Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Thick Film Ignition (TFI)
All engines, except those with distributorless ignition systems, use TFI ignition systems. The TFI distributor is a gear-driven, die-cast unit. A Hall Effect stator assembly is used to trigger ignition coil. This distributor does not use conventional centrifugal/vacuum advance mechanisms. The TFI ignition module may be mounted in base of distributor bowl or on cowl behind engine. Vehicles which have a remotely mounted module are often referred to as Closed Bowl Distributor (CBD) TFI systems.
The TFI distributor uses a Hall Effect switch mechanism to switch primary voltage and send a Profile Ignition Pick-Up (PIP) signal to ECA. The ECA uses PIP input signal to produce a Spark Output signal (SPOUT), which is sent to TFI ignition module to trigger coil secondary voltage discharge.
On manual transaxle vehicles, the TFI ignition module features a push start mode, which allows vehicle to be push started if necessary. An "E" core ignition coil is used.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.