Ignition System - Hall Effect: Description
Electronic Spark Control system, used on Chrysler Corp. FWD vehicles with 2.2L engines, features a Hall Effect distributor and spark control computer.
The computer is the heart of the system, providing capability of igniting a lean air/fuel mixture according to different modes of engine operation. It provides an infinite number of variable advance curves.
The computer contains an electronic printed circuit board, which simultaneously receives signals from various engine sensors, analyzes them to determine how the engine is operating and then advances or retards ignition timing.
The computer determines exact instant when ignition is required and then signals ignition coil to produce the electrical impulses that fire the spark plugs. The computer is located on the fenderwell.
The computer is connected to other fuel/ignition components by 10-wire and 14-wire connectors. Up to five engine sensors feed information to the computer. These include a vacuum transducer, mounted on the computer housing, the Hall Effect pick-up assembly in the distributor, engine coolant temperature sensor, carburetor switch and an oxygen sensor.
The computer used with the spark control system eliminates need for either vacuum advance units or centrifugal advance weights. Hall Effect distributor is connected to rest of the system by a 3-terminal connector. See Fig 2. It sends small alternating current signals to the computer as rotor shutter blades enter and leave the gap in the Hall Effect switching unit pick-up assembly.
Carburetor switch senses when engine is at idle. Coolant temperature switch or sensor keeps the computer informed on engine operating temperature. Vacuum transducer informs the computer of engine vacuum (load).