates injector sequence and ignition timing from crankshaft & camshaft position. For a description of both sensors, refer to Camshaft Position Sensor and Crankshaft Position Sensor.
AUTO SHUT DOWN RELAY
The relay is located in the Power Distribution Center (PDC). For the location of the relay within the PDC, refer to the PDC cover for location. Check electrical terminals for corrosion and repair as necessary.
The ASD sense circuit informs the PCM when the ASD relay energizes. A 12 volt signal at this input indicates to the PCM that the ASD has been activated. This input is used only to sense that the ASD relay is energized.
When energized, the ASD relay supplies battery voltage to the fuel injectors, ignition coils and the heating element in each oxygen sensor.
When energized, the ASD relay provides power to operate the injectors, ignition coil, generator field, O2 sensor heaters (both upstream and downstream), (EGR solenoid and PCV heater if equipped) and also provides a sense circuit to the PCM for diagnostic purposes. If the PCM does not receive 12 volts from this input after grounding the ASD relay, it sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). The PCM energizes the ASD any time there is a Crankshaft Position sensor signal that exceeds a predetermined value. The ASD relay can also be energized after the engine has been turned off to perform an O2 sensor heater test, if vehicle is equipped with OBD II diagnostics.
As mentioned earlier, the PCM energizes the ASD relay during an O2 sensor heater test. This test is performed only after the engine has been shut off. The PCM still operates internally to perform several checks, including monitoring the O2 sensor heaters.
CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Fig. 2 Target Magnet - Typical:
The camshaft position sensor is mounted to the rear of the cylinder head. The sensor also acts as a thrust plate to control camshaft endplay.
The PCM sends approximately 8 volts to the Hall-effect sensor. This voltage is required to operate the Hall-effect chip and the electronics inside the sensor. The input to the PCM occurs on a 5 volt output reference circuit. A ground for the sensor is provided through the sensor return circuit. The PCM identifies camshaft position by registering the change from 5 to 0 volts, as signaled from the Camshaft Position sensor.
Fig. 3 Target Magnet Polarity:
A target magnet attaches to the rear of the camshaft and indexes to the correct position. The target magnet has four different poles arranged in an asymmetrical pattern. As the target magnet rotates, the camshaft position sensor senses the change in polarity.
Fig. 1 Camshaft Position Sensor - 2.4L DOHC:
The PCM determines fuel injection synchronization and cylinder identification from inputs provided by the camshaft position sensor and crankshaft position sensor. From the two inputs, the PCM determines crankshaft position.
The sensor input switches from high (5 volts) to low (0.30 volts) as the target magnet rotates. When the north pole of the target magnet passes under the sensor, the output switches high. The sensor output switches low when the south pole of the target magnet passes underneath.
IGNITION COIL
WARNING: THE DIRECT IGNITION SYSTEM GENERATES APPROXIMATELY 40,000 VOLTS. PERSONAL INJURY COULD RESULT FROM CONTACT WITH THIS SYSTEM.
Fig. 7 Ignition Coil Pack - 2.4L:
The coil pack consists of 2 coils molded together. The coil pack is mounted on the valve cover.
High tension leads route to each cylinder from the coil. The coil fires two spark plugs every power stroke. One plug is the cylinder under compression, the other cylinder fires on the exhaust stroke. Coil number one fires cylinders 1 and 4. Coil number two fires cylinders 2 and 3. The PCM determines which of the coils to charge and fire at the correct time.
The Auto Shutdown (ASD) relay provides battery voltage to the ignition coil. The PCM provides a ground contact (circuit) for energizing the coil. When the PCM breaks the contact, the energy in the coil primary transfers to the secondary causing the spark. The PCM will de-energize the ASD relay if it does not receive the crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensor inputs.
KNOCK SENSOR
The knock sensor threads into the cylinder block. The knock sensor is designed to detect engine vibration that is caused by detonation.
When the knock sensor detects a knock in one of the cylinders, it sends an input signal to the PCM. In response, the PCM retards ignition timing for all cylinders by a scheduled amount.
Knock sensors contain a piezoelectric material which constantly vibrates and sends an input voltage (signal) to the PCM while the engine operates. As the intensity of the crystal's vibration increases, the knock sensor output voltage also increases.
The voltage signal produced by the knock sensor increases with the amplitude of vibration. The PCM receives as an input the knock sensor voltage signal. If the signal rises above a predetermined level, the PCM will store that value in memory and retard ignition timing to reduce engine knock. If the knock sensor voltage exceeds a preset value, the PCM retards ignition timing for all cylinders. It is not a selective cylinder retard.
The PCM ignores knock sensor input during engine idle conditions. Once the engine speed exceeds a specified value, knock retard is allowed.
Knock retard uses its own short term and long term memory program.
Long term memory stores previous detonation information in its battery-backed RAM. The maximum authority that long term memory has over timing retard can be calibrated.
Short term memory is allowed to retard timing up to a preset amount under all operating conditions (as long as rpm is above the minimum rpm) except WOT. The PCM, using short term memory, can respond quickly to retard timing when engine knock is detected. Short term memory is lost any time the ignition key is turned OFF.
NOTE: Over or under tightening affects knock sensor performance, possibly causing improper spark control.
SPARK PLUG CABLE
Spark Plug cables are sometimes referred to as secondary ignition wires. The wires transfer electrical current from the ignition coil pack to individual spark plugs at each cylinder. The resistive spark plug cables are of nonmetallic construction. The cables provide suppression of radio frequency emissions from the ignition system.
Check the spark plug cable connections for good contact at the coil, and spark plugs. Terminals should be fully seated. The insulators should be in good condition and should fit tightly on the coil, and spark plugs. Spark plug cables with insulators that are cracked or torn must be replaced.
Clean Spark Plug cables with a cloth moistened with a non-flammable solvent. Wipe the cables dry. Check for brittle or cracked insulation. The spark plug cables and spark plug boots are made from high temperature silicone materials. All spark plug cable leads are properly identified with cylinder numbers. The inside of most the spark plug boot is coated with a special high temperature silicone grease for greater sealing and to minimize boot bonding to the spark plug insulator.