Self-Test Ignition Systems
Self-Test Ignition Systems
This self-test can help you determine how much you really know about this subject.
Questions are written in the ASE style format and are multiple choice.
IGNITION SYSTEMS
1. Which of the following components generates a timing signal for the ignition system?
a. Crankshaft position sensor
b. Ignition module
c. Ignition coil
d. Rotor
2. All of the following components are part of a Distributorless Ignition System (DIS)
EXCEPT:
a. Ignition coil pack
b. Rotor
c. Spark plug wires
d. Crankshaft position sensor
4. Technician A says spark plugs are pregapped at the factory, but should be checked prior
to installation in case adjustments are needed.
Technician B says "Platinum" spark plugs have platinum tipped electrodes to reduce wear
and extend plug life.
Who's right?
a. Technician A only
b. Technician B only
c. Both Technician A and B
d. Neither one
7. All of the following statements about spark plug cables are true EXCEPT:
a. Cables should be replaced if resistance exceeds specifications
b. Cables should be replaced if the insulation is cracked, worn or damaged
c. Cables should be replaced one at a time to avoid mixing up the firing order
d. Replacement cables must be the same brand as the original
9. Technician A says the firing voltage at the spark plugs can vary with engine load and
changes in the Air/Fuel mixture.
Technician B says worn spark plugs require no more voltage than new spark plugs.
Who is right?
a. Technician A only
b. Technician B only
c. BOTH Technician A and B
d. Neither Technician A nor B
10. All of the following statements about IRIDIUM spark plugs are True EXCEPT:
a. The gap between the electrodes is much SMALLER than an ordinary spark plug
b. They usually have a single ground electrode
c. They typically have a smaller diameter center electrode than ordinary spark plugs
d. They have a service life of 100,000 miles or more
11. Technician A says a bad ignition module may prevent an engine from starting or cause it
to suddenly quit running.
Technician B says a voltmeter can be used to test an ignition module to determine if it is
good or bad.
Who's right?
a. Technician A only
b. Technician B only
c. Both Technician A and B
d. Neither one
14. A common cause of Ignition Misfire in engines with Coil-On-Plug (COP) ignitions is:
a. Bad spark plug wires
b. Cracks or carbon tracks inside the coil insulators
c. Fouled spark plugs
d. Bad crankshaft position sensors
16. In the illustration above, the DVOM reads 0.8 ohms. What does this tell you?
a. The coil is bad and needs to be replaced.
b. The coil primary circuit is probably within specifications
c. The coil secondary circuit is probably within specifications
d. The coil is good
17. If the DVOM above reads 10K ohms, what would that tell you?
a. The coil is bad and needs to be replaced
b. The coil primary circuit is within specifications
c. The coil secondary circuit is within specifications
d. The coil is good
18. In the photo above, what is the condition of this spark plug?
a. The spark plug show normal combustion deposits
b. The spark plug is oil fouled (likely due to worn valve guides or piston rings)
c. The spark plug is carbon fouled (due to a Rich Air/Fuel mixture)
d. The spark plug has been overheating (due to cooling problems)
19. If the tip of a spark plug is CLEAN and WET when removed, what would that tell you?
a. The engine’s Air/Fuel mixture is TOO RICH
b. The engine’s Air/Fuel mixture is TOO LEAN
c. The spark plug is not firing due to a lack of voltage from the coil
d. The spark plug is experiencing pre-ignition
20. The spark plug above is most likely what type of plug?
a. Iridium
b. Platinum
c. Standard
d. Can’t tell
24. If the Crankshaft Position Sensor is not producing a signal, what will happen?
a. Ignition timing will be RETARDED
b. Ignition timing will be ADVANCED
c. There will be no ignition timing
d. The engine computer will substitute a timing signal
25. How do you adjust ignition timing on a late model engine with a DIS or COP ignition?
a. Reprogram the Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
b. Reprogram the Crankshaft Position Sensor
c. Replace the Ignition Module
d. Rotate the Distributor
1A, 2B, 3C, 4C, 5A, 6D, 7D, 8B, 9A, 10A, 11A, 12D, 13C, 14B,
15A, 16B, 17A, 18C, 19C, 20C, 21D, 22D, 23B, 24C, 25A
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Ford Motorcraft Spark Plug Breakage Problem (2004 - 2008 Ford Trucks w/5.4L V8, & 2005 -
2008 Mustang GT with 4.6L V8)
Don't Use Ordinary Spark Plugs with Waste Spark DIS Ignition Systems