M05 Inspecting and Repairing Ignition System
M05 Inspecting and Repairing Ignition System
September, 2022
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Ministry of Labor and Skills wish to extend thanks and appreciation to the many representatives of
TVET instructors and respective industry experts who donated their time and expertise to the
development of this Teaching, Training and Learning Materials (TTLM).
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT ...................................................................................................................................... 2
TABLE OF CONTENT .......................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction to the module...................................................................................................................................... 4
Unit one: Overview of ignition system .................................................................................................................. 5
1.1. Safety on ignition system ............................................................................................................................. 5
1.2. Purpose of ignition system ........................................................................................................................... 6
1.3. Components of conventional & magneto ignition system & its function .................................................... 9
1.4. Working principle of ignition system ........................................................................................................ 25
1.5. Tools & equipment’s ................................................................................................................................. 27
Self-check-1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 28
Unit Two: Inspect & Test ignition system on vehicle .......................................................................................... 30
2.1. Testing & determine fault .......................................................................................................................... 30
2.2. Testing ignition system components.......................................................................................................... 31
Operation Sheet-2-1 .......................................................................................................................................... 38
Operation sheet-2-2 .......................................................................................................................................... 39
LAP Test -2....................................................................................................................................................... 40
Unit Three: Repairing ignition system /components ............................................................................................ 41
3.1. Perform replacement and adjustment of ignition systems/component ...................................................... 41
3.2. Retesting ignition system ........................................................................................................................... 46
Operation sheet-3-1 .......................................................................................................................................... 47
LAP Test -3-1 ................................................................................................................................................... 48
Unit Four: Adjusting ignition timing and dwell angle ......................................................................................... 49
4.1. Adjust Dwell angle and Contact point ....................................................................................................... 49
4.2.Adjust ignition timing ................................................................................................................................. 52
Operation sheet-4-1 .......................................................................................................................................... 53
Operation sheet-4-2 .......................................................................................................................................... 54
LAP Test -4....................................................................................................................................................... 55
Unit Five: Clean-up work area and maintain equipment .................................................................................... 56
5.1. Collecting and storing Material ............................................................................................................ 56
5.2. Removing waste and scrap ........................................................................................................................ 57
5.3. Make Cleaning and inspecting equipment and work area. ........................................................................ 57
Self-Check - 5 ................................................................................................................................................... 58
Operation sheet-5 .............................................................................................................................................. 59
LAP Test -5....................................................................................................................................................... 60
Reference .............................................................................................................................................................. 61
1.3. Components of conventional & magneto ignition system & its function
A. Depending on the exact type of ignition system, the main parts of magneto ignitions system include
the following:
Transformer core
Ignition switch
Capacitor
Contact breaker
Cam
Spark plugs
Distributor rotor
Page 9 of 64 Ministry of Labor and Version -1
Skills Inspecting and Repairing Ignition System September, 2022
Author/Copyright
Distributor contact point
Basic operation/function of components in magnetos ignitions systems
Transformer core-The main part of the Magneto ignition system is the Transformer Core which
consists of two types of windings. One is the Primary winding and the other is the Secondary winding.
The primary winding is also called the low-tension winding and the Secondary winding is called the
high-tension winding.
There are two types of winding we can see in Magneto Ignition System, those are:
Primary Winding: The main function of this winding is to draw the power from the source.
One end of the primary winding is grounded and the other end is connected with the link, contact breaker
and the capacitor.
Secondary Winding: This winding has more turns of wire (the number is 1000 of turns of wire) as
compared to the primary winding. This is connected to the Distributor (Which is having a rotor).
Ignition switch- It is placed parallel to the capacitor to avoid excessive power passing through it. [If
you have seen, the ignition switch is in series in battery ignition system whereas here, it is in parallel].
Works for off and on the vehicles and this is set to the parallel of the capacitor because it helps to avoid
the damage of excessive air. One end of the ignition switch is in contact with the capacitor and the other
end is grounded which is generally used to ON/OFF the engine by means of a key.
