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Home >> Cadillac >> 2012 >> Escalade EXT >> Repair and Diagnosis >> External Pages >> Different car >> Section 24 (Engine Controls - Theory & Operation) >> Ignition Systems >> Distributor Ignition System
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Distributor Ignition System

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 GMC Savana and 2003 Chevrolet Chevy Express. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The Distributor Ignition (DI) system is responsible for producing and controlling a high energy secondary spark. This spark is used to ignite the compressed air/fuel mixture at precisely the correct time. This provides optimal performance, fuel economy, and control of exhaust emissions. This ignition system consists of a single ignition coil and Ignition Control Module (ICM). Spark energy is delivered via a distributor cap, rotor, and secondary spark plug wires. The driver module within the ICM is commanded to operate the coil by the PCM, that has complete control over spark timing.

The DI system consists of Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor, Camshaft Position (CMP) sensor, ignition coil and ICM, secondary ignition components and portion of the PCM.