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12 13 ... Further Fault Patterns With Evaluation

Evaluation of sparking period and ignition voltage peaks at idling speed:

  1. Normal combustion period.
  2. Normal ignition voltage peak. Ignition system is OK.
  3. Fig 1: Evaluation Of Sparking Period & Ignition Voltage Peaks At Idle Speed
    G00313225Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Long sparking period (1) with low ignition voltage peak (2). Indicates low compression.

Fluctuating sparking period: Indicates contamination on spark plug (shunt).

Fig 2: Long Sparking Period With Low Ignition Voltage Peak
G00313226Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Short sparking period (1) with high ignition voltage peak. Constant but short sparking period: Indicates defective ignition lead.

Fig 3: Short Sparking Period With High Ignition Voltage Peak
G00313227Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
NOTE: The sparking-voltage line could sometimes be missing completely and the ignition voltage peak could rise very high.
IGNITION VOLTAGE TOO HIGH

Electrode Gap Large
Compression High
Fuel Air Mixture Lean
Electrode Temperature Low
Electrode Condition Burnt
Ignition Lead Interrupted
IGNITION VOLTAGE TOO LOW

Electrode Gap Small
Compression Low
Fuel Air Mixture Correct
Electrode Temperature High
Electrode Condition New