Figure 1. 7 Capacitor
Contact breaker- The contact breaker is regulated by the cam and when the breaker is open, current
flows through the capacitor and charges it. The upper contact is grounded and the lower contact point is
connected with the link. It is generally used for making and breaking of Primary circuit. The pivoted
arm(link) has a heel attached in the middle which breaks the contact point due to the action of a cam
(which is driven by the engine)
Cam- One end of the shaft is connected with the cam and the other end is connected with the magnet
which has two poles, North and South.
Figure 1. 9 Cam
Distributor rotor- A distributor is provided for distributing the ignition surges to individual spark plugs
in the correct sequence with respect to the firing order. It consists of the rotor in the middle and the
metallic electrode on the periphery. These metallic electrodes are directly connected to the spark plugs
and are also known as Ignition harness.
As the rotor rotates, it passes the high-tension current to the ignition harness which then carried these
high-tension currents to the spark plugs.
B. Depending on the exact type of ignition system, components in conventional breaker-point ignitions
include the following:
Battery
Ignition switch
Ballast resistor or resistance wire (some systems)
Ignition coil primary winding
Ignition coil secondary winding
Distributor cap and rotor (some systems)
High-voltage cables (some systems)
Spark plug
Ignition Coil - the ignition system component that set as a transformer to step up(increase) the battery
voltage into many thousands of volts. An ignition coil consists of a laminated iron core surrounded by
two coils of copper wire. The primary winding has relatively few turns of heavy wire. The secondary
winding consists of thousands of turns of smaller wire, insulated from the high voltage by enamel on
the wires and layers of oiled paper insulation.
Has essential components
Primary winding
Secondary winding
Laminated iron core
Electrical connection
The two main sections of an ignition system coil are:
Primary winding operation
When the ignition switch is on, current from the battery flows through the ignition switch and primary
circuit resistor to the primary winding of the ignition coil. From there it passes through some type of
switching device and back to ground. The current flow through the ignition coil’s primary winding
creates a magnetic field. As the current continues to flow, the magnetic field gets stronger. When the
triggering device signals to the switching unit that the piston is approaching TDC on the compression
stroke, current flow is stopped. This causes the magnetic field around the primary winding to collapse
across the secondary winding. The movement of the magnetic field across the winding induces a high
voltage in the secondary winding.
The action of the secondary circuit begins at this point. Some older ignition systems had a ballast resistor
or resistance wire connected between the ignition switch and the positive terminal of the coil. This
resistor limited the voltage and current to the coil. Today, ignition systems do not use a resistor, and
voltage to the coil is controlled by the PCM.
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Skills Inspecting and Repairing Ignition System September, 2022
Author/Copyright
Secondary winding Operation
The secondary circuit carries high voltage to the spark plugs. The exact manner in which the secondary
circuit delivers these high-voltage surges depends on the system. Until 1984 all ignition systems used
some type of distributor to accomplish this job. However, in an effort to reduce emissions, improve fuel
economy, and boost component reliability, most auto manufacturers are now using distributor-less or
electronic ignition (EI) system
To generate a spark to begin combustion, the ignition system must deliver high voltage to the spark
plugs. Because the amount of voltage required to bridge the gap of the spark plug varies with the
operating conditions, most late-model vehicles can easily supply30,000 to 60,000 volts to force a spark
across the air gap. Since the battery delivers 12 volts, a method of stepping up the voltage must be used.
Multiplying battery voltage is the job of a coil.
The ignition coil is a pulse transformer that transforms battery voltage into short bursts of high voltage.
As explained previously, when a magnetic field moves across a wire, voltage is induced in the wire.
If a wire is bent into loops forming a coil and a magnetic field is passed through the coil, an equal amount
of voltage is generated in each loop of wire. The more loops of wire in the coil, the greater the total
voltage induced. If the speed of the magnetic field is doubled, the voltage output doubles.
An ignition coil uses these principles and has two coils of wire wrapped around an iron core. An iron or
steel core is used because it has low inductive reluctance. In other words, iron freely expands or
strengthens the magnetic field around the windings. The first, or primary, coil is normally composed of
100 to 200 turns of 20-gauge wire. This coil of wire conducts battery current. When a current is passing
through the primary coil, it magnetizes the iron core. The strength of the magnet depends directly on the
number of wire loops and the amount of current flowing through those loops. The secondary coil of
wires may consist of 15,000 to 25,000, or more, turns of very fine copper wire.
