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.
Ignition System: Description
The Mitsubishi electronic ignition system, used on the Mazda RX7 rotary engine, is unique in that it has 2 sets of spark plugs leading and trailing). There is one set in the front rotor housing and one in the rear rotor housing. See Fig 1. There are also 2 ignition coils, 2 pick-up coils located in the distributor, and 2 coil-to-distributor high tension wires.
There are 2 separate igniters, mounted externally on the distributor housing. One is for the leading side and the other for the trailing side. Other system components include a battery, ignition switch, ignition control switches, (water temperature, altitude, etc.), and various relays.
All models are equipped with an ignition control system and centrifugal advance mechanisms. All models have vacuum control units for both leading and trailing sides.
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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