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.
NIPPONDENSO Electronic Ignition System: Operation
As the signal rotor turns with the distributor shaft, its teeth (one for each engine cylinder) pass the magnetic pick-up coil assembly. See Fig 1.
As the air gap changes with the approach and passing of each tooth, the magnetic field varies. This creates a signal in the pick-up coil assembly. The ignitor senses this signal, and turns the ignition coil primary circuit on and off.
This causes the magnetic field in coil primary circuit to build and collapse, resulting in a voltage surge in the secondary, which fires the spark plugs.
Some models have EFI relays or other minor variations.
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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