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.
Electronic Ignition (EI) System Description: Notes
The Electronic Ignition (EI) system is responsible for producing and controlling a high energy secondary spark. This spark is used to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture at precisely the correct time. This provides optimal performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust emissions. This ignition system consists of a separate ignition coil connected directly to each spark plug, known as coil on plug. These coil assemblies are located in the center of the camshaft cover. The driver modules within each coil assembly are commanded ON/OFF by the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM primarily uses engine speed and position information from the crankshaft and camshaft position sensors to control the sequence, dwell, and timing of the spark. The EI system consists of the following components:
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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.