Because of the effects of counter EMF on the current flowing through the primary winding, it takes
some time for the coil to become fully magnetized or saturated. Therefore, current flows in the primary
winding for some time between firings of the spark plugs. The period of time during which there is
primary current flow is often called dwell. The length of the dwell period is important.
Current passing through the coil’s primary winding creates magnetic lines of force that cut across and
induce voltage in the secondary windings. Saturation can only occur if the dwell period is long enough
to allow for maximum current flow through the primary windings. A less-than-saturated coil will not be
able to produce the voltage it was designed to produce.
If the energy from the coil is too low, the spark plugs may not fire long enough or may not fire at all. If
the current is applied longer than needed to fully saturate the winding, the coil will overheat.
A typical coil requires 2 to 6 milliseconds to become saturated. The actual required time depends on the
resistance of the coil’s primary winding and the voltage applied to it. Some early systems electronically
limit the primary current flow at low speeds to prevent the coil from overheating. When the engine
reaches higher speeds, the current limitation feature is disabled. When the primary coil circuit is
suddenly opened, the magnetic field instantly collapses. The sudden collapsing of the magnetic field
produces a very high voltage in the secondary windings. This high voltage is used to push current across
the gap of the spark plug.
Open or grounded primary circuit Check all primary wiring and connections. Inspect
and test the coil, condenser, breaker points, and
Coil shorted or grounded ignition switch,
Points burned or not opening Test and replace the coil
Wrong basic ignition timing Adjust or replace the points. Check voltage and
Fouled spark plugs current.
Secondary voltage leak Adjust the timing
Replace the spark plugs
Inspect the coil, distributor cap and rotor, and spark
plug cables, replace as necessary
SYMPTOM-Engine runs, but one-cylinder misfires
Possible Cause Correction
Breaker points are dirty, worn, or out of Clean and adjust or replace the points
adjustment
Bad condenser Test and replace the condenser.
Intermittent open or short circuit in Test and replace the coil if necessary.
ignition coil Test and repair the spark advance devices.
Spark advance mechanisms not working Inspect, test, and replace spark plug cables and cap as
properly necessary
Leaking secondary wiring or distributor Inspect, test, and repair primary wiring and
cap connections
Intermittent open circuit or high
resistance in primary wiring or Replace spark plugs and correct the fouling problem
connections
Fouled spark plugs
Incorrect timing or spark advance Test and adjust timing and advance as necessary
Wrong spark plugs heat range Install correct plugs.
Ignition crossfire Check the routing of spark plug cables Inspect the
cables for leakage
SYMPTOM-Engine knocks or pings
Incorrect timing or spark advance Test and adjust timing advance as necessary
Wrong spark plugs heat range Install correct plugs.
Breaker points out of adjustment Adjust or replace the points
Low-octane gasoline Use higher-octane gasoline.
SYMPTOM-Engine has low power and poor performance
Incorrect timing or spark advance Test and adjust timing and advance as necessary
Breaker points out of adjustment Adjust or replace the points
SYMPTOM-Breaker points burn or oxidize
Possible Cause Correction
High charging system voltage Test and repair the charging system
Long dwell angle Adjust the dwell
High resistance in the condenser Test and replace the condenser
Weak point spring tension Replace points and check spring tension.
Oil vapor collecting on the points due to over Clean the distributor and service the PCV system.
lubricated distributor or high crankcase
pressure
Task-1: Measure ignition coil secondary winding resistance by applying correct technical steps
Task-2: Always use ammeter
Task-3: Test coil current draw by applying correct technical steps
Task-4: Measure ignition coil primary winding resistance by applying correct technical steps
Task-5: Compare the result with the specification
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the following
content coverage and topics:
Replacement and adjustment of Ignition systems/component
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page. Specifically,
upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Perform replacement and adjustment of ignition systems/component
Demonstrate how to retests ignition system
2. If the engine requires spark plugs with gaskets, be sure the gaskets are in good condition and
correctly installed on the plugs. Be sure there is only one gasket on each plug.
