Ignition System: PRIZM

Ignition system consists of a distributor which uses a signal rotor and pick-up coil/crank angle sensor to produce reference signals to the ECM. Ignition coil is mounted on the side of the distributor. Ignitor is mounted inside the distributor.

Power for ignition coil is provided through the ignition switch. As rotating signal rotor passes pole piece of pick-up coil/crank angle sensor, a reference signal is sent to the ECM. The ECM uses this signal to determine when to signal the ignitor to open ground circuit for primary ignition.

When ignitor opens ground circuit for primary ignition, magnetic field around ignition coil windings collapses, producing an induced high voltage surge used to operate the spark plugs. Ignitor sends a signal back to ECM to confirm primary ignition circuit operation was completed.