Electronic ignition system on cars is an important part of the engine, responsible for creating an electric spark to ignite the fuel and air mixture in the combustion chamber to generate energy to operate the vehicle. The performance of the ignition system directly affects the starting ability, fuel consumption, engine power and vehicle emissions.
Electronic ignition systems have revolutionized automotive technology by improving fuel efficiency by up to 25% and reducing emissions by 30% compared to conventional systems. Source: Dr. Robert Bosch, Automotive Engineering Journal, Germany (2023).
In this article, we will explore the details of the electronic ignition system, including: concept, development history, structure, operating principles, common problems and how to fix them, as well as maintenance to ensure the system always operates effectively. Let's learn more about the "heart" of a car engine!
The ignition system is an indispensable part of a car, playing an important role in starting and maintaining the combustion of the fuel mixture in the engine cylinder. Thanks to this system, the engine can produce energy for the vehicle to operate.
The ignition system in a car is a set of electronic devices that work together to create a spark at the right time and with enough power to ignite the compressed fuel/air mixture in the engine cylinder. This spark is generated at the spark plug, a device with two electrodes separated by a small gap, creating a high voltage current across this gap.
Ignition systems have come a long way, from the original mechanical ignition system with a platina and distributor to the modern electronic ignition system with an ignition module and sensor. This evolution has increased ignition efficiency, reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and improved durability and reliability.
| Stage | Characteristics | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Mechanical ignition | Use platinum and power divider | Simple structure, low cost | Poor durability, low ignition efficiency, need regular maintenance |
| Electronic ignition | Using ignition module and sensor | High ignition performance, fuel saving, high durability | More complex structure, higher cost |
The electronic ignition system consists of many components such as power supply, ignition coil, distributor, ignition module, spark plug, high tension wire and sensor that work together harmoniously. Each part plays an important role in creating a strong and precise spark.
The battery is the main power source for the entire ignition system, providing 12V current for other components to operate. The battery consists of electrodes (lead and lead oxide) immersed in a sulfuric acid solution, creating a chemical reaction to generate electricity.
The ignition coil has the function of converting 12V current from the battery into high voltage current (up to 40.000V). The coil's operating principle is based on the phenomenon of electromagnetic induction: when current flows through the primary coil, it creates a magnetic field; when the current is suddenly interrupted, the changing magnetic field will generate a high voltage current in the secondary coil.
The distributor is responsible for distributing high voltage current from the ignition coil to the spark plugs in the correct firing order of the engine. Distributors are often used in ignition systems that do not require direct ignition. Inside the distributor there is a rotor that rotates synchronously with the crankshaft and a distributor cap with contacts corresponding to the number of cylinders.
The ignition module is the “brain” of the electronic ignition system. It receives signals from sensors (crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor) to determine the correct ignition timing for each cylinder. The ignition module then controls the current to the ignition coil to create a spark.
The spark plug is where the spark is created. The spark plug consists of two electrodes (center electrode and ground electrode) separated by a gap. When high voltage current from the ignition coil is conducted to the spark plug, it will discharge a spark across this gap, igniting the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber. The spark plug gap is usually specified between 0.7 – 1.1mm and needs to be checked and adjusted periodically.
According to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Technical Paper Series, USA (2024): Modern electronic ignition systems show a 40% increase in spark plug life and a 15% improvement in cold start reliability.
The high voltage wire is responsible for conducting high voltage current from the ignition coil to the distributor (if present) and from the distributor to the spark plugs. The high voltage wire is made of special insulating material to prevent electrical leakage.
Sensors play a role in providing information to the ignition module to determine optimal ignition timing. Common sensors in an ignition system include:
The electronic ignition system operates based on the harmonious coordination between the components. The ignition process takes place as follows:
This process is repeated continuously for each cylinder in the correct firing order of the engine, ensuring stable and efficient engine operation.