3. If the engine requires gasket – type plugs in metal cylinders, remove the gaskets before installing
the plugs.
4. Be sure that tapered seats of cylinder heads and plugs are clean and free from nicks.
5. Install the plugs into the engine by hand. Use nylon or rubber tubing on the plug terminals or
insulators to turn hand-to-reach plugs. Be sure the plugs turn freely in their holes and are not cross
threaded. If the plugs do not turn easily, you may have to clean the cylinder head threads with a
thread chaser.
6. If possible, use a torque wrench to tighten the plugs to the values listed below
7. If you can’t use a torque wrench, install the plugs finger tight. Then tighten 14mm gasketed plugs
an additional ¼ turn, 14mm and 18mm tapered – seat plugs – 1/16 turn.
Checking distributor assembly
Removing distributor assembly from vehicle
1. Remove the accessories which create obstacle to reach to the distributor.
2. Disconnect the vacuum hose or hoses from the distributor.
3. Disconnect the primary wiring running from the ignition coil to the distributor.
4. Remove the distributor cap, and push the cap and cable assembly aside.
5. Scratch a mark on a distributor housing.
6. Scratch another mark, which lines up with the first, on the engine block.
7. Scratch a mark on the distributor housing which is in line with the direction of the
rotor tip.
8. Remove the distributor hold – down bolt and clamp.
9. Lift the distributor out of the block.
Disassembling the Distributor Units
Disassembling distributor is different for different makes and models of vehicles. We can’t give you
here a general procedure to disassemble all types of distributors. In most service manuals of vehicles,
you can find the procedure to disassemble the distributor. Follow it carefully. The following figure
shows the procedure of disassembling distributor in numerical order of one model, figure 7.17. Study it
carefully so that you can be easily familiarized with other models.
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
Adjusting Dwell angle and Contact point
Adjusting Ignition timing
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Adjust Dwell angle and Contact point
Task-1: Measure ignition coil secondary winding resistance by applying correct technical steps
Task-2: Always use ammeter
Task-3: Test coil current draw by applying correct technical steps
Task-4: Adjust ignition timing statically
Task-5: Measure voltage drop test by using a multimeter
Task-6: Check power supply for the circuit
This learning guide is developed to provide you the necessary information regarding the
following content coverage and topics:
This guide will also assist you to attain the learning outcomes stated in the cover page.
Specifically, upon completion of this learning guide, you will be able to:
Collect and storing Material
waste and scrap
Clean and inspect equipment and work area.
Delivery is the process of transporting something/ like reports/ from a source location to a predefined
destination after the work is done. The technician should be preparing a report and deliver to appropriate
person. The reporting procedures are as follows
Record the work to be done
Inspect/test the repaired engine accordance with manufacturer procedure
Record/ capture the problem with the necessary information
Order the recorded problems /work done in accordance with their damaging area
Preparing reports have no error/discrepancy
Deliver reports to appropriate person.
Waste and scrap are removed according to workplace and OHS procedures.
Equipment and work area are cleaned and inspected for serviceable conditions in accordance with
workplace procedures.
Unserviceable equipment is tagged and faults identified in accordance with workplace procedures.
Instructions: Given necessary templates/guides, workshop, tools and materials you are required to
perform the following:
Tassk 1. Using the given template, note and document observations during the service
Tassk 2. Using the given template, complete workshop practice scheduled documentation
Tassk 3. Using the given template, complete and delivering report to appropriate person
Tassk 4. Using the given template, clean and make ready workplace for next work
3 Muna Gabrie BSc. B-Level Automotive Technology Dire PTC 0910511196 [email protected]
4 Sisay Dawit MSc. A-Level Automotive Technology Harar PTC 0910672115 [email protected]
5 Yohannes Negatie MSc. A-Level Automotive Technology W/ro Siheen 0922094453 Yohannes2013n@ gmail.com
PTC