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Ignition System Function - GF07.10-P-1005MNL

Engine 176.9, 177.9 in model 217 

Engine 176.9, 177.9 in model 222 

Engine 177.9 in model 290 

up to model year 2021 

Function requirements for the ignition system, general points 

Ignition system, general points 

Each cylinder is equipped with its own ignition coil. Here there are 2 independent ignition coils for cylinder 1+2 to cylinder 7+8 (T4 - T4/3) each combined in a coil case.

The ME-SFI [ME control unit (N3/10) reads in signals from the following sensors for the ignition system:

The requirements of the torque coordination function are also taken into account.

IMPORTANT For the following partial functions, ignition angle adjustment in the direction "retarded" or "advanced" takes place:

Function sequence for ignition system 

The ME-SFI control unit sends the signal for the ignition angle of the respective operating point to the ignition coil over the actuation line (circuit 4). The respective ignition coil interrupts the primary circuit after expiry of the dwell time. The ignition voltage passes from the ignition coil to the spark plug and causes arcing in the air gap between the center and ground electrodes.

Determination of the ignition angle takes place dependent on a characteristics map according to the input signals from the ME-SFI [ME] control unit.

Ignition coil operating modes 

Single spark ignition 

The ignition coil is usually charged for an engine running at its normal operating temperature once per ignition cycle and an ignition spark is generated. Ignition coils with high energies can be used to securely ignite the mixture, also in cold start conditions, which allow a long spark ignition period. There is also the option of using several sparks for each ignition process instead of just one spark. This operating mode is called multi-spark ignition.

Multi-spark ignition 

In contrast to single spark ignition more sparks are used for multi-spark ignition. This is not a series of a number of single sparks occurring one after the other but instead the ignition coil is recharged in-between in order to again provide sufficient energy for sparks. A multi-spark ignition begins like a single spark ignition. The ignition coil is supercharged at the beginning up to a desired target primary current. The charging current is switched off at the ignition timing whereby the ignition spark is created. The ignition coil is not fully discharged for multi-spark ignition.

The flowing secondary current which directly depends on the charge level of the ignition coil is measured in the ignition coil. If it drops below the secondary current threshold, the coil electronics switches the power amplifier to conducting again, whereby the charging current flows again. The level of the flowing primary current is also monitored. If the primary current threshold is reached, the power amplifier closes the primary circuit and it comes again to generation of a high voltage. This produces a further spark. The following sparks are generated according to the same scheme.

IMPORTANT The ignition angles can be checked using the Xentry diagnostics.

Ideal development of the primary and secondary current for a multi-spark ignition 

G15299160Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Cylinder configuration and firing order for engine 176.9 

G15299161Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA

Cylinder arrangement and firing order for engine 177.9 

G15299162Courtesy of MERCEDES-BENZ USA
  Electrical function schematic for ignition system Engine 177.9 in model 290 up to model year 2021 PE07.10-P-2705-97XBA
    Engine 176.9, 177.9 in model 217 Engine 176.9, 177.9 in model 222 PE07.10-P-2705-97SEL
  Overview of system components for gasoline injection and ignition system with direct injection   GF07.70-P-9998MNL