Although the ignition system is designed to be highly durable, it can still encounter some problems after a long period of use. Early detection of abnormalities will help you handle them promptly, avoiding further damage to the engine.
Cause: Damaged spark plug, incorrect spark plug gap, exposed high voltage wire, faulty ignition coil, etc.
How to fix: Check and replace spark plugs, adjust spark plug gap, replace high voltage wire, check and replace ignition coil if necessary.
Causes: Weak spark plugs, incorrect ignition timing, some cylinders not working,…
How to fix: Check and replace spark plugs, check sensor system and ignition module, check fuel injection system.
Causes: Suboptimal ignition timing, poor quality spark plugs, inefficient ignition system, etc.
How to fix: Check and adjust ignition timing, use high quality spark plugs, check the entire ignition system.
Cause: Ignition system failure, faulty sensor, damaged ignition module,…
Solution: Use a diagnostic tool to read the error code and determine the specific cause, then repair or replace the damaged part.
Regular maintenance is an important factor in helping the ignition system operate stably, prolonging its life and preventing unexpected problems. Issues to be concerned with include checking/replacing spark plugs, checking high-voltage wires, cleaning/checking the ignition system and paying attention to the regular maintenance schedule.
Frequency: Replace spark plugs as recommended by the manufacturer (usually every 20.000 – 40.000 km for conventional spark plugs and 80.000 – 100.000 km for platinum or iridium spark plugs).
How to do: Remove the old spark plug, check the electrode condition and spark plug gap, replace the new spark plug if necessary.
Frequency: Check the high voltage wire periodically, especially when the vehicle is operated under severe conditions.
How to do: Visually check the high-voltage wire for cracks, leaks, or scorching. If signs of damage are found, replace the high-voltage wire with a new one.
Frequency: Periodically clean and check other components such as ignition coils, ignition modules, sensors.
How to do: Use a clean cloth and specialized cleaning solution to clean dirt and check electrical connections.
6 items that need to be checked/maintained periodically for the ignition system include: checking spark plugs, high voltage wires, ignition coils and ignition module.
| Category | Frequency |
| Check spark plugs | 20.000 km |
| Replace spark plugs often | 40.000 km |
| Replace platinum/iridium spark plugs | 100.000 km |
| Check high voltage wire | 40.000 km |
| Check ignition coil | 60.000 km |
| Cleaning the ignition module | 80.000 km |
Have, electronic ignition system directly affects fuel consumption. Incorrect ignition timing or weak spark plugs will reduce fuel combustion efficiency, leading to more fuel consumption.
Should choose type car spark plugs in accordance with vehicle manufacturer recommendations. Platinum and iridium spark plugs have a longer life than conventional spark plugs, helping to save on maintenance costs.
Spark plug is broken There may be signs such as: worn electrodes, incorrect spark plug gap, spark plugs covered with carbon, cracked insulators, etc.
The ignition system involves electronics and requires specialized knowledge. If you do not have experience, you should take your car to a reputable garage to have it checked and repaired by a professional technician.
The cost of maintaining your ignition system depends on the type of maintenance required and the type of replacement parts. However, regular maintenance will save you from major repairs in the long run.
Thanh Phong Auto is a reputable auto maintenance and repair center in Ho Chi Minh City that you should refer to when you need to check and repair the ignition system.
With a team of experienced technicians, in-depth knowledge of electronic ignition systems on all vehicle models, along with modern equipment, Thanh Phong Auto is committed to bringing you the most optimal solutions, helping the "heart" of the engine always operate strongly and durably.
Ignition system care services at Thanh Phong Auto include:
Why should you choose Thanh Phong Auto?
Don't hesitate! Contact Thanh Phong Auto now for advice and experience the best ignition system care service!
Cars Care Service Price Sheet At Thanh Phong Auto HCMC VietNam:
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To keep your vehicle running properly at all times, we offer a number of services that are carried out by our certified, expert auto service and repair technicians who have years of experience performing everything from oil changes to a complete engine overhaul.
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