Electronic Ignition Repair

How electronic ignition works

Electricity ignites the fuel in your cylinders. In a distributor-based system, the distributor directs the spark to the correct spark plug and reports its position to the engine control module through the electronic ignition pickup, and the module uses that to time each spark.

Many older vehicles use a distributor-based electronic ignition. Newer vehicles use individual coils, and we diagnose those too.

When the pickup fails

If the pickup stops working, or its wiring is damaged or corroded, the engine may still turn over but no longer run. A no-start may be preceded by surging or loss of power.

Symptoms

• Engine turns over but will not start
• Intermittent surging
• Loss of power
• Rough running

Diagnosis comes first

A failing pickup is not the only reason an engine will not start, so a thorough diagnosis matters. The ignition system should also be inspected during spark plug replacement and tune-ups, and replaced if faulty before it leaves you stranded. Our ASE-certified technicians can diagnose it at any of our shops.