Ignition System: Operation
Whenever the ignition switch is in the "ON" position, the primary circuit of the ignition coil is energized. As the distributor shaft rotates, the armature (reluctor) rotates inside the magnetic pick-up coil (stator) assembly.
As the teeth of the armature pass the pegs of the pick-up coil, a signal is sent to the control module (ignitor). The module then breaks the primary circuit in the coil. This causes a high voltage surge in the coil secondary circuit. This high voltage is required to fire the spark plugs.