Ignition System - General Information

High voltage is generated in the ignition system. Be careful and observe all necessary precautions when servicing any components of the system, including not only the main ones (ignition module, coil, distributor and spark plug wires), but also related components such as spark plug boots, tachometer and other equipment.

The microprocessor-based Programmed Ignition system (PGM-IG) constantly optimizes ignition timing depending on engine speed, coolant temperature, throttle position and intake manifold vacuum. All necessary data is sent to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) from the corresponding sensors, such as the Crankshaft/Top Dead Center (TDC/CKP) position sensor, the Cylinder Position (CYP) sensor, the Throttle Position (TP) sensor, the Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) sensor and the Manifold Absolute Pressure (MAP) sensor. Different ignition timing settings are used during engine warm-up, idle and under load. Appropriate corrections are made by the PGM-IG system. The ignition system also includes the ignition switch/lock, battery, ignition coil, distributor, ignition control module (ICM), spark plugs and spark plug wires. On 4-cylinder models the ignition coil is built into the distributor, while on V6 models it is mounted externally, next to the distributor.

The ignition distributor on all models is driven by the camshaft. Ignition timing adjustment is performed by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). All models are equipped with a Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor, which is installed under the lower timing belt cover, next to the crankshaft sprocket. The TDC sensor on 4-cylinder models is mounted near the CKP sensor (opposite it); on V6 models there are two TDC sensors: No. 1 and No. 2, installed behind the camshaft sprockets on the front end of the cylinder heads. The Cylinder Position (CYP) sensor on 4-cylinder models and the ignition control module on all models are mounted inside the distributor. For all questions, contact a qualified service specialist.