Technician Safety Information

ACCIDENT HAZARDS ON ELECTRONIC IGNITION SYSTEMS

Greater demands placed by modern engines on ignition systems and a desire for freedom from maintenance led to use of electronic ignition systems in series production some time ago. Normally, the ignition power of electronic systems (almost all makes) is greater than that of conventional systems, and further power increases can be expected in the future. This places electronic ignition systems in a power range where touching live parts or terminals may be dangerous to life (both primary and secondary circuits).

In this context, we must point out that VDE regulations, particularly VDE 0104/7.67, or the respective country-specific regulations must be observed for work on or inspection of the ignition system. The ignition must always be switched off (switch off ignition or power source) for work on the ignition system. Such work includes:

^ Connecting engine testers, e.g. (timing light, dwell angle/speed tester, oscilloscope etc.).

^ Replacement of ignition system components, e.g. (spark plugs, ignition coils, distributors, ignition leads etc.)

The above-mentioned dangerous voltages will be present in the entire system should it be necessary to switch on the ignition for ignition tests or engine adjustments.

Consequently, there is not only danger from the individual components of the ignition system (e.g. distributor, ignition coil, control unit, ignition tackle), but also at the wiring harnesses, plug connections and testers.