How does distributorless ignition system work

Spark plug timing is controlled by an ignition module and the engine computer. The distributorless ignition system may have one coil per cylinder or one coil for each pair of cylinders.

Distributorless Ignition System DIS is the ignition system in which the distributor of the electronic ignition system is replaced with the number of induction coils i. Due to the use of multiple ignition coils that provide direct voltage to the spark plugs.

Magnetic crank position sensors produce an alternating current when the engine is cranked so a voltage output check is another test that can be performed. With the sensor connected, read the output voltage across the appropriate module terminals while cranking the engine. If you see at least 20 mV on the AC scale, the sensor is good, meaning the fault is probably in the module.

If the output voltage is low, remove the sensor and inspect the end of it for rust or debris magnetic sensors will attract iron and steel particles. Clean the sensor, reinstall it and test again. Make sure it has the proper air gap if adjustable because the spacing between the end of the sensor and the reluctor wheel or notches in the crankshaft will affect sensor output voltage.

If the air gap is correct and output is still low, replace the sensor. Hall effect crankshaft position sensors typically have three terminals; one for current feed, one for ground and one for the output signal. The sensor must have voltage and ground to produce a signal, so check these terminals first with an analog voltmeter.

Sensor output can be checked by unplugging the DIS module and cranking the engine to see if the sensor produces a voltage signal. The voltmeter needle should jump each time a shutter blade passes through the Hall effect switch. If observed on an oscilloscope, you should see a square waveform. No signal would tell you the sensor has failed. In instances where the engine starts and runs but does not perform well lack of power, poor fuel economy, spark knock, elevated emissions, etc.

First, the individual coils should be tested to make sure their primary and secondary resistance is within specs. If the coils are all okay, the electronic spark control circuit may be receiving bad information from another sensor. Low MAP sensor output voltage or a coolant sensor that reads cold all the time will allow more spark advance than normal. This, in turn, may cause detonation spark knock problems when the engine is under load.

So too can a faulty knock sensor or an EGR valve that is not working. The Engineers Post. In this article, you will learn how does a distributorless ignition system work? And its diagram, components, applications, advantages, and more. A distributorless ignition system is a type of ignition system , that is consists of multiple induction coils instead of having a distributor of an electronic ignition system.

This is very different from the traditional and electronic ignition systems. The coils rest on top of the spark plugs. In addition, there are no spark plug wires in the system, and it is electronic.

Distributorless ignition systems normally consist of one coil per cylinder or one coil for each pair of cylinders. By using multiple ignition coils, each spark plug in these cylinders will ignite at the same time.

Several types of systems use a manifold absolute pressure sensor that is integrated into the module. The module works in almost the same way as the electronic Spark Advance system. The crankshaft position sensor is a reluctance sensor located on a reluctance wheel in front of the flywheel or just behind the front crankshaft pulley.

The tooth pattern uses 36—1 teeth, which are spaced 10 degrees apart for the 36th tooth. The missing tooth is found at 90 degrees for the number 1 and 4 cylinders before TDC. This reference position is located a certain number of degrees before TDC to determine the timing or ignition point as a fixed angle after the reference mark. The distributorless ignition coil is consists of low tension winding that is supplied with battery voltage to a central terminal.

Half of the winding is then connected to the earth in the module. The high tension windings are different and particular to cylinders 1 and 4, or 2 and 3.

Explained with Diagram [PDF]. The system is generally used only on four or six-cylinder engines because the control system becomes highly complex for a higher number of cylinders. Basically, It runs on the principle of the lost spark.