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.
Engine Ignition
The electronic ignition (EI) system for the 2.0L and 2.3L engines consists of the following components:
- Coil on plug
- Spark plugs
- Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor
- Camshaft position (CMP) sensor
The crankshaft position (CKP) sensor:
- is a variable reluctance sensor.
- is mounted on the engine front cover.
- is triggered by a 36-minus-1 tooth trigger wheel located on the crankshaft pulley and damper.
- provides ignition timing and crankshaft speed (RPM) to the powertrain control module (PCM).
Refer to ELECTRONIC ENGINE CONTROLS article for removal and installation of the CKP sensor.
The coil on plug:
- is controlled by the PCM.
- fires 2 spark plugs simultaneously.
The spark plug:
- ignites the fuel and air mixture.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
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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